Zippy Tuna Casserole Recipe: Crunchy Comfort in a Pan

Golden, bubbling casseroles with a mouthwatering crispy tuna casserole recipe always spark comfort at the dinner table.

Tender chunks of flaky fish nestle between layers of creamy sauce and perfectly cooked noodles.

Crunchy breadcrumbs create an irresistible golden top that adds delightful texture to every bite.

We’ve crafted this classic dish with simple ingredients that come together effortlessly.

The blend of rich, savory flavors makes this casserole a weeknight dinner champion.

Packed with protein and satisfaction, this recipe offers a delicious twist on traditional comfort food.

Dive into this hearty meal that promises warmth and deliciousness in every forkful.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 60 minutes

Calories: 575 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients Used in Crispy Tuna Casserole

• Tuna: Adds rich, savory flavor and protein punch; choose high-quality canned tuna in water for best texture.
• Chives, Tarragon: Bright, fresh herbs that elevate the seafood's natural taste; look for vibrant green, crisp herbs.

• Butter: Creates luxurious richness and helps build complex flavor layers; use unsalted for better control.
• Cream, Broth: Foundation for silky sauce; select low-sodium broth to manage salt content.
• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Provides deep, tangy cheese notes; opt for freshly grated for maximum melting potential.

• Potato Chips, Panko: Delivers irresistible crispy golden crust; mix different chip types for interesting texture variation.
• Green Beans: Adds fresh, tender vegetable element; choose young, slender beans for best crispness.
• Pasta: Serves as hearty base; select medium-sized pasta shapes that hold sauce well.
• Leeks, Mushrooms: Introduces earthy, aromatic undertones; select fresh, firm vegetables for maximum flavor.

Kitchen Tool for Tuna Casserole Success

• Large skillet: Essential for sautéing leeks and mushrooms, and making the creamy sauce.
• 13- x 9-inch baking dish: Perfect for assembling and baking the casserole.
• Whisk: Key for smoothly blending flour, cream, broth, and cheese.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta and green beans.
• Small bowl: Used for mixing topping and holding sautéed vegetables.
• Measuring spoons and cups: Crucial for accurate ingredient amounts.
• Sharp knife: Helpful for chopping chives and preparing ingredients.
• Large pot: Required for boiling pasta and green beans.
• Ice water bowl: Used to stop green beans from overcooking.

How to Cook a Crunchy Tuna Casserole

• Ocean Melody Preparation

Get ready to transform simple ingredients into a comforting seafood delight that brings warmth to your dinner table.

• Vegetable Symphony

Quickly blanch fresh green beans and set them aside, preserving their vibrant color and crisp texture.

• Flavor Foundation

Sauté fragrant leeks and earthy mushrooms in butter, creating a rich base that will elevate the entire casserole.

• Creamy Essence

Craft a luxurious sauce by whisking together butter, flour, cream, and broth, then smoothly incorporate cheese for a silky consistency.

• Casserole Assembly

Combine tender pasta, flaky tuna, herb-infused sauce, green beans, and sautéed vegetables in a baking dish.

• Crunchy Crown

Top the casserole with a golden mixture of crushed potato chips and panko breadcrumbs for an irresistible crispy layer.

• Baking Magic

Bake until the casserole becomes bubbly and the topping turns a beautiful golden brown, then let it rest briefly before serving.

Tips for Texture, Cheese, and Topping Swaps

• Mix in diced bell peppers or peas for extra color and nutrition.
• Replace tuna with cooked chicken or crab meat for a delightful protein variation.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère, fontina, or smoked gouda to elevate the flavor profile.
• Try alternative crispy toppings such as crushed pretzels, buttered breadcrumbs, or toasted almond slivers for a unique texture contrast.
• Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Serving Suggestions for Tuna Casserole

• Party Platter Presentation: Serve this casserole in a beautiful ceramic dish with fresh herbs sprinkled on top, creating a colorful and inviting centerpiece for your dinner table.
• Gourmet Side Companions: Pair the crispy tuna casserole with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus spears to balance the rich, creamy flavors.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Complement the dish with a crisp white wine like sauvignon blanc or a chardonnay, which will enhance the delicate seafood and cheesy notes of the casserole.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining casserole into individual lunch portions by reheating in small ramekins, topping with extra potato chip crumbs for renewed crunchiness.

Storage Advice for Keeping It Crispy

• Smart Fridge Storage: Keep this casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Tightly seal to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, adding a splash of milk to restore creamy texture. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to maintain crispy potato chip topping.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
• Portion Control Hack: Divide the casserole into individual serving containers before refrigerating. This makes meal prep easier and ensures quick grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Crunchy Tuna Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Home cooks adore this classic crispy tuna casserole that blends creamy textures with crunchy breadcrumb topping. Hearty noodles, tender fish, and golden-brown edges make this nostalgic dish perfect for family dinners you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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• 1 (12 oz) can solid white tuna in spring water, drained
• 2 cups (8 oz) shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
• 6 tbsps grated parmesan cheese
• 1 (16 oz) package ziti pasta
• 1 (8 oz) package haricots verts (thin green beans), cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 medium leeks, thinly sliced
• 2 (4 oz) packages fresh gourmet mushroom blend
• 8 tbsps butter, divided
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup organic vegetable broth
• ¾ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh chives
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon or parsley
• Vegetable cooking spray
• ¼ cup crushed potato chips
• ¼ cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
• Garnish: sliced fresh chives

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F, creating an ideal environment for baking the casserole.
2. Pasta Preparation: Cook pasta until perfectly al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. Vegetable Preparation: Blanch green beans quickly in salted water, immediately transfer to ice bath to maintain vibrant color and crisp texture.
4. Flavor Foundation: In a large skillet, sauté leeks and mushrooms until they develop a rich, golden-brown coloration, releasing deep, savory aromatics.
5. Sauce Creation: Craft a velvety sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour to create a roux, then gradually blend in cream and broth, stirring constantly to ensure a silky smooth consistency.
6. Cheese Integration: Melt Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses into the sauce, creating a luxurious, creamy base that will bind the casserole ingredients.
7. Ingredient Fusion: Gently fold together pasta, tuna, chives, tarragon, sautéed vegetables, and the cheese sauce, ensuring even distribution of flavors and ingredients.
8. Assembly and Topping: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, then create a crispy topping by combining crushed potato chips, panko breadcrumbs, and additional Parmesan cheese.
9. Baking Process: Bake in the preheated oven until the casserole becomes bubbling hot and the topping transforms into a golden, crisp crust.
10. Serving: Allow the casserole to rest briefly, enabling flavors to meld and settle before presenting this delectable dish.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness and maintain a satisfying bite in the final dish.
• Vegetable Vitality: Quickly blanch green beans and shock in ice water to preserve their bright color and crisp texture, adding freshness to the casserole.
• Sauce Smoothness: Whisk flour and butter carefully to create a roux without lumps, ensuring a silky, creamy sauce that coats ingredients evenly.
• Crunch Control: Mix potato chips and panko for a superior crispy topping that adds irresistible texture and elevates the entire casserole experience.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 575
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg