Confetti Tuna Casserole
A colorful, creamy casserole combining tuna, cheese, and macaroni, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or comforting family meals with bright pimiento accents.
Ingredients
- 7 oz. can tuna, drained and flaked ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green onion ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk ⓘ
- 10 3/4 oz. can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded American cheese ⓘ
- 3 cups cooked elbow macaroni ⓘ
- 2 oz. jar chopped pimiento ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- hard-cooked egg slices (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients, except egg slices, in a medium bowl and stir to blend.
- Spoon the mixture into a 10 x 6-inch baking dish.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 25 to 35 minutes or until bubbly and heated through.
- Garnish with hard-cooked egg slices if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider substituting half of the evaporated milk with sour cream. If you prefer a bit of crunch, you can add crushed potato chips on top before baking. For a vegetarian option, replace tuna with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and spinach. This dish is versatile and can be enhanced with different cheeses or vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this colorful casserole with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It also pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic bread for a comforting dinner. For a festive touch, consider garnishing with fresh parsley or serving alongside an appetizer like Mott'S Family Crab Cakes for a delightful seafood-themed meal.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Confetti Tuna Casserole contains roughly 272 calories, with 19g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (38% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 946mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
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 tuna instead of canned tuna?
Yes, fresh tuna can be used instead of canned. Just make sure to cook and flake it before mixing it into the casserole. This will provide a fresher taste and a firmer texture compared to canned tuna.
Can I freeze the confetti tuna casserole?
Yes, this casserole can be frozen. After baking, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will last in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed until heated through.
What other vegetables can I add to the casserole?
You can customize this casserole by adding vegetables such as peas, corn, or bell peppers. Just make sure to adjust cooking times slightly if you use fresh vegetables to ensure they are tender but not overcooked.
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).