Harlequin Casserole
A comforting casserole combining tuna, eggs, and vegetables in a rich tomato cheese sauce, perfect for family dinners and versatile enough to suit various tastes.
Ingredients
- 5 oz. Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 1/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 2 cups tomato juice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup tuna, drained or cooked, diced chicken ⓘ
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms ⓘ
Instructions
- Shred the cheddar cheese, reserving 1/4 cup for biscuits.
- Melt butter in a saucepan and blend in the flour.
- Gradually add tomato juice and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Add celery salt, paprika, thyme, chopped onion, green pepper, and sliced mushrooms to the sauce.
- Stir in drained tuna or cooked diced chicken.
- Pour the mixture into a casserole dish.
- Arrange sliced hard-boiled eggs on top.
- Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Use the reserved cheese for biscuits or as topping.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to the sauce after thickening. If you want to substitute ingredients, shredded rotisserie chicken can replace tuna, and you can use any cheese on hand, like mozzarella or Monterey Jack. Adding a dash of hot sauce can elevate the flavor as well. This dish is versatile, much like a Good Tuna Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Harlequin Casserole with a fresh green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Crusty Fried Oysters for a seafood-themed dinner. For a heartier dinner, consider a side of roasted vegetables or garlic bread to complement the flavors of the casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to retain moisture, reheating at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Microwaving is also an option, but the oven method keeps the casserole’s texture best.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Harlequin Casserole contains roughly 1549 calories, with 19g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 115g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (103% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (62% of the Daily Value), and iron (49% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 671mg per serving (29% 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 prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Assemble it up to the baking step, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and let sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking.
What can I use instead of tuna?
If you prefer not to use tuna, shredded rotisserie chicken or diced cooked turkey are excellent alternatives. You can also opt for canned salmon for a different flavor profile. This flexibility allows you to customize the casserole to your taste, keeping it aligned with your dietary preferences.
Is this casserole suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole. Assemble it but do not bake. Instead, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, remove the wrap and cover with foil, baking at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour, then uncover for the last 15-20 minutes.
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).