Creamed Tuna
Creamed tuna offers a comforting, savory blend of tuna, celery, and onion in a creamy cheese sauce, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, cook sliced celery and chopped onion in oleo until tender.
- Slowly blend in the cheese soup.
- Add milk and drained tuna to the mixture.
- Heat through and serve over rice or macaroni.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a dash of garlic powder or a sprinkle of paprika to the mixture. If you don't have oleo, butter works as a great substitute. For a lighter version, you can use low-fat cheese soup and milk. This recipe also allows for the addition of frozen peas or corn for extra texture and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the creamed tuna over fluffy rice or cooked macaroni for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced dinner. For a twist, try it as a filling in a baked potato or as a topping for toast. This dish is versatile and fits well in various American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to prevent the mixture from drying out. Heat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamed Tuna contains roughly 467 calories, with 9g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (37% of the Daily Value), calcium (35% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 803mg per serving (35% 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?
Yes, you can use fresh tuna; just cook it thoroughly before adding it to the mixture. Fresh tuna will provide a different texture and flavor, making the dish even more delightful.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
For a vegetarian alternative, consider using canned chickpeas or mushrooms instead of tuna. You can also add additional vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to create a hearty, meat-free meal.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture. You can also serve it with sliced jalapeños on the side for those who prefer to control the spice level.
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).