Hot Crossed Tuna Casserole

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

A comforting tuna casserole layered with tender peas, sharp cheese, and crunchy bread crumbs, all nestled under flaky biscuit topping. Perfect for a quick family dinner or potluck, it combines savory flavors with a creamy texture that appeals to all ages and tastes.

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Ingredients

  • 2 (6 1/2 or 7 oz.) cans Chicken of the Sea tuna
  • 10 oz. package frozen peas, thawed
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheese
  • 1 cup sliced celery
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 8 oz. can refrigerated biscuits

Instructions

  1. Combine tuna, peas, cheese, celery, bread crumbs, onion, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of mayonnaise in a bowl; mix well.
  2. Spoon the mixture into a 10 x 6-inch baking dish.
  3. Place refrigerated biscuits on top of the mixture.
  4. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes or until biscuits are golden brown and casserole is heated through.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider adding an extra 1/2 cup of mayonnaise or sour cream to the mixture. You can also substitute the canned tuna with shredded cooked chicken for a different flavor profile. If you don't have sharp cheese, any cheese like cheddar or mozzarella will work well. For added crunch, try mixing in some crushed crackers instead of bread crumbs.

Serving Suggestions

Hot Crossed Tuna Casserole is best served warm, straight from the oven. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a comforting twist, consider serving it alongside Chicken And Egg Noodle Soup.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in an oven preheated to 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 Hot Crossed Tuna Casserole contains roughly 405 calories, with 16g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (95% of the Daily Value), protein (31% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2472mg per serving (107% of the Daily Value).

405 kcal 20% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 15.5g 31% DV
Total Fat 20.2g 26% DV
Carbs 42.5g 15% DV
Fiber 7.9g 28% DV
Sugar 9.2g 18% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2472.4mg 100% DV
Potassium 657mg 14% DV
Cholesterol 29.9mg 10% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 128.1mcg 14% DV
Vitamin C 85.9mg 95% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 2% DV
Calcium 285.2mg 22% DV
Iron 2.7mg 15% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten Fish

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 fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?

Yes, you can use cooked fresh tuna in this recipe. Make sure to flake it into small pieces and adjust the cooking time as needed, since fresh tuna may require less time to heat through than canned tuna.

What can I use instead of refrigerated biscuits?

If you don't have refrigerated biscuits, you can top the casserole with puff pastry or even homemade biscuit dough. Alternatively, crushed chips or crackers can provide a crunchy topping, but adjust baking time accordingly to avoid burning.

Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?

Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or corn. Just make sure to chop them finely and slightly pre-cook them if they require longer cooking time than the peas, to ensure everything is tender and flavorful.

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).

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