Creamy Cheesy Tuna Casserole Delight
This Creamy Cheesy Tuna Casserole Delight is a heartwarming and comforting dish that brings back cherished family memories. Inspired by the classic recipe from 'Baby Let's Eat,' this casserole has been a beloved staple in my household since my eldest was a baby! With its rich and creamy sauce, tender pasta, and nutritious vegetables, it's a dish that satisfies both kids and adults alike. This casserole is incredibly versatile, allowing you to mix and match your favorite veggies, making it a great way to use up what you have on hand. With a golden breadcrumb topping, each bite is a delightful experience that's perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Enjoy this easy one-dish meal and create your own family memories around the dinner table!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable oil or butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
Flour
1/4 cup (all-purpose)
Milk
1 cup (whole or preferred)
Chicken broth
1 1/2 cups (low-sodium preferred)
Cheddar cheese
8 ounces (grated)
Farfalle pasta
3 cups (cooked)
Albacore tuna
12 1/2 ounces (drained)
Lemon
1 (zest grated)
Broccoli florets
2 cups (lightly cooked)
Peas
1 cup (cooked)
Carrot
1 (grated)
Breadcrumbs
3/4 cup (regular or panko)
Fresh parsley
to taste (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2
In a 3-quart casserole dish, spray cooking spray to coat the bottom and sides, then set aside.
3
Ensure that your broccoli, peas, and farfalle pasta are fully cooked and ready for use.
4
Grate the carrot, lemon zest, and cheddar cheese, placing each in separate bowls, and set aside.
5
In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable oil or butter over medium heat until melted.
6
Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to create a roux.
7
Gradually add the milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously as the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth, then remove from heat.
8
Add the grated cheddar cheese to the sauce and stir until completely melted and combined.
9
Gently fold in the cooked farfalle pasta, albacore tuna (drained), lemon zest, lightly cooked broccoli florets, cooked peas, and grated carrot until evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
10
Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
11
Sprinkle the top generously with breadcrumbs and chopped fresh parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor.
12
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
27.5g
Carbs
15.3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cheesy Tuna Casserole Delight?
It is a heartwarming and comforting one-dish meal featuring tender pasta, tuna, and vegetables in a rich cheese sauce topped with breadcrumbs.
How many calories are in a serving of this casserole?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius).
How long does the tuna casserole need to bake?
Bake the casserole for approximately 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and it is heated through.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of cooked farfalle pasta, also known as bowtie pasta.
What size casserole dish is required?
A 3-quart casserole dish is recommended for this recipe.
Can I use butter or oil for the base?
Yes, you can use 2 tablespoons of either vegetable oil or butter.
What vegetables are included in this dish?
The casserole includes 2 cups of broccoli florets, 1 cup of peas, and 1 grated carrot.
How much tuna is needed for this recipe?
You will need 12.5 ounces of albacore tuna, which should be drained before use.
What kind of cheese is used to make the sauce?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of grated cheddar cheese.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 15.3 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 27.5 grams of carbohydrates.
How much fat is in a serving of this casserole?
The casserole contains 13 grams of fat per serving.
How do I prepare the cheese sauce base?
Create a roux by cooking 1/4 cup of flour in melted oil or butter, then gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth until thickened.
What liquids are used for the creamy sauce?
The sauce is made using 1 cup of milk and 1.5 cups of chicken broth.
Should the vegetables be cooked before mixing?
Yes, the broccoli should be lightly cooked and the peas should be fully cooked before being folded into the sauce.
Why is lemon zest included in the recipe?
Lemon zest from one lemon is added to provide a bright, fresh flavor to the creamy dish.
What type of breadcrumbs should I use for the topping?
You can use 3/4 cup of either regular or panko breadcrumbs for the golden topping.
How is the dish garnished?
The casserole is garnished with chopped fresh parsley for extra color and flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for families with children?
Yes, it is described as a family-friendly dish that has been a household staple for many years.
How do I prepare the casserole dish to prevent sticking?
Spray the bottom and sides of the casserole dish with cooking spray before adding the mixture.
What type of flour is needed?
The recipe specifies 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour for the sauce.
Can I customize the vegetables in this casserole?
Yes, the recipe is versatile and allows you to mix and match your favorite vegetables based on what you have on hand.
How should I prepare the carrot?
One carrot should be grated before it is mixed into the casserole.
What kind of milk can I use?
You can use 1 cup of whole milk or your preferred milk alternative.
What type of chicken broth is recommended?
Low-sodium chicken broth is preferred for this recipe.
Does the tuna need to be drained?
Yes, the albacore tuna should be thoroughly drained before being added to the mix.
When should the cheese be added to the sauce?
The grated cheddar cheese should be added after the sauce has thickened and been removed from the heat.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a classic dish from 'Baby Let's Eat'.
How much broccoli should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of lightly cooked broccoli florets.