Tuna Melt Casserole Recipe

Name: Tuna Melt Casserole
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 80 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 (12-ounce) package wide egg noodles; 4 tablespoons butter; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 1/2 cup chopped celery; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 3 tablespoons flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 8 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 3 1/2 cups whole milk; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 (12-ounce) can chunk white tuna in water, drained; 3 tablespoons drained capers or chopped pickled jalapeños; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 2 slices sourdough or artisan bread, cut in 1/2-inch cubes; 1/2 teaspoon seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay®); 2 large Roma tomatoes, sliced or halved crosswise and sliced

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

1 (12 ounce) package wide egg noodles
4 tablespoons butter, divided
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
2 teaspoons minced garlic
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 (12 ounce) can chunk white tuna in water, drained
3 tablespoons drained capers
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 slices sourdough or artisan bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 teaspoon seafood seasoning, such as Old Bay
2 large Roma tomatoes, sliced or halved crosswise and sliced

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400F (200C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a large pot, bring lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles until tender but still firm to the bite, about 7 to 9 minutes. Drain and return the noodles to the pot.
In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 6 minutes, until softened.
Gradually stir in the flour, salt, and cayenne pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until the flour becomes lightly golden, about 1 minute.
Whisk in the milk and continue cooking, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble.
Gradually add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
Stir the sauce, tuna, capers, and Dijon mustard into the cooked noodles. Transfer the noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Toss the bread cubes with the melted butter and seafood seasoning.
Arrange the tomato slices over the noodle mixture. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Add the seasoned bread cubes on top as well.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the dish is hot and bubbly, and the bread cubes are lightly browned.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 712
Total Fat: 42g (54% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 23g (115% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 150mg (50% Daily Value)
Sodium: 1274mg (55% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 42g (15% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 3g (10% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 11g
Protein: 43g (85% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 7mg (8% Daily Value)
Calcium: 746mg (57% Daily Value)
Iron: 3mg (17% Daily Value)
Potassium: 604mg (13% Daily Value)

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

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

Note: If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

The History and Cultural Significance of Tuna Melt Casserole

The Tuna Melt Casserole is an inventive twist on the classic tuna melt sandwich, which gained popularity in mid-20th century America. Originating as a convenient, hearty meal for busy families, the casserole adaptation transformed the handheld sandwich into a baked, shareable dish. Its roots are deeply connected to the post-World War II era, when canned tuna became widely available and affordable, encouraging home cooks to experiment with quick, protein-rich meals that could serve multiple people at once.

Regional Variations and Local Touches

While the Tuna Melt Casserole is primarily associated with American comfort food traditions, regional variations exist. In the Midwest, it often includes a heavier cheese topping and a breadcrumb crust for added texture. Coastal regions may incorporate capers or pickled jalapeos to highlight the seafood flavor. Some Southern adaptations use cornbread cubes instead of traditional artisan bread, giving the casserole a slightly sweet, crumbly finish. Each variation reflects the local palate while keeping the essence of the tuna melt intact.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Though it resembles classic tuna noodle casserole, the Tuna Melt Casserole distinguishes itself by its sandwich-inspired elements. The inclusion of sliced tomatoes, a robust cheddar cheese layer, and buttery, seasoned bread cubes mimics the texture and taste of a traditional tuna melt. Unlike simpler tuna noodle casseroles that rely solely on creamy sauce and noodles, this version delivers a layered, toasted experience reminiscent of a grilled sandwich, combining creamy, cheesy, and crunchy textures in every bite.

Typical Serving Occasions

This casserole is commonly served as a casual family dinner or a comforting lunch. It is especially popular in home gatherings, potlucks, and weekend meals where ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing appeal are priorities. The dish is versatile enough to appear in cafes or diner menus as a nostalgic comfort food, often paired with a fresh green salad or pickles for balance. Its warm, cheesy layers make it an ideal dish for colder months or any occasion that calls for hearty comfort food.

Interesting Facts

The Tuna Melt Casserole carries several culinary quirks that make it unique. For instance, the use of capers or pickled jalapeos introduces an unexpected tang that contrasts beautifully with