Tuna And Noodle Casserole
A comforting tuna and noodle casserole featuring creamy white sauce, savory tuna, olives, mushrooms, and melted cheddar cheese. Topped with buttery bread crumbs, it's a hearty dish perfect for family dinners and easy to prepare ahead of time, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add cheese to hot white sauce and heat until the cheese is melted, stirring constantly.
- Add cooked noodles, tuna, mushrooms, green pepper, olives, and chopped eggs to the sauce and mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spoon the mixture into a greased 1-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle with buttered bread crumbs on top.
- Bake at 375°F for 35 minutes or until the top is browned and the sauce is bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of cream or using a cheese sauce instead of white sauce. If you're looking to lighten the dish, substitute half the cheese with Greek yogurt. You can also swap the tuna for canned salmon or even shredded chicken for a different flavor profile. Adding some frozen peas can enhance the nutritional value and add color.
Serving Suggestions
This Tuna And Noodle Casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and a light vinaigrette. For a more hearty meal, consider serving it alongside garlic bread. You can also explore other seafood recipes to complement the flavors, such as Seafood Cakes - Tuna Or Salmon, for a delightful seafood-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna And Noodle Casserole contains roughly 506 calories, with 37g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (95% of the Daily Value), protein (74% of the Daily Value), and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1114mg per serving (48% 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 other types of cheese in this casserole?
Absolutely! While Cheddar is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a sharp blue cheese for a different flavor. Just ensure that the cheese melts well to maintain the creamy texture of the casserole.
Is it necessary to use hard-boiled eggs?
While hard-boiled eggs add richness and protein, they can be omitted if you prefer a lighter dish. If you're looking for a similar texture, consider using scrambled eggs or even adding some cottage cheese for creaminess without the eggs.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble it, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's 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).