Tuna Dish
Creamy tuna casserole with peas and cheddar offers comforting flavors, perfect for family dinners or quick weeknight meals with a cheesy, savory profile.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the cream of celery soup, milk, tuna, uncooked elbow macaroni, frozen peas, and 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese in a bowl.
- Refrigerate the mixture overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake until bubbly, about 20 minutes.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake a few minutes longer until the cheese melts and is golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the mixture. If you prefer a different flavor, you can swap the cream of celery soup for cream of mushroom. For a twist, add some diced bell peppers or chopped onions. This dish can also be made with alternative pasta shapes like penne for a fun variation.
Serving Suggestions
This Tuna Dish is hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You might also consider serving it alongside crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a fun twist, serve with the classic Tuna Bumstead for a delightful seafood-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave single servings in a bowl, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna Dish contains roughly 672 calories, with 40g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (80% of the Daily Value), calcium (56% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1348mg per serving (59% 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 cooked tuna in this recipe. Just make sure to flake it into bite-sized pieces before mixing it with the other ingredients. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on how you prepare the fresh tuna.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to bake it shortly before serving for the best texture and taste.
What can I substitute for elbow macaroni?
If you don’t have elbow macaroni on hand, feel free to use any small pasta shape like shells or rotini. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta options can also work well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.
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).