Tuna Rice Bake
A comforting baked dish combining tender rice, flaky tuna, and melted Cheddar cheese, topped with fresh tomato slices. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch, it offers creamy, cheesy goodness with a hint of freshness from parsley and tomato, appealing to seafood lovers and cheese enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cooked rice, one slightly beaten egg, melted butter, and chopped parsley. Press the mixture firmly against the bottom and sides of a lightly greased 9-inch pie plate.
- Sprinkle 3/4 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese over the rice crust.
- Top with half of the drained and flaked tuna, then sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Beat together milk, two eggs, salt, and pepper; pour this mixture evenly over the cheese and tuna.
- Sprinkle the remaining tuna on top of the mixture.
- Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 45 minutes.
- Arrange sliced tomato on top of the baked dish.
- Bake an additional 5 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the egg and milk mixture. If you're out of fresh parsley, dried parsley can be used as a substitute. You can also mix in some frozen peas for added color and nutrition, similar to a Pea And Rice Casserole. Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
This Tuna Rice Bake pairs beautifully with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. For an extra kick, serve with a side of tartar sauce or a squeeze of lemon. It also makes a great dish for potlucks or family gatherings, complementing other American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven preheated to 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but the oven method will help maintain the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna Rice Bake contains roughly 380 calories, with 23g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (98% of the Daily Value), iron (76% of the Daily Value), and protein (46% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1648mg per serving (72% 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?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice in this recipe. Just be aware that brown rice takes longer to cook, so ensure it's fully cooked before mixing it with the other ingredients. The flavor and texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
What can I use instead of tuna?
If you're looking for alternatives to tuna, consider using canned salmon or shredded chicken for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian option, you can replace the tuna with cooked chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms to maintain a hearty texture.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this Tuna Rice Bake gluten-free, ensure that your rice is certified gluten-free and check the labels on any other ingredients, such as cheese and butter, to confirm they are gluten-free. This dish is naturally gluten-free as long as the ingredients are selected carefully.
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).