Chinese Tuna Casserole
A savory Chinese-inspired tuna casserole featuring crunchy chow mein noodles, cashews, and a creamy mushroom sauce, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or family gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine drained and flaked tuna with chow mein noodles, chopped celery, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and broken cashew nuts in a mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, stir together cream of mushroom soup and water until well blended.
- Pour the mushroom soup mixture over the tuna mixture and stir gently to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a 3-quart casserole dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle crushed potato chips (if using) on top of the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some soy sauce or sesame oil with the tuna mixture. If you don't have chow mein noodles, you can substitute with cooked spaghetti or egg noodles. For a crunchier topping, use panko breadcrumbs instead of potato chips. This dish is versatile, so feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or peas to enhance the texture. It also pairs well with shrimp in dishes like Shrimp And Vegetable Stir-Fry.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color. It pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the creaminess. You can also serve it alongside fried rice, such as Fried Rice With Shrimp, Pork, Ham Or Chicken, to create a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, covering it with foil to retain moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, ensuring it's heated through before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Tuna Casserole contains roughly 1087 calories, with 19g protein, 153g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (62% of the Daily Value), potassium (40% of the Daily Value), and protein (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned ones?
Yes, you can absolutely use fresh vegetables! Just make sure to sauté them first to soften their texture and enhance their flavor before mixing them into the casserole. This will add a fresh taste and improve the overall dish.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven and adjust the baking time if needed since it will be starting from a cold state.
What can I substitute for tuna if I don’t have any?
If you don't have tuna, canned chicken or salmon can be great alternatives. You can also use cooked shrimp to give it a seafood twist. Just ensure that whatever protein you substitute is well-drained and flaked for even mixing in the casserole.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).