This Creamy Tuna and Potato Casserole is a comforting and filling dish, perfect for busy nights or cozy dinners. Layers of tender potatoes are paired with creamy tuna, onions, and a cheesy sauce that brings everything together in one delicious casserole. It’s easy to prepare, hearty, and a great way to use pantry staples like canned tuna. The creamy sauce ensures the potatoes remain soft and flavorful, while the cheesy top adds a satisfying golden finish. Serve this casserole with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6 servings
Cuisine
This casserole is inspired by classic comfort food, featuring potatoes and canned tuna as the main ingredients. It’s a hearty and easy dish that combines the best of baked casseroles with the creamy goodness of tuna and potatoes.
Full List of Ingredients
- 6 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling potatoes)
- 1 medium onion, sliced into half-rings
- 2 cans (5 oz) tuna, drained and flaked
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) heavy cream or milk
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your choice of cheese)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
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Boil the Potatoes:
Peel and slice the potatoes into thin rounds. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the sliced potatoes and cook for 8-10 minutes or until just tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside. -
Cook the Onion:
While the potatoes are boiling, heat a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. -
Make the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux.
Slowly whisk in the heavy cream (or milk) and broth, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. -
Combine the Casserole Ingredients:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, sautéed onions, and the creamy sauce. Stir until well combined. -
Assemble the Casserole:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish. Layer half of the boiled potatoes in the bottom of the dish. Pour half of the tuna mixture over the potatoes and spread it evenly. Repeat with another layer of potatoes and the remaining tuna mixture. -
Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. You can use more or less cheese depending on your preference. -
Bake the Casserole:
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbling. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted. -
Serve:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 23 g
- Fat: 24 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
- Vitamin A: 15%
- Calcium: 15%
- Iron: 12%
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Casseroles are a staple of comfort food and are widely loved for their ease of preparation and versatility. This creamy tuna and potato version combines hearty ingredients that are both filling and affordable, making it a perfect dish for families. Tuna, often found in canned form, provides protein and flavor without much effort, while potatoes offer a satisfying base.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
- Comforting and Hearty: The creamy, cheesy layers make this casserole filling and satisfying.
- Simple Ingredients: This dish uses basic pantry and fridge staples like potatoes, tuna, and cheese, making it both affordable and accessible.
- Make-Ahead: This casserole is easy to prepare in advance. You can assemble it the night before and bake it when ready to serve.
- Family-Friendly: With its creamy sauce and cheesy topping, this dish is sure to please both kids and adults.
Health Benefits
- Potatoes: A good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C, potatoes help support digestive health and boost immunity.
- Tuna: Rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, tuna helps maintain muscle mass and supports brain health.
- Onions: Onions are packed with antioxidants and have been linked to heart health and immune system support.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Fresh Salad: Serve this creamy casserole with a side of mixed greens or a simple tomato salad to balance the richness of the dish.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Pair the casserole with roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans for a nutritious and well-rounded meal.
- With Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce and add a crunchy element to the meal.
Cooking Tips
- Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: Make sure to cook the potatoes just until tender so they don’t turn mushy when baked.
- Adjust the Cheese: Use your favorite cheese or mix different types for added flavor, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a bit of heat.
Variations to Try
- Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables like peas, corn, or spinach to the casserole for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Use Other Fish: Replace the tuna with other canned fish like salmon or sardines for a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of this casserole.
Conclusion
This Creamy Tuna and Potato Casserole is the perfect comfort food—easy to make, hearty, and full of flavor. The layers of tender potatoes, creamy tuna sauce, and melted cheese come together to create a satisfying meal for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a make-ahead dish, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
10 Comprehensive FAQ Section
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Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this casserole in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve. -
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat it in the oven until hot and bubbly. -
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of boiled potatoes?
Yes, you can use fresh, raw potatoes, but they will need to be thinly sliced and pre-cooked (boiled or roasted) before assembling the casserole. -
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, feel free to use your favorite cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or even a blend of cheeses for added flavor. -
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving. -
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, you can add vegetables like peas, spinach, or even bell peppers to the casserole to increase its nutritional value and flavor. -
Can I use low-fat milk or cream?
Yes, you can use low-fat milk or cream to make the casserole lighter. The texture will still be creamy, but the dish will have fewer calories. -
How do I make the casserole spicier?
Add a pinch of chili flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the sauce for a spicy kick. -
Can I use different types of canned fish?
Yes, you can substitute the tuna with other types of canned fish, such as salmon or sardines, for a different flavor profile. -
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour for the sauce to make this casserole gluten-free. Just ensure that you are using gluten-free breadcrumbs as well.
Enjoy your Creamy Tuna and Potato Casserole!