Best 5 Poor Mans Tuna Casserole Recipes

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Calling all tuna lovers! This poor man's tuna casserole is an incredibly budget-friendly and versatile dish that's sure to become a family favorite. With minimal prep and an irresistible cheesy, creamy, and hearty texture, this casserole is the epitome of comfort food. Discover two delectable variations: the classic tuna casserole with a crunchy breadcrumb topping and the creamy tuna noodle casserole with tender egg noodles. Both recipes feature affordable pantry staples and are customizable to suit your preferences, making them perfect for any occasion. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that's easy on the pocket and big on flavor.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

POOR MAN'S TUNA CASSEROLE



Poor Man's Tuna Casserole image

A friend and I made this up in college -- as we did not have much money, nor a proper kitchen. Over the years, I have tweaked it a bit -- now that I DO have a proper kitchen!

Provided by iewe7726

Categories     Tuna

Time 25m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 (7 1/4 ounce) box Kraft macaroni and cheese
1 (6 ounce) can tuna
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup frozen peas, defrosted
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup French-fried onions

Steps:

  • Cook Macaroni and Cheese according to box directions.
  • Stir in tuna, cream of mushroom soup, and frozen peas.
  • Transfer mixture to baking dish and top with shredded cheese and french fried onions.
  • Bake at 375 degrees until cheese is melted, and dish is heated through (approximately 15 minutes).
  • Enjoy!
  • If you are low on time, or don't want to heat up the oven, you can omit the cheese and french friend onions, and simply warm through on the stovetop.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 305.1, Fat 12, SaturatedFat 5.7, Cholesterol 35.3, Sodium 757.5, Carbohydrate 30.2, Fiber 1.7, Sugar 5.6, Protein 18.9

NO CHEESE TUNA CASSEROLE



No Cheese Tuna Casserole image

When we started looking for healthier ways to eat I had to make some changes to my staple recipes. My mom used to make this with a bag and a half of shredded cheese, white pasta and no veggies. We really enjoy this new version with whole wheat pasta, and seasoned wheat breadcrumbs. Enjoy!

Provided by DelainaB

Categories     < 60 Mins

Time 35m

Yield 1 Casserole, 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 1/2 cups whole wheat rotini
1 (10 1/2 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup (I use the healthy request)
2 (16 ounce) light chunk tuna in water, drained
1 (8 ounce) can peas
1 (8 ounce) can carrots
2 tablespoons oregano
1 garlic clove
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons butter (I use smart balance butter blends)
1 cup dry whole wheat breadcrumbs (seasoned if desired)
salt, to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat Oven to 350.
  • Boil Rotini to desired doneness and Drain.
  • Stir in mushroom soup, tuna, peas, carrots (or other veggies) oregano, garlic and black pepper.
  • Mix in 1/4-1/2 Cup Breadcrumbs.
  • Pour into Casserole Dish.
  • Mix remaining breadcrumbes and butter.
  • Top Casserole with mixture and bake until topping begins to brown.
  • Allow to sit 5-10 min before serving.

QUICK AND EASY TUNA CASSEROLE



Quick and Easy Tuna Casserole image

Quick and Easy Tuna Casserole is perfect for the busy mom!

Provided by Jennie Ridgeway

Categories     Seafood     Fish     Tuna

Time 30m

Yield 5

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (12 ounce) package egg noodles
2 cups frozen green peas
2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
2 (5 ounce) cans tuna, drained
1 onion, chopped
10 slices American processed cheese
ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add noodles and frozen peas. Cook until noodles are al dente, drain well. Return noodles and peas to the pot.
  • Mix soup, tuna fish, onions, processed cheese and pepper into the pot. Stir constantly until all of the ingredients are well mixed and the cheese has melted. Serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 662.2 calories, Carbohydrate 71.8 g, Cholesterol 111.6 mg, Fat 24.2 g, Fiber 5.1 g, Protein 38.4 g, SaturatedFat 12 g, Sodium 1828.1 mg, Sugar 9.9 g

HE-MAN'S TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE



He-man's Tuna Noodle Casserole image

The best comfort food of all time. Be careful, you might just lick your plate!! I first had this in the hospital after my first son was born and spent months looking for the recipe. It is nothing like the tuna casserole I got as a kid! The red bell pepper and Ritz are vital so please don't substitute.

Provided by Jaymee

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 45m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

6 ounces uncooked medium egg noodles
2 tablespoons butter
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup finely diced onion
1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup finely diced green bell pepper
1 cup chopped celery
2 (6 ounce) cans tuna, drained and broken up
1/2 package Ritz cracker, broken but not crushed

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  • Cook noodles according to package directions in lightly salter water (Do not overcook).
  • Drain and toss with butter.
  • Set aside.
  • Meanwhile, combine soup, milk, sour cream, salt, and vegetables in a large saucepan.
  • Cook over low heat stirring often for about 15 minutes.
  • Add tuna.
  • Combine tuna mixture with noodles.
  • Spoon into a 2 quart oven safe dish.
  • Sprinkle with crackers.
  • Bake 20-25 minutes.

POOR MAN'S TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE



Poor Man's Tuna Noodle Casserole image

When I was a young bachelor I could purchase a can of tuna on sale 4 cans for 1.00, cream of mushroom soup was 4 cans for a dollar and macaroni and cheese was 4 boxes for a dollar. I could make this meal for fewer than two dollars and have leftovers for lunch the next day. It was easy tasty and nutritious.

Provided by Robert Simons

Categories     Casseroles

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 box macaroni and cheese
2 can(s) tuna packed in water
1 can(s) cream of mushroom soup
butter, cold
milk
3 slice processed cheese slices

Steps:

  • 1. Make Macaroni and cheese in large saucepan or dutch oven according to package directions.
  • 2. Mix drained tuna and mushroom soup in sauce pan and heat until warm over medium heat.
  • 3. Combine mushroom soup mixture with macaroni mixture and stir well.
  • 4. Divide cheese slices in thirds and place on top of macaroni and tuna. Place in warm oven 350 degrees for about 15 minutes or until cheese melts.

Tips:

  • Use canned tuna. It's a budget-friendly protein that's versatile and easy to find.
  • Add vegetables. Frozen or canned vegetables are a great way to add nutrition and flavor to your casserole. Try using peas, carrots, celery, or corn.
  • Use a variety of seasonings. Onion, garlic, salt, and pepper are all classic seasonings that work well in tuna casserole. You can also add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano.
  • Use a creamy sauce. A creamy sauce made with milk, flour, and butter or margarine is a classic tuna casserole ingredient. You can also use a cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup.
  • Top with cheese. Cheese is a delicious and easy way to add flavor and texture to your casserole. Try using cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, or Parmesan cheese.
  • Serve with a side dish. Tuna casserole is often served with a side dish like rice, mashed potatoes, or green beans.

Conclusion:

Poor man's tuna casserole is a classic comfort food that's easy to make and budget-friendly. It's a great way to use up leftover tuna and vegetables. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.

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