Tuna Spaghetti Casserole
A hearty tuna spaghetti casserole with green peppers, a cheesy breadcrumb topping, and savory flavors, perfect for a comforting family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 12 oz. spaghetti ⓘ
- 2 (6.5 oz.) cans tuna ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1/2 clove garlic ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. chopped green peppers ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. mustard ⓘ
- 1 can celery soup ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. milk ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 4 stuffed olives ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter, melted ⓘ
- 1/2 c. bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. grated cheese ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions and set aside.
- Heat butter, garlic, and green pepper in a skillet and cook for 5 minutes.
- Incorporate the flour, salt, and paprika into the skillet and cook briefly.
- Remove from heat and gradually blend in Worcestershire sauce, mustard, celery soup, and milk, cooking until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, stuffed olives, tuna, and cooked spaghetti.
- Transfer the mixture into a casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the top with melted butter, bread crumbs, and grated cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25 minutes.
- Garnish with boiled eggs and paprika before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of cream cheese to the sauce. If you don't have tuna, canned chicken can be a great substitute. You can also swap out the green peppers for frozen mixed vegetables or use leftover vegetables from other meals. For added flavor, try using garlic powder instead of fresh garlic.
Serving Suggestions
This tuna spaghetti casserole is delicious on its own, but it pairs well with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside a bowl of Mom'S Sauteed Crabmeat. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tuna spaghetti casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna Spaghetti Casserole contains roughly 1246 calories, with 29g protein, 182g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (267% of the Daily Value), iron (73% of the Daily Value), and protein (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2421mg per serving (105% 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 a different type of pasta for this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free varieties. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven without needing to thaw.
What can I use instead of celery soup?
If you don't have celery soup on hand, you can make a simple substitute by mixing cream of mushroom soup with a bit of chopped celery and onion. Alternatively, a homemade white sauce with added seasonings can work as well.
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).