Tuna-Cottage Cheese Casserole
A creamy tuna and cottage cheese casserole with crunchy bread crumbs, perfect for a comforting family meal or quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the tuna, cottage cheese, 1/4 cup bread crumbs, slightly beaten eggs, salt, pepper, celery salt, and Worcestershire sauce together.
- Turn the mixture into a 1-quart casserole dish.
- Top with the remaining melted margarine bread crumbs.
- Set the casserole in a pan of hot water.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for about 35 minutes or until set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese. You can also add some chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition. If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute the dry bread crumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers. This dish is versatile enough to accommodate various flavors, so feel free to experiment with spices.
Serving Suggestions
This Tuna-Cottage Cheese Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Serve it alongside crusty bread or whole-grain rolls to soak up the flavors. For a delightful appetizer, consider serving it with crackers, similar to Jim'S Salmon Dip or Shrimp Dip For Crackers.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna-Cottage Cheese Casserole contains roughly 253 calories, with 27g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (55% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2354mg per serving (102% 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 tuna?
Yes, you can use fresh tuna, but be sure to cook it thoroughly before mixing it with the other ingredients. Canned tuna is convenient and adds a nice flavor, but fresh tuna can add a gourmet touch to the casserole.
What can I substitute for margarine?
You can easily substitute margarine with butter or olive oil for a richer taste. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, use a plant-based butter alternative. Both will work well for greasing the casserole and adding flavor.
Is this casserole suitable for freezing?
Yes, this casserole can be frozen before baking. Just assemble it in a freezer-safe dish and cover tightly. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed. If baked first, it can be frozen, but may lose some texture upon reheating.
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).