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Barefoot Contessa Tuna Casserole Recipe

This healthy Barefoot Contessa’s Tuna Casserole Recipe has a sauce made with cream of garlic and fresh herbs, loads of vegetables, soft egg noodles, and Panko bread crumbs.

Barefoot Contessa Tuna Casserole Recipe
Barefoot Contessa Tuna Casserole Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and simple tuna casserole using materials you probably already have on hand.
  • Your loved ones will be raving about it and begging for more.
  • The preparation time is minimal, and the finished product may be frozen for later use.

Barefoot Contessa Tuna Casserole Ingredients

  • Tuna. For the best flavor in this dish, choose an oil-packed tuna that comes from a reputable brand. Tuna that has been packed in water can also be used, but the flavor will be diminished. If it is at all feasible, I would ask that you also try shopping for a brand of tuna that is more environmentally friendly.
  • Egg Noodles. You are free to use any other type of semolina, whole wheat, legume, or gluten-free pasta that strikes your fancy in its place.
  • Veggies. We’ll make use of the tried-and-true combination of carrots, onions, baby Bella mushrooms, frozen peas, and garlic, all of which will be sautéed in butter (or you can use olive oil if you prefer).
  • Cheddar Cheese. If you would want to use a different sort of cheese in this dish, I have several ideas for you below; however, my personal favorite is to make it with a nice sharp white cheddar cheese.
  • Flour. To get a moderately thicker consistency of the cream sauce, we will use basic all-purpose flour.
  • Broth + Milk. As a foundation for the cream sauce, I like to use a combination of broth (either chicken or vegetable broth) and plain milk (either dairy-based or plant-based). The proportions should be 50/50.
  • Seasoning. To season this classic dish, all you need is some Italian spice, a pinch of fine sea salt, and some freshly ground black pepper. However, if you do happen to have any fresh Italian herbs on hand, feel free to use those instead of the dried ones in the recipe.
  • Panko. The topping for this casserole can be as easy as toasted panko breadcrumbs, which can be done either on the stovetop in a sauté pan or in the oven on a sheet pan. Toasting the breadcrumbs to a golden brown color is optional.
  • Optional Garnishes. In conclusion, I suggest topping the dish with a sufficient amount of chopped fresh parsley or thyme. In addition, I strongly advise that a huge lemon slice be served with each dish so that it may be squeezed before eating.
Barefoot Contessa Tuna Casserole Recipe close-up
Barefoot Contessa Tuna Casserole Recipe

What Can I Use To Top A Tuna Casserole?

Crumbs of bread, either store-bought or handmade. Not even a few crumbs of bread? You might use anything like potato chips, crumbled pretzels, or fried onions from a can instead.

Making your own bread crumbs from old bread, rolls, or croissants is simple. Make quick work of them by chopping them roughly and pulverizing them in a food processor.

What Brand Of Tuna Is Ideal For Tuna Casserole?

For this time-honored dish, my preferred ingredients are chunk light tuna or albacore tuna in a can. If it can be bought pre-packaged in oil, that’s my preferred method of storage.

How To Make Barefoot Contessa Tuna Casserole

  • Bring salted water in a large stockpot to a boil.
  • In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, toast the breadcrumbs. When the bottom layer of breadcrumbs begins to turn golden, throw with a thorough swirl (or shake). Cook for another 1-2 minutes, often stirring until the breadcrumbs are equally browned. Set aside the breadcrumbs in a separate dish. Return the pan to the heat after wiping it down with a clean towel.
  • Cook until the butter has melted. Sauté the mushrooms, carrots, and onions for 6-8 minutes, stirring periodically, until the onion softens and the mushrooms brown. Cook for 1 minute, stirring often, after adding the garlic. Cook for 1 minute, stirring often until the flour is fully mixed.
  • Stir in the stock to mix. Stir in the milk, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and peas. Cook until the sauce nearly reaches a simmer, then lower to low heat.
  • Add the noodles to the boiling water at the same time you add the liquid to the sauce and simmer until just al dente. Drain the noodles in a spider strainer and add them immediately to the mushroom sauce. (Alternatively, if your sauté pan is too small to handle everything, drain the noodles thoroughly and then mix them with the sauce in the stockpot that you used to cook the noodles.)
  • Combine the noodles, tuna, and cheddar cheese with the vegetable sauce mixture. Toss gently until everything is incorporated and the cheese is melted, then serve. Serve the pasta warm, topped with toasted breadcrumbs and herbs, and accompanied with a lemon slice for squeezing. Enjoy!
Barefoot Contessa Tuna Casserole Recipe
Barefoot Contessa Tuna Casserole Recipe

What To Serve With Tuna Casserole?

  • Garlic Bread
  • Steamed Vegetables
  • Garden Salad
  • Pickled Beets
  • Rolls
  • Apple Crumble
  • Classic Macaroni and Cheese
  • Garlic Rice

How To Store Tuna Casserole?

  • In The Fridge. It is possible to keep any leftover tuna casserole in the refrigerator for up to four days if it is covered with plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container.
  • In The Freezer. You may keep the tuna casserole in the freezer for up to three months if you cover it with plastic wrap first.
  • To Make Ahead. You may put the components of this classic tuna casserole together in advance, wrap them in plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator for up to two days until you are ready to bake the dish.
  • To Reheat. In order to reheat tuna casserole in the oven, cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and hot.

Why Is My Tuna Casserole So Dry?

Overbaking or a lack of fluids might be to blame. If you want a creamier end result, add an extra 1/4 cup of milk.

