Oniony Tuna Casserole
A creamy tuna casserole with onion soup and mushrooms, topped with crispy fried onion rings; a comforting, savory dish perfect for family dinners or quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine tuna and cream of onion soup in a 2-quart glass casserole dish.
- Stir in cooked pasta, sliced drained mushrooms, lemon juice, ground thyme, salt, and pepper. Cover the dish.
- Microwave for 16 to 21 minutes or until hot, stirring twice during cooking.
- Let stand, covered, for 3 minutes.
- Top with French fried onion rings before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a cup of shredded cheese to the mixture before microwaving. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for some of the cream of onion soup. You can also try using different pasta shapes for variety, or even swap out tuna for canned chicken for a different flavor. This recipe is reminiscent of American recipes that combine pantry staples into comforting casseroles.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole hot, garnished with extra French fried onion rings for added crunch. It pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a comforting twist, consider serving it alongside breadsticks or a warm baguette. This dish is also great for potlucks or family gatherings, making it a versatile addition to your meal rotation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture, heating in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. You can also reheat it in a conventional oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oniony Tuna Casserole contains roughly 243 calories, with 9g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (98% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (93% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1582mg per serving (69% 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 mushrooms instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh mushrooms! Sauté them in a little butter or oil until they are tender before adding them to the casserole. This will enhance their flavor and add a nice texture to the dish.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this casserole gluten-free, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and ensure that the cream of onion soup is gluten-free. There are several brands available that cater to gluten-free diets, making it easy to enjoy this dish without gluten.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it until you're ready to cook. Just be sure to add the French fried onion rings on top just before microwaving to keep them crispy.
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).