"Philippine" Tuna Noodle
A creamy, flavorful tuna noodle casserole with crunchy topping, perfect for family dinners. Combines savory mushroom soup, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese for comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook noodles until al dente and set aside.
- Saute diced bell pepper, onion, and celery in 2 tablespoons of margarine until tender.
- Combine cooked noodles, sautéed vegetables, mushroom soup, chopped nuts, and tuna, mixing thoroughly.
- Transfer the mixture into a 1½-quart casserole dish.
- Mix grated Cheddar cheese, bread crumbs, and the remaining melted margarine.
- Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the tuna mixture.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or sour cream to the mixture. If you want to reduce calories, you can substitute low-fat margarine and use whole wheat noodles for added fiber. Feel free to swap the tuna for cooked chicken or a plant-based protein if preferred. Adding some hot sauce can give it an extra kick, inspired by dishes like Hot Pepper Steamed Mussels.
Serving Suggestions
This Tuna Noodle Casserole is delicious served with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Shrimp Salad(A Creole Recipe) for a delightful seafood-themed dinner. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top before serving for added flavor and color.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out, or microwave in individual portions until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Philippine" Tuna Noodle contains roughly 628 calories, with 14g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (173% of the Daily Value), protein (29% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 714mg per serving (31% 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 tuna?
Yes, you can use fresh tuna. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before mixing it into the casserole. Fresh tuna adds a nice texture and flavor, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure it's fully cooked.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup on hand, you can make a homemade version using a roux of flour and butter, mixed with vegetable broth and sautéed mushrooms. Alternatively, cream of chicken soup works well as a substitute.
Can I make this dish 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 ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
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).