Salmon Casserole Special
A hearty salmon casserole with rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and fresh herbs, perfect for comforting family dinners or special gatherings with a flavorful seafood twist.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, minced ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 2 (1 lb.) cans chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 lb. broad green noodles ⓘ
- 8 oz. mozzarella, sliced ⓘ
- 1 lb. ricotta or creamed cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) can salmon, drained and flaked ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the minced onion and garlic in hot olive oil until soft.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper, basil, and oregano to the pan.
- Simmer the mixture for 30 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Cook the broad green noodles according to package instructions and drain.
- Layer the cooked noodles in a casserole dish.
- Spread the flaked salmon over the noodles.
- Pour the tomato sauce over the salmon and noodles.
- Top with sliced mozzarella, ricotta or creamed cottage cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 20 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs instead of dried, or try incorporating a splash of lemon juice for brightness. If you're short on time, you can substitute the broad green noodles with any pasta you have on hand. For a twist, mix in some sautéed spinach or kale to boost the nutrition. This dish is a great way to use leftover salmon from other seafood recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. For a heartier meal, serve with roasted vegetables or a side of coleslaw. It's also delicious with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. Consider serving it alongside American recipes for a well-rounded dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but for best results, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Salmon Casserole Special contains roughly 1773 calories, with 51g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 139g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (349% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (143% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2460mg per serving (107% 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 salmon instead of canned?
Yes, you can replace canned salmon with fresh cooked salmon. Simply poach or bake the salmon until fully cooked, then flake it into the casserole. This will enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta, cream cheese or cottage cheese can be good substitutes. Blend cottage cheese to make it smoother, or mix in some Greek yogurt for tanginess. This will maintain the creamy texture of the casserole.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make the casserole gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta instead of broad green noodles. There are many options available that will work well, allowing everyone to enjoy this delicious dish without the gluten.
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).