Creamy Tuna and Rice Bake
This creamy tuna and rice bake is a comforting and family-friendly dish that has been a favorite in our household for years. Packed with wholesome ingredients typically found in your pantry, it’s a quick and easy one-dish meal that combines the richness of creamy soup with the hearty goodness of rice and tuna. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner, this casserole is sure to please picky eaters while providing nourishment and warmth. The buttery cracker topping adds a delightful crunch, making every bite satisfying. Serve it up with a side salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
cream of mushroom soup
1 (10 ounce) can (none)
milk
0.75 (10 ounce) can (use soup can)
long-grain rice
3 cups (cooked)
albacore tuna
1 (7 ounce) envelope (chunked)
buttery crackers or corn flake crumbs
1 cup (crushed)
butter
3 tablespoons (softened)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
frozen green peas
1/2 cup (thawed (optional))
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the long-grain rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain any excess water and set aside.
2
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4
Gently fold in the chunks of tuna and thawed peas (if using) until evenly distributed.
5
Lightly grease a 1½ quart casserole dish with butter to prevent sticking.
6
Layer half of the cooked rice in the bottom of the casserole dish. Pour half of the tuna mixture over the rice and spread evenly. Repeat with the remaining rice and tuna mixture, creating layers.
7
In a small bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers (or corn flake crumbs) with the softened butter, mixing until well combined. Evenly spread this crumb mixture over the top of the casserole.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
9
Once finished, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious and creamy tuna and rice bake!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Tuna and Rice Bake?
It is a comforting, family-friendly one-dish meal that combines rice, tuna, and cream of mushroom soup with a buttery cracker topping.
What temperature should the oven be set to for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
Do I need to cook the rice before assembly?
Yes, the long-grain rice should be cooked according to the package instructions and drained before being layered into the casserole.
What kind of tuna is recommended?
The recipe calls for one 7-ounce envelope of chunked albacore tuna.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A 1 1/2 quart casserole dish is the recommended size for this recipe.
How long does the casserole take to bake?
It should bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Are the green peas mandatory?
No, the frozen green peas are optional and can be omitted if preferred.
How do I measure the milk for this recipe?
You should use the empty 10-ounce soup can to measure out 0.75 (3/4) of a can of milk.
What creates the crunchy topping?
The topping is made from a combination of crushed buttery crackers (or corn flake crumbs) and softened butter.
How should I layer the casserole?
Layer half of the cooked rice on the bottom, followed by half of the tuna mixture, then repeat the layers once more.
Should I grease the casserole dish?
Yes, you should lightly grease the dish with butter to prevent the rice and tuna from sticking.
Can I use corn flake crumbs instead of crackers?
Yes, corn flake crumbs are a suitable alternative for the buttery cracker topping.
What type of soup is used in this bake?
The recipe specifically uses one 10-ounce can of cream of mushroom soup.
How do I prepare the soup mixture?
Whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
What vegetables can I serve with this dish?
This bake pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is described as a quick and easy one-dish meal using common pantry staples.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish is creamy and hearty on the inside with a delightful crunch from the cracker topping.
How should the butter be prepared for the topping?
The butter should be softened so it can be easily mixed with the cracker crumbs.
Should the peas be frozen when added?
If you choose to use green peas, they should be thawed before being folded into the tuna mixture.
Can I use regular long-grain rice?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 3 cups of cooked long-grain rice.
How do I incorporate the tuna?
Gently fold the chunks of tuna into the soup and milk mixture until they are evenly distributed.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to let the casserole cool slightly after removing it from the oven to help it set.
Is this dish suitable for picky eaters?
Yes, its creamy texture and mild flavors make it a favorite for children and picky eaters.
What are the primary seasonings?
The primary seasonings are salt and pepper, added to taste within the soup mixture.
Does this recipe use fresh or canned tuna?
It uses tuna from a 7-ounce envelope, which is a common alternative to canned tuna.
Can I make this in a larger dish if I double it?
While the recipe specifies a 1.5 quart dish, you would need a larger dish like a 9x13 if doubling the ingredients.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include casserole, tuna, rice, one-dish meal, family-friendly, easy recipe, comfort food, and pantry staple.
How do I mix the topping ingredients?
Combine the crushed crackers and softened butter in a small bowl and mix until well combined before spreading.
Is there any preparation required for the soup?
The soup is used directly from the can and whisked with milk; no other preparation is needed.
What is the main protein in this dish?
The main protein is albacore tuna.