Stella'S Tuna Casserole
A creamy tuna casserole with cheesy flavor and a crunchy topping, perfect for comforting family dinners or easy weeknight meals that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook elbows in boiling water for 10 minutes. Drain and place in a large casserole dish.
- Melt Cheez Whiz and an equal amount of milk in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently.
- Add the cheese mixture to the elbows along with the tuna, frozen peas, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together.
- Sprinkle bread crumbs over the top of the casserole.
- Cover and bake for 30 minutes or until the top is bubbling and browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of cream cheese or sour cream to the cheese mixture. You can also substitute the elbow macaroni with whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. If you prefer a bit of crunch, try adding crushed potato chips on top instead of bread crumbs. This dish is a classic among American recipes and is sure to please the whole family.
Serving Suggestions
This tuna casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It also makes for a comforting side dish at gatherings. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside Tuna Potato Salad for a delicious seafood-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stella'S Tuna Casserole contains roughly 326 calories, with 16g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1728mg per serving (75% 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble it without baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you're ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta. Additionally, ensure that the Cheez Whiz you use is gluten-free, as some processed foods may contain gluten. This way, you can enjoy this comforting dish without the gluten.
What can I use instead of Cheez Whiz?
If you prefer a different cheese flavor, you can use a combination of shredded cheddar and cream cheese melted together. This alternative will give you a rich and creamy texture similar to Cheez Whiz, enhancing the overall flavor of the casserole.
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).