Pace'S Tuna Casserole
A hearty tuna casserole combining tender pasta, eggs, peas, and savory mushroom or chicken soup, topped with melted cheese—perfect for comforting family dinners and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni; drain and set aside.
- Boil the eggs until hard-boiled; cool, peel, and dice them.
- In a large casserole dish or pan, mix the tuna, diced eggs, salt, pepper, and peas with the cooked macaroni.
- Add the mushroom or chicken soup to the mixture and stir well.
- Sprinkle cheese or place sliced American cheese on top of the casserole.
- Bake in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot with a tossed salad.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a cup of shredded cheese into the mixture before baking. You can also substitute the tuna with shredded chicken or another protein for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a crunchier topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top before baking. For a twist, try adding sautéed onions or bell peppers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this tuna casserole hot, paired with a fresh tossed salad for a balanced meal. It also goes well with garlic bread or steamed vegetables for added nutrition. For a seafood-themed dinner, consider serving it alongside dishes like New Orleans Shrimp or crab/" class="es-inline-link">Fish Stuffed With Crab to elevate your menu.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pace'S Tuna Casserole contains roughly 348 calories, with 41g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (201% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (140% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (84% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2201mg per serving (96% 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 ingredients instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tuna and homemade mushroom or chicken soup if you prefer. Just ensure that the fresh ingredients are cooked and prepared properly before mixing them into the casserole. This will enhance the overall flavor and texture of the dish.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through completely.
What can I use instead of elbow macaroni?
If you don't have elbow macaroni, any small pasta shape will work well, such as shells, penne, or rotini. You could even use rice or quinoa for a gluten-free option, adjusting the cooking time as needed for those grains.
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).