Tip Top Tuna Casserole
A comforting tuna casserole with savory tomato and green pepper flavors, topped with flaky biscuits—perfect for family dinners or quick weekday meals.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb 13 oz) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 (6 1/2 oz) cans tuna, drained ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz) can refrigerated buttermilk biscuits ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Saute chopped onion in butter until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add chopped green pepper and cook until soft.
- Stir in flour until well blended.
- Add canned tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, salt, sugar, and pepper.
- Simmer, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Add drained tuna to the mixture.
- Pour mixture into a 2 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Place refrigerated buttermilk biscuits on top of the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until biscuits are golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or cream to the mixture. If you're out of tuna, canned chicken or chickpeas can be great substitutes. You can also enhance flavor by adding grated cheese or spices like paprika. For a twist, try adding a hint of lemon juice for brightness, similar to what you might find in American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor and color. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, serve alongside crusty bread or pairs beautifully with Hot Seafood Pie.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, ensuring they are heated evenly to avoid cold spots.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tip Top Tuna Casserole contains roughly 101 calories, with 7g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (82% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1892mg per serving (82% 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. Assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Freezing is possible, but it may alter the texture of the biscuits. Assemble the casserole without the biscuits, freeze it, and add the biscuits fresh before baking. It can be stored in the freezer for up to two months.
What can I use instead of buttermilk biscuits?
If you don't have buttermilk biscuits, you can use homemade biscuit dough, puff pastry, or even potato topping for a different texture. Just ensure the topping is cooked until golden brown for the best results.
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).