Deluxe Tuna Casserole
A creamy, cheesy tuna casserole with crunchy almonds and fresh vegetables, perfect for comforting family dinners or potlucks that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 6 oz. cooked macaroni ⓘ
- 1 (6 1/2 oz.) can white tuna in water ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup green pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped pimento, drained ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 can cream of celery soup ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 cup sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine cooked macaroni, drained tuna, mayonnaise, sliced celery, chopped onion, green pepper, chopped pimento, and salt in a bowl.
- Heat the cream of celery soup and milk until warm.
- Add the melted cheese to the heated soup mixture and stir until melted and smooth.
- Pour the cheese sauce into the tuna and vegetable mixture and stir well.
- Transfer the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Top with slivered almonds.
- Bake at 425°F for 20 to 25 minutes until hot and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, try adding a splash of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the tuna mixture. If you prefer a crunchier topping, consider using crushed potato chips instead of slivered almonds. You can also substitute the white tuna with canned salmon for a different flavor profile. Always taste and adjust seasoning to your preference, especially when using canned ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
This Deluxe Tuna Casserole pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Consider serving it alongside garlic bread or crusty rolls for a heartier option. For a refreshing contrast, try it with a light Shrimp And Pea Salad to balance the rich flavors of the casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or cover the baking dish with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Deluxe Tuna Casserole contains roughly 732 calories, with 20g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (68% of the Daily Value), protein (40% of the Daily Value), and calcium (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1890mg per serving (82% 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 a different type of pasta for this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute cooked macaroni with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or rotini. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it holds up during baking. This flexibility allows you to customize the dish to your liking.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, remove the wrap and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
Can I freeze the Deluxe Tuna Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe dish. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed, adding time if necessary.
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).