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Classic Tuna Casserole

Classic Tuna Casserole

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  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This classic tuna casserole is comfort food at its best! Made with tender rotini pasta, creamy mushroom soup, cheddar cheese, and tuna, itโ€™s a nostalgic, family-friendly dish thatโ€™s perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. The crispy panko topping adds a delightful crunch to every bite!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 stalk celery, chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 12 oz (340g) canned tuna, drained
  • 2 cups cooked rotini pasta
  • 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1/2 cup green peas
  • 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
  • 1/3 tsp salt
  • 1/3 tsp paprika
  • 1/3 tsp granulated garlic
  • 1/3 tsp black pepper
  • 1/3 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

  • Preheat oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).

2. Sautรฉ the Vegetables:

  • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
  • Add onion and celery, cooking for 5โ€“6 minutes until softened.

3. Prepare the Casserole Mixture:

  • In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, drained tuna, 1 cup cheddar, salt, paprika, garlic, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  • Add sautรฉed onion and celery, green peas, and mushroom soup, mixing thoroughly.

4. Bake the Casserole:

  • Transfer the mixture to a 9ร—13-inch baking dish.
  • Bake for 20 minutes.

5. Add Crispy Topping & Finish Baking:

  • Mix the remaining ยฝ cup cheddar cheese with panko breadcrumbs.
  • Sprinkle over the casserole and return to the oven for 10 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.

6. Serve & Enjoy!

  • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

  • Pasta Options: Rotini works well, but egg noodles, penne, or elbow macaroni are great substitutes.
  • Cheese Variations: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Colby for a different flavor.
  • Make it Creamier: Stir in ยฝ cup milk or sour cream for an extra creamy texture.
  • Topping Ideas: Instead of panko, try crushed crackers, potato chips, or fried onions for a crispy finish.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 340
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg