Best 10 Light But Hearty Tuna Casserole Recipes

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Calling all tuna lovers! If you're looking for a light yet hearty dish that's perfect for a quick and easy meal, look no further than this collection of tuna casserole recipes. From classic tuna noodle casserole to creative variations like tuna and cornbread casserole, these recipes offer a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. Tuna casserole is a classic dish that has been enjoyed by families for generations. It's a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking, making it a great option for busy weeknights or potluck dinners. Whether you prefer a traditional tuna noodle casserole or something a little different, like tuna and rice casserole or tuna and potato casserole, you're sure to find a recipe in this collection that you'll love. All the recipes are easy to make but packed with flavor, and they're sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying tuna casserole meal tonight!

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

EASY TUNA CASSEROLE



Easy Tuna Casserole image

Tuna Noodle Casserole combines flaky tuna and tender egg noodles in a cheesy creamy sauce.

Provided by Holly Nilsson

Categories     Casserole     Dinner

Time 33m

Number Of Ingredients 14

3 cups egg noodles
1 tablespoon butter
1 small onion (diced)
2 stalks celery (diced)
⅔ cup frozen peas (defrosted)
1 can tuna (5-6 ounces, drained)
10 ½ ounces condensed mushroom soup
⅓ cup milk
1 cup cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon parsley
½ cup panko bread crumbs
1 tablespoon butter (melted)
½ cup cheddar
1 tablespoon parsley

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 425°F. Combine topping ingredients and set aside.
  • Boil noodles al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  • Cook onion and celery in butter until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
  • In a large bowl combine noodles, onion mixture, peas, soup, milk, cheese, tuna and parsley. Mix well.
  • Spread into a 2qt casserole dish and top with crumb topping.
  • Bake 18-20 minutes or until bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 323 kcal, Carbohydrate 25 g, Protein 19 g, Fat 15 g, SaturatedFat 9 g, Cholesterol 68 mg, Sodium 689 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 3 g, ServingSize 1.25 cup

TUNA CASSEROLE



Tuna Casserole image

This cheesy Tuna Casserole has a made-from-scratch sauce and a crunchy parmesan topping that puts this classic recipe over the top. Your family will love this version!

Provided by Rachel Farnsworth

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 13

12 ounces egg noodles
3 tablespoons butter
1/2 white onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
3 tablespoons flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
2 cups frozen peas
2 6 ounce cans solid white albacore tuna
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
2-3 teaspoons olive oil

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees and lightly grease a 9x13 pan. Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions. Drain and add pasta to prepared pan.
  • Meanwhile, melt butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Add in onion and saute 5 to 7 minutes, until softened. Stir in garlic and flour and cook 1 minute. Slowly pour in chicken broth and milk and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
  • Once mixture has thickened, stir in peas, and tuna. Pour over pasta in the 9x13 pan. Add in cheddar cheese and toss to coat.
  • In a small bowl, use a fork to mix together bread crumbs, parmesan, and olive oil. Sprinkle over the pasta.
  • Bake in the preheated oven, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes, until bread crumbs are lightly browned. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 721 kcal, Carbohydrate 75 g, Protein 41 g, Fat 27 g, SaturatedFat 14 g, Cholesterol 149 mg, Sodium 957 mg, Fiber 5 g, Sugar 7 g, ServingSize 1 serving

HEARTY TUNA CASSEROLE



Hearty Tuna Casserole image

This isn't your Grandma's tuna casserole, but it is sure to please everybody in the family.

Provided by Ann L

Categories     Seafood     Fish     Tuna

Time 1h

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 cups uncooked egg noodles
2 (5 ounce) cans tuna, drained
½ cup chopped celery
⅓ cup chopped green onions
⅓ cup sour cream
2 teaspoons prepared mustard
½ cup mayonnaise
½ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon salt
1 small zucchini, sliced
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 tomato, chopped

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 2 quart casserole dish.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add noodles, and cook until al dente; drain.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine noodles, tuna, celery, and green onion. Stir in sour cream, mustard, and mayonnaise. Season with salt and thyme. Spoon 1/2 of the noodle mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Arrange a layer of zucchini over the mixture. Top with the remaining noodles, followed by a layer of zucchini. Top the entire casserole with cheese.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Sprinkle the casserole with tomatoes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 355.9 calories, Carbohydrate 15.7 g, Cholesterol 55.7 mg, Fat 24.5 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 18.8 g, SaturatedFat 7.8 g, Sodium 363.7 mg, Sugar 1.8 g

BEST TUNA CASSEROLE



Best Tuna Casserole image

This is a tuna casserole that even my picky family loves! The potato chips give the casserole a crunchy crust.