Recipe Variations

  • Add More Vegetables. Add (or switch out) any additional vegetables that you think would go well with this dish, such as asparagus, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, green beans, kale, spinach, or zucchini. You may add them to the sauté, or you can substitute them for them.
  • Use A Different Cheese. You may substitute any shredded cheese that you like for the cheddar, such as gruyere, gouda, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or any other cheese that you choose. Alternatively, you may cut back on the quantity and replace it with crumbled cheese such as feta, goat cheese, parmesan, or any of a number of other options.
  • Make Use Of A Variety Of Seasonings. The dried or fresh herbs and seasonings that were used to flavor this dish may be employed in a variety of different ways, giving you plenty of room for culinary creativity. If I happen to have fresh Italian herbs on hand, such as fresh basil, rosemary, or thyme, I almost always choose to use those rather than dried versions. I’ve also cooked this mouthwatering dish using a variety of Cajun ingredients, and it turned out well. Alternatively, you could give the dish a lemon pepper vibe by giving the lemon and black pepper a lot more emphasis. Lots of exciting possibilities!
  • Make It Gluten-Free. In lieu of the egg noodles, you can substitute your preferred type of gluten-free noodle variety. In that case, rather than using all-purpose flour to thicken the sauce, I would suggest using a tablespoon or two of cornstarch slurry instead. Cornstarch slurry is made by whisking equal parts cold water and cornstarch together.

Barefoot Contessa Tuna Casserole Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving

  • Calories 344
  • Total Fat 15g
  • Saturated Fat 5.7g
  • Cholesterol 60mg
  • Sodium 778mg
  • Potassium 294mg
  • Total Carbohydrate 32g
  • Dietary Fiber 2.8g
  • Sugars 1.8g
  • Protein 20g
  • Vitamin A 8.8%
  • Vitamin C 6.3%
  • Calcium 15%
  • Iron 8.1%

Barefoot Contessa Tuna Casserole Recipe

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 15 minutesCook time: 25 minutesRest time: minutesTotal time: 40 minutesServings:4 servingsCalories:344 kcal Best Season:Available

Description

This healthy Barefoot Contessa’s Tuna Casserole Recipe has a sauce made with cream of garlic and fresh herbs, loads of vegetables, soft egg noodles, and Panko bread crumbs.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Bring salted water in a large stockpot to a boil.
  2. In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, toast the breadcrumbs. When the bottom layer of breadcrumbs begins to turn golden, throw with a thorough swirl (or shake).
  3. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, often stirring until the breadcrumbs are equally browned.
  4. Set aside the breadcrumbs in a separate dish. Return the pan to the heat after wiping it down with a clean towel.
  5. Cook until the butter has melted. Sauté the mushrooms, carrots, and onions for 6-8 minutes, stirring periodically, until the onion softens and the mushrooms brown.
  6. Cook for 1 minute, stirring often, after adding the garlic. Cook for 1 minute, stirring often until the flour is fully mixed.
  7. Stir in the stock to mix. Stir in the milk, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and peas. Cook until the sauce nearly reaches a simmer, then lower to low heat.
  8. Add the noodles to the boiling water at the same time you add the liquid to the sauce and simmer until just al dente.
  9. Drain the noodles in a spider strainer and add them immediately to the mushroom sauce. (Alternatively, if your sauté pan is too small to handle everything, drain the noodles thoroughly and then mix them with the sauce in the stockpot that you used to cook the noodles.)
  10. Combine the noodles, tuna, and cheddar cheese with the vegetable sauce mixture. Toss gently until everything is incorporated and the cheese is melted, then serve.
  11. Serve the pasta warm, topped with toasted breadcrumbs and herbs, and accompanied with a lemon slice for squeezing. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Add More Vegetables. Add (or switch out) any additional vegetables that you think would go well with this dish, such as asparagus, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, green beans, kale, spinach, or zucchini. You may add them to the sauté, or you can substitute them for them.
  • Use A Different Cheese. You may substitute any shredded cheese that you like for the cheddar, such as gruyere, gouda, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or any other cheese that you choose. Alternatively, you may cut back on the quantity and replace it with crumbled cheese such as feta, goat cheese, parmesan, or any of a number of other options.
  • Make Use Of A Variety Of Seasonings. The dried or fresh herbs and seasonings that were used to flavor this dish may be employed in a variety of different ways, giving you plenty of room for culinary creativity. If I happen to have fresh Italian herbs on hand, such as fresh basil, rosemary, or thyme, I almost always choose to use those rather than dried versions. I’ve also cooked this mouthwatering dish using a variety of Cajun ingredients, and it turned out well. Alternatively, you could give the dish a lemon pepper vibe by giving the lemon and black pepper a lot more emphasis. Lots of exciting possibilities!
  • Make It Gluten-Free. In lieu of the egg noodles, you can substitute your preferred type of gluten-free noodle variety. In that case, rather than using all-purpose flour to thicken the sauce, I would suggest using a tablespoon or two of cornstarch slurry instead. Cornstarch slurry is made by whisking equal parts cold water and cornstarch together.
Keywords:Barefoot Contessa Tuna Casserole Recipe, Tuna Casserole Recipe
Nutrition Facts

Servings 4


Amount Per Serving
Calories 344
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 15g24%
Saturated Fat 5.7g29%
Cholesterol 60mg20%
Sodium 778mg33%
Potassium 294mg9%
Total Carbohydrate 32g11%
Dietary Fiber 2.8g12%
Sugars 1.8g
Protein 20g40%

Vitamin A 8.8 IU
Vitamin C 6.3 mg
Calcium 15 mg
Iron 8.1 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.