Ding How Casserole
A savory casserole combining tuna, water chestnuts, mushrooms, and crunchy chow mein noodles, topped with cashews—perfect for a quick, flavorful family dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Layer the ingredients in a casserole dish in the following order: chow mein noodles, tuna, water chestnuts, mushrooms (including liquid), chopped celery, chopped onion, and the cream of mushroom soup mixed with milk.
- Sprinkle chopped cashews on top of the layered casserole.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes until heated through and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using flavored tuna or substituting with canned chicken. If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can toast the chow mein noodles lightly before layering. Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or peas for extra nutrition. Cashews can be swapped for almonds or omitted entirely if nut allergies are a concern.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole hot, garnished with additional chopped cashews for a delightful crunch. It pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, and you can browse more American recipes to find complementary sides.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ding How Casserole contains roughly 364 calories, with 11g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (80% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. It also contributes 3g 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Simply layer all the ingredients in the dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and follow the baking instructions. This allows the flavors to meld even more!
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer a healthier option, you can make a homemade cream sauce using butter, flour, broth, and mushrooms. Alternatively, cream of chicken soup or any creamy soup can be used as a substitute, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, substitute the tuna with cooked lentils or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of the tuna liquid. You can also add more vegetables to enhance the dish's flavor and nutrition without compromising the original concept.
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).