Easy Overnight Tuna Casserole
A creamy overnight tuna casserole with colorful pasta, vegetables, and cheesy topping, perfect for a comforting family dinner or easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Lightly coat a 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In the casserole dish, combine the uncooked rainbow rotini, frozen mixed vegetables, cream of celery soup, shredded Cheddar cheese, skim milk, and drained flaked tuna.
- Cover and refrigerate for 12 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine the melted margarine with the cornflake crumbs.
- Sprinkle the crumb mixture on top of the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 1 hour until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some Italian seasoning or garlic powder. If you want to make this dish lighter, substitute the cream of celery soup with a homemade version using low-sodium vegetable broth and blended celery. You can also use whole wheat rotini for a healthier twist. This recipe is great for using up leftover vegetables or even different proteins like chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Easy Overnight Tuna Casserole with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Low Cholesterol Cornbread for a comforting side. For a bit of crunch, consider adding toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds on top just before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and warm it at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Overnight Tuna Casserole contains roughly 460 calories, with 20g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (51% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (47% of the Daily Value), and protein (40% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 711mg per serving (31% 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?
Yes, you can substitute the rainbow rotini with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different pasta types may require different cooking durations.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the tuna and use vegetable broth in place of the cream of celery soup. You can add extra protein by incorporating beans or lentils, which will complement the mixed vegetables nicely.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, this casserole is perfect for make-ahead meals. You can assemble it the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Just remember to add the cornflake topping before baking for the best texture and flavor when you’re ready to cook.
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).