Inn Maid Tuna Casserole
A comforting tuna casserole with tender noodles, creamy mushroom sauce, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping, perfect for family dinners and easy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 (6 1/2 oz.) can tuna, flaked (undrained) ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped pimento ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) bag Inn Maid noodles ⓘ
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons margarine ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, sauté chopped onion and celery in margarine.
- Stir in flaked tuna, cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, milk, drained mushrooms, and chopped pimento.
- Meanwhile, cook Inn Maid noodles according to package directions and drain.
- In a 2-quart greased casserole, combine cooked noodles and tuna mixture.
- Top with bread crumbs tossed with melted margarine.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes or until lightly browned and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like dill or parsley. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. You can also use whole wheat noodles for a healthier twist. To enhance the dish, add grated cheese on top before baking. This tuna casserole is a comforting classic that can easily be customized to your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light vinaigrette. For a more elaborate meal, consider serving it alongside recipes like Mushrooms Stuffed With Crab Meat or Una'S Shrimp Creole to create a seafood-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or cover the casserole dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Inn Maid Tuna Casserole contains roughly 817 calories, with 12g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (30% of the Daily Value), iron (27% of the Daily Value), and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 825mg per serving (36% 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 fresh tuna instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tuna, but you'll need to cook it beforehand. Flake the cooked tuna into the mixture just like you would with canned tuna. Adjust the seasoning as needed since fresh tuna can be less salty than canned varieties.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and add a few extra minutes to the baking time as it will be chilled.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole before baking. Just assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed, adjusting the 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).