Crusty Tuna-Bean Bake
A hearty baked casserole combining tuna, green beans, and cheesy bread crumb topping, perfect for a comforting family dinner or casual gathering. Savory, creamy, and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 4 cans (6 1/2 to 7 oz. each) tuna ⓘ
- 2 cans (10 1/2 oz. each) cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 2/3 cup dry bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- pepper ⓘ
- 2 packages (10 oz. each) frozen green beans ⓘ
- 1/4 cup diced pimento ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dill weed ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Drain the tuna and flake it into a bowl.
- Mix the flaked tuna with 1/2 cup of cream of mushroom soup, bread crumbs, chopped onion, beaten eggs, salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.
- Line a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish with the tuna mixture, letting it extend up the sides of the dish.
- Spread the frozen green beans evenly over the tuna mixture.
- Dissolve the diced pimento and dill weed into the remaining soup and pour over the green beans.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using flavored bread crumbs or adding herbs like thyme or parsley to the tuna mixture. If you prefer, you can swap out the tuna for canned salmon or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Ensure you drain the tuna well to prevent excess moisture in the dish, which can affect the texture. This dish can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This Crusty Tuna-Bean Bake pairs beautifully with a simple Caesar Salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside crusty bread or a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. For a heartier option, consider adding a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings on high for 2-3 minutes, ensuring even heating to maintain the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crusty Tuna-Bean Bake contains roughly 708 calories, with 28g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (185% of the Daily Value), protein (56% of the Daily Value), and calcium (49% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1792mg per serving (78% 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 green beans instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh green beans. Just be sure to blanch them first to soften them slightly before layering them on the tuna mixture. Fresh beans will add a nice crunch and vibrant color to the dish.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute regular bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure that your cream of mushroom soup is also gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the tuna-bean mixture and assemble the dish a day ahead. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, pour the remaining soup over the top and bake as directed. This saves time on busy days!
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).