Regal Tuna Casserole
A hearty tuna casserole with creamy mushroom and pea mixture, topped with cheddar and infused with pimento and lemon slices, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2- 6 1/2 oz cans of tuna ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp margarine or cooking oil ⓘ
- 1 can condensed cream of celery soup ⓘ
- 1/4 cup catsup ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp salt ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp chopped pimento ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 package frozen peas, thawed ⓘ
- 1- 4 oz can sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp dry mustard ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 lemon, thinly sliced and quartered
- 1 cup prepared biscuit mix ⓘ
Instructions
- Drain and flake the tuna.
- Cook the chopped onion in margarine until tender, not brown.
- Add the thawed peas, condensed cream of celery soup, undrained sliced mushrooms, catsup, dry mustard, and salt.
- Heat until hot and bubbling.
- Fold in the flaked tuna, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped pimento, and lemon slices.
- Spoon the mixture into a shallow 2-quart baking dish.
- Cover with foil, crimping it securely around the edges.
- Bake uncovered for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or sour cream to the mixture before baking. If you don't have pimento, roasted red peppers or chopped bell peppers can be used as a substitute. To enhance flavor, try incorporating garlic powder or fresh herbs like parsley. This dish can also benefit from the addition of bread crumbs on top for a crunchy finish, similar to what you might find in Clam-Cheese Spread.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the flavors. For a more substantial dinner, you might also enjoy it with a side of rice or quinoa. Explore other delicious casserole options in the American recipes category for more inspiration.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Regal Tuna Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, ensuring it heats evenly. Be sure to cover the dish to prevent it from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Regal Tuna Casserole contains roughly 684 calories, with 12g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (71% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (40% of the Daily Value), and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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?
Yes, you can use fresh tuna! Just cook it until fully cooked, then flake it and add it to the mixture. This will give your casserole a fresher taste and a firmer texture. Be sure to season the fresh tuna appropriately during cooking for the best flavor.
Is there a gluten-free option for the biscuit mix?
Absolutely! You can substitute the regular biscuit mix with a gluten-free version available in stores. Alternatively, you can make your own gluten-free biscuit mix using a blend of gluten-free flours, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This will ensure everyone can enjoy this delicious dish.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked casserole for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When you're ready to bake it, you can cook it straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This makes for a convenient meal option on 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).