Skillet Tuna Casserole
A hearty skillet tuna casserole featuring tomato soup, rice, green peppers, and melted cheese, perfect for quick weeknight dinners and satisfying seafood lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can condensed tomato soup, undiluted ⓘ
- 3/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1/2 cup packaged, precooked rice ⓘ
- 1/4 cup instant minced onion ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped green peppers ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram ⓘ
- 2 (6 1/2 to 7 oz.) cans tuna, drained and flaked ⓘ
- 4 packaged process Cheddar cheese slices ⓘ
- 1/3 cup ripe olives, quartered ⓘ
Instructions
- In a medium skillet, heat the tomato soup with water until boiling. Stir in the rice, minced onion, chopped green peppers, salt, and marjoram.
- Remove the skillet from heat, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Remove the cover and fold in the drained, flaked tuna.
- Top with cheese slices cut into thin strips and quartered olives.
- Cover and heat gently until the cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like parsley or dill in place of dried marjoram. You can use brown rice instead of precooked rice for a healthier option, but adjust cooking time accordingly. If you prefer a creamier texture, mix in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before adding the tuna. This recipe can also easily be adapted with different vegetables based on what you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Cucumber-Shrimp Salad for a refreshing contrast. For a more filling option, consider serving it alongside crusty bread or garlic bread. This dish is also great for potlucks or family gatherings as it can be made ahead and easily transported.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover tuna casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist, and warm it gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Avoid overheating to prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Skillet Tuna Casserole contains roughly 716 calories, with 34g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (99% of the Daily Value), and calcium (96% of the Daily Value). 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 tuna?
Yes, you can use fresh tuna, but it will require cooking before adding it to the casserole. Sear or grill the tuna until it's cooked through, then flake it and mix it in with the other ingredients. This will give your dish a fresher taste, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply heat it gently on the stove or in the oven until warmed through. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or meal prep.
What can I substitute for the Cheddar cheese?
If you're looking for a different flavor, try using Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese. Both will melt well and provide a creamy texture. For a sharper taste, consider using a combination of Gouda or Gruyère. You can also use dairy-free cheese alternatives if you're avoiding dairy.
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).