Lee Tuna Casserole Supreme
A creamy, cheesy tuna casserole featuring tender pasta, peas, and a crunchy potato chip topping, perfect for comforting family dinners and quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup ⓘ
- 1 can milk ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 large can tuna, drained and flaked ⓘ
- 1 medium can tuna, drained and flaked
- 8 to 12 ounces elbow macaroni (approximately 2 cups cooked) ⓘ
- 1 small can peas and juice (1/2 cup)
- 4 slices American cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup potato chips, crumbled ⓘ
Instructions
- In a saucepan, cook chopped onion in butter until tender.
- Blend in cream of mushroom or celery soup, milk, shredded Cheddar cheese, and dry mustard. Heat until the cheese melts.
- Combine the cheese mixture with drained and flaked tuna and peas.
- Meanwhile, cook elbow macaroni until tender; drain and place in a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Pour the tuna mixture over the cooked macaroni.
- Stir to combine, adding more milk if desired.
- Place 4 slices of American cheese on top of the casserole and spread crumbled potato chips around the edges.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for about 30 minutes or until nicely browned and bubbling.
- Remove from oven and cover to keep hot before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese. You can substitute the elbow macaroni with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary preferences. If you prefer a crunchier topping, try mixing the potato chips with crushed crackers. Adding a teaspoon of dry mustard enhances the flavor significantly, similar to the ingredients in Tuna Baked Potatoes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Lee Tuna Casserole Supreme with a simple side salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Shrimp Jello Salad for a fun twist. For a heartier spread, offer crusty bread or rolls on the side. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, providing comfort food that everyone enjoys.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to keep the casserole moist and bake it in the oven at 350°F until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be cautious not to overcook, as it can dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lee Tuna Casserole Supreme contains roughly 1961 calories, with 63g protein, 169g carbohydrates, and 115g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (127% of the Daily Value), potassium (83% of the Daily Value), and calcium (76% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1380mg per serving (60% 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 vegetables instead of canned peas?
Absolutely! Fresh or frozen peas work wonderfully as a substitute. If using fresh, just blanch them briefly before mixing into the casserole. This adds a vibrant color and freshness that enhances the overall dish.
Is there a way to make this casserole spicier?
To add a kick, incorporate a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes into the cheese mixture. You could also mix in some chopped jalapeños for an extra layer of flavor. Just adjust the amount according to your heat preference.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through. This makes it a convenient dish for busy days.
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).