Tuna And Noodle Bake
A hearty tuna and noodle casserole with crispy bagel topping, packed with vegetables and cheesy flavor, perfect for a quick, satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine all ingredients except for the bagel in a large bowl and mix well.
- Spray a medium-sized casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared dish.
- Sprinkle the top with shredded fat-free Cheddar cheese and chopped bagel pieces.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes until heated through and golden on top.
- Remove from oven and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream to the mixture before baking. If you're out of fat-free Cheddar cheese, you can substitute with reduced-fat mozzarella or any other low-fat cheese. To enhance flavor, sauté the onions and celery in a bit of olive oil before mixing them in. This Tuna And Noodle Bake is a great way to use up leftover veggies.
Serving Suggestions
This Tuna And Noodle Bake can be served with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Cheesy Potatoes With Ham for a comforting dinner. Consider adding a side of crusty bread to soak up any extra broth or sauce from the dish to round out your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. If the bake seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna And Noodle Bake contains roughly 832 calories, with 29g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (69% of the Daily Value), protein (58% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2721mg per serving (118% 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?
Yes, you can use fresh tuna, but make sure to cook it first. Sauté it in a pan until fully cooked, then flake it and add it to the mixture. This will give a fresher taste compared to canned tuna, but it will require more preparation time.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the fat-free noodles with gluten-free pasta. There are many varieties available that cook similarly to traditional noodles. Just ensure that all other ingredients, like the chicken broth, are also gluten-free.
Can I freeze the Tuna And Noodle Bake?
Yes, you can freeze this dish! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in the oven or microwave.
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).