Provided by JAICARD

Categories     Seafood     Fish     Tuna

Time 35m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (12 ounce) package egg noodles
¼ cup chopped onion
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup frozen green peas
2 (5 ounce) cans tuna, drained
2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
½ (4.5 ounce) can sliced mushrooms
1 cup crushed potato chips

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente; drain.
  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
  • In a large bowl, thoroughly mix noodles, onion, 1 cup cheese, peas, tuna, soup and mushrooms. Transfer to a 9x13 inch baking dish, and top with potato chip crumbs and remaining 1 cup cheese.
  • Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until cheese is bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 595 calories, Carbohydrate 58.1 g, Cholesterol 99.2 mg, Fat 26.1 g, Fiber 3.8 g, Protein 32.1 g, SaturatedFat 11.5 g, Sodium 1061.1 mg, Sugar 4.6 g

HEARTY TUNA CASSEROLE



Hearty Tuna Casserole image

Here's a jazzed-up version of Mom's tuna casserole that's sure to be comfort food for the whole family! Jan Heshelman of Bloomfield, Indiana adds pizzazz to the traditional dish with mustard, sour cream, thyme and zucchini. "I found this recipe in a magazine," says Jan. "It is one of the few dishes with zucchini that my husband will eat."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h5m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 cups uncooked yolk-free wide noodles
2 cans (6 ounces each) light water-packed tuna, drained and flaked
1 cup shredded zucchini
3/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1 celery rib with leaves, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
2 teaspoons prepared mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1 medium tomato, chopped

Steps:

  • Cook noodles according to package directions; drain. In a large bowl, combine the noodles, tuna, zucchini, sour cream, celery, onion, mayonnaise, mustard, thyme and salt. , Spoon half into a 2-qt. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with half of the cheese. Repeat layers. Top with tomato. , Cover and bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes. Uncover; bake 5 minutes longer.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 279 calories, Fat 10g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 41mg cholesterol, Sodium 516mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

MODERN TUNA CASSEROLE



Modern Tuna Casserole image

I loved tuna casserole as a kid and found myself craving it as an adult. However, the massive amounts of fat and salt in the traditional recipe were a turnoff healthwise, and it just didn't taste as good as I remembered. I reconfigured the recipe to include more vegetables and the result was delicious. -Rebecca Blanton, St. Helena, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 40m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

3 tablespoons butter, divided
4 medium carrots, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
1 cup sliced baby portobello mushrooms
2 cans (5 ounces each) albacore white tuna in water, drained and flaked
2 cups fresh baby spinach
1 cup frozen peas
3 cups uncooked spiral pasta
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2/3 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/3 cup half-and-half cream
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Add carrots, onion, red pepper and mushrooms. Cook and stir until tender, 8-10 minutes. Add tuna, spinach and peas; cook until spinach is just wilted, 2-3 minutes. , Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions for al dente. Drain pasta, reserving 1 cup pasta water. In a large bowl, place pasta and tuna mixture; toss to combine. Wipe skillet clean., In the same skillet, melt remaining butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually whisk in broth and cream. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened, 1-2 minutes, adding reserved pasta water if needed. Stir in cheese, salt and pepper. Pour over pasta; toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 372 calories, Fat 11g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 47mg cholesterol, Sodium 767mg sodium, Carbohydrate 44g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

LIGHT TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE



Light Tuna Noodle Casserole image

This recipe updates an old classic by using low-fat products. It's a rich, creamy casserole that will satisfy the whole family.-Sharen Oglesby, Anderson, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h10m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/3 cup Cream Soup Mix
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped green onions
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cans (6-1/2 ounces each) light water-packed tuna, drained
1 carton (8 ounces) egg substitute
1 cup cooked noodles
1/2 cup fat-free milk
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Prepare Cream Soup Mix as directed for a condensed cream soup substitute. Saute celery and onion in oil until celery is tender. Place in a large bowl; add next six ingredients. Mix well. , Pour into a 2-qt. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 375° for 50-60 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Nutrition Facts :

EASY TUNA CASSEROLE



Easy Tuna Casserole image

Tuna, macaroni, creamy soup, cheese and fried onions are all you need to make this super easy tuna casserole that I learned from my roommate. It's great as leftovers, too.

