Elegant Tuna Casserole
An elegant tuna casserole combining creamy, cheesy flavors with crunchy almonds and fresh vegetables, perfect for a comforting family dinner or a special gathering.
Ingredients
- 6 oz. egg noodles ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can cream of celery soup ⓘ
- 1/2 c. milk ⓘ
- 2 (7 oz.) cans white tuna, drained and flaked ⓘ
- 1 c. celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1/3 c. green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/3 c. scallions, chopped ⓘ
- 1/3 c. sliced water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1/2 c. mayonnaise ⓘ
- 3/4 c. grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped, toasted almonds ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Cook egg noodles al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a 2-quart casserole, combine cooked noodles, dried thyme, and salt.
- Heat cream of celery soup and milk in a saucepan, stirring until smooth.
- Add drained tuna, chopped celery, chopped green pepper, sliced water chestnuts, chopped scallions, mayonnaise, and all but 2 tablespoons of grated Cheddar cheese to the soup mixture.
- Heat, stirring, until the cheese melts and ingredients are well combined.
- Pour the mixture over the noodles in the casserole and stir to combine.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese and toasted chopped almonds over the top.
- Bake for about 25 minutes, until bubbly and lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the canned tuna with cooked salmon or even shrimp for a delightful twist. You can also use whole wheat egg noodles for a healthier option. If you don't have cream of celery soup, a creamy mushroom soup works well too. To enhance the dish, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Elegant Tuna Casserole with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It also pairs beautifully with Jean'S Crab Puffs for a scrumptious seafood-themed dinner. For a complete spread, consider offering some crusty bread on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, place in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes, or microwave in individual portions for quick meals. Be sure to cover to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Elegant Tuna Casserole contains roughly 426 calories, with 15g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (154% of the Daily Value), iron (78% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1562mg per serving (68% 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you bake it straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a healthier alternative, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for mayonnaise in this recipe. It adds creaminess while cutting down on calories and fat. You can also use sour cream for a similar effect.
Is it possible to freeze the casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Just cover it well with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you're ready to bake it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed, adding some time if needed.
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).