Mardi Gras Dinner
A hearty Mardi Gras-inspired casserole featuring cheesy rice, tuna, tomatoes, and flavorful seasonings, perfect for a festive and satisfying dinner with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. flour
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 medium onion ⓘ
- 1 2/3 c. evaporated milk ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 1/3 c. Minute rice ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 1/3 c. water ⓘ
- 1 can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/4 c. melted oleo ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 can tuna fish, drained ⓘ
- dash of paprika ⓘ
Instructions
- Stir flour, pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon salt into melted oleo in a saucepan.
- Mix until smooth.
- Gradually add evaporated milk, stirring constantly over medium heat until the sauce thickens.
- Add shredded Cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
- Place Minute rice, chopped parsley, oregano, water, and remaining salt in a dish.
- Stir to moisten all the rice.
- Layer 2/3 of the tomatoes over the rice mixture.
- Top with chopped onion and drained tuna fish. Spread cheese sauce over the top.
- Garnish with remaining tomatoes and sprinkle with paprika.
- Bake at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of white wine or a dollop of sour cream. If you don't have evaporated milk, regular milk works in a pinch, but you may need to thicken the sauce with a bit more flour. For a twist, try adding a handful of frozen peas or corn to the rice mixture for added texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside Aunt Frances' Party Crackers for a crunchy contrast. A light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, complements the flavors well and enhances the dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mardi Gras Dinner contains roughly 832 calories, with 60g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (176% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (147% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1513mg per serving (66% 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 a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that the cheese melts well to maintain the creamy texture of the sauce.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the tuna. Replace it with additional vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture. You could also incorporate beans for protein.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
Canned diced tomatoes work best due to their convenience and consistent flavor, but you can also use fresh tomatoes if you prefer. Just chop them up and use them in the same quantity. For a spicier kick, try using fire-roasted tomatoes.
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).