Tuna 'N Rice Dinner
A hearty tuna and rice dish with vegetables, creamy sauce, and a sprinkle of almonds, perfect for a quick, satisfying family dinner with balanced flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen peas and carrots, thawed ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. milk ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 (12 1/2 oz.) can Star-Kist tuna, drained ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. Minute original rice, uncooked ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. minced parsley ⓘ
- 1/3 c. toasted sliced almonds ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt margarine in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chopped onion; cook and stir until tender but not browned.
- Stir in thawed peas and carrots, milk, cream of chicken soup, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Stir in drained tuna, uncooked rice, and minced parsley; cover and remove from heat.
- Let stand for 5 minutes.
- Stir the mixture before serving.
- Garnish with toasted sliced almonds if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more milk or using half-and-half instead of regular milk. If you're out of frozen peas and carrots, fresh or canned vegetables can work as substitutes. You can also replace the tuna with shredded chicken or chickpeas for a different protein source. Adding a pinch of garlic powder or using a flavored cream soup can enhance the dish's flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Tuna 'N Rice Dinner with a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Ms. Dollie'S Dumplings for those who enjoy heartier options. For added freshness, a squeeze of lemon juice over the top just before serving can brighten the flavors. Enjoy with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk if the mixture looks too dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna 'N Rice Dinner contains roughly 1044 calories, with 29g protein, 142g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (103% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (65% of the Daily Value), and protein (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1435mg per serving (62% 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 brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it will require more cooking time and additional liquid. Adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for brown rice to ensure it's fully cooked.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
To lighten this dish, you can use low-fat milk and a reduced-fat cream of chicken soup. Additionally, substituting the butter with a non-stick cooking spray can cut down on calories without sacrificing flavor.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Make sure to allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep well for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove 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).