Tuna And Spinach Casserole
A creamy, savory casserole combining tuna, spinach, and crispy onion rings, topped with a rich sauce and baked to perfection. This comforting dish offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings that appreciate hearty, flavorful meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook and drain the frozen spinach.
- Make a cream sauce by combining milk, flour, and butter in a saucepan and cooking until thickened.
- Season the sauce with onion salt, dry mustard, salt, and pepper. Blend in mayonnaise and lemon juice.
- Place the flaked tuna fish in a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Pour half of the sauce over the tuna.
- Mix the remaining sauce with the cooked spinach and pour over the tuna and sauce layer.
- Top with French fried onion rings and bake in a moderate 350°F oven for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. If you prefer fresh spinach, use about 1 pound, sautéed until wilted. You can substitute fresh tuna or canned salmon for a variation. For a crunchy topping, try panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little olive oil instead of onion rings. This casserole is a wonderful way to use up leftover seafood recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving it with a side of garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a special touch, add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill before serving to enhance the flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna And Spinach Casserole contains roughly 802 calories, with 5g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 73g fat. It is a good source of iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 998mg per serving (43% 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 without baking, cover tightly, and store in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply bake it for the original time at 350°F. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I use instead of frozen spinach?
If you prefer fresh, use about 1 pound of fresh spinach. Sauté it until wilted, then drain excess moisture before adding it to the casserole. This method will keep the dish flavorful and vibrant.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the cream sauce. Additionally, check the labels on the French fried onion rings to ensure they are gluten-free, or use crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping.
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).