Provided by LMCDEVIT

Categories     Seafood     Fish     Tuna

Time 45m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 5

3 cups cooked macaroni
1 (5 ounce) can tuna, drained
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 ½ cups French fried onions

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • In a 9x13-inch baking dish, combine the macaroni, tuna, and soup. Mix well, and then top with cheese.
  • Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 25 minutes, or until bubbly. Sprinkle with fried onions, and bake for another 5 minutes. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 462.4 calories, Carbohydrate 37.1 g, Cholesterol 22.6 mg, Fat 28.5 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 11.5 g, SaturatedFat 9.7 g, Sodium 705.8 mg, Sugar 0.6 g

DE-LIGHTFUL TUNA CASSEROLE



De-Lightful Tuna Casserole image

This mild, homemade tuna casserole will truly satisfy your family's craving for comfort food without all the fat! -Colleen Willey, Hamburg, New York

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 40m

Yield 5 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 package (7 ounces) elbow macaroni
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) reduced-fat reduced-sodium condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
1 cup fat-free milk
1 can (5 ounces) light water-packed tuna, drained and flaked
2 tablespoons diced pimientos
3 teaspoons dried minced onion
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup crushed cornflakes

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the soup, mushrooms, cheese, milk, tuna, pimientos, onion, mustard and salt. Drain macaroni; add to tuna mixture and mix well. , Transfer to a 2-qt. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with cornflakes. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly. Freeze option: Cool unbaked casserole before topping with cornflakes; cover and freeze. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Top casserole with cornflakes and bake as directed; increase time as necessary to heat through and for a thermometer inserted in center to read 165°.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 329 calories, Fat 8g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 32mg cholesterol, Sodium 684mg sodium, Carbohydrate 43g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

HEALTHIER TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE



Healthier Tuna Noodle Casserole image

Opting for low-fat Alfredo sauce and sour cream lightens up this weeknight-friendly tuna casserole that packs plenty of veggies alongside whole wheat pasta, keeping it hearty enough to take to your next potluck. Garnish with fresh dill.

Provided by Juliana Hale

Categories     Seafood     Fish     Tuna

Time 1h10m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 16

cooking spray
2 cups whole-grain bow-tie pasta
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 cups sliced cremini mushrooms
½ cup chopped onion
⅓ cup chopped celery
⅓ cup chopped red bell pepper
⅓ cup chopped carrot
1 ½ cups light Alfredo sauce (such as Classico® Light Creamy Alfredo)
½ cup light sour cream
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons snipped fresh dill
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (5 ounce) can solid white tuna (water pack), drained and broken into chunks
⅓ cup whole wheat panko bread crumbs
4 wedges lemon wedges

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Coat a 2-quart baking dish with nonstick spray.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook bow-tie pasta at a boil, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms, onion, celery, bell pepper, and carrot; cook until vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes.
  • Whisk together Alfredo sauce, sour cream, 2 tablespoons Parmesan, dill, and black pepper in a large bowl. Stir in cooked pasta, vegetables, and tuna until combined. Transfer to the prepared dish. In a small bowl, stir together panko and remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan; sprinkle over casserole. Lightly coat with nonstick spray.
  • Bake in the preheated oven, uncovered, until browned and bubbly, about 25 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 543.7 calories, Carbohydrate 62.4 g, Cholesterol 72 mg, Fat 21.6 g, Fiber 8.9 g, Protein 28.3 g, SaturatedFat 12.8 g, Sodium 1066.2 mg, Sugar 9.4 g

Tips:

  • For a creamier casserole, use full-fat milk or cream instead of skim milk.
  • Add a handful of chopped fresh herbs, such as dill, parsley, or chives, for extra flavor.
  • If you don't have any canned tuna, you can use cooked, flaked fish, such as salmon or chicken.
  • To make the casserole ahead of time, assemble it and bake it according to the recipe instructions. Then, let it cool completely and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you're ready to serve, reheat the casserole in a preheated 350°F oven until it's warmed through.
  • Serve the casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion:

This light but hearty tuna casserole is a quick and easy meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. It's also a great way to use up leftover tuna. The casserole is packed with protein and vegetables, and it's creamy and flavorful. Plus, it's easy to make ahead of time, so you can have a delicious meal ready when you need it. So, next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this tuna casserole a try. You won't be disappointed!

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