Three Cheese Tuna Casserole
A creamy, cheesy tuna casserole with vegetables and crispy onions, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers seeking hearty flavors and easy preparation.
Ingredients
- 1/2 (1 lb.) package macaroni, uncooked ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz.) package cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (4 oz.) ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (4 oz.)
- 1 (10 oz.) package frozen peas and carrots, thawed ⓘ
- 6 1/8 oz. tuna fish, drained ⓘ
- 1 can French fried onions ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare macaroni according to package directions; drain.
- Heat cream of mushroom soup, milk, cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese together; stir until cheeses are melted.
- Combine cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, thawed peas and carrots, drained tuna, half of the French fried onions, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour mixture into a 2-quart baking dish.
- Bake, covered, in a 350°F oven for 25 minutes or until heated thoroughly.
- Remove from oven, top with remaining French fried onions, and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes or until onions are golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the cheese sauce. You can also substitute the tuna with shredded chicken or even crab for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a spicier dish, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. This casserole is versatile and can be customized to your taste.
Serving Suggestions
This Three Cheese Tuna Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh Green 'Make Ahead' Salad for a balanced meal. Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side to soak up the creamy sauce. For a complete dinner, consider following it up with a light dessert like fruit salad or sorbet.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option, adding a splash of milk to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Three Cheese Tuna Casserole contains roughly 733 calories, with 20g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (55% of the Daily Value), calcium (51% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1942mg per serving (84% 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?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute with cream of chicken or even a homemade white sauce. For a vegetarian option, consider using a homemade vegetable cream soup.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this casserole freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until 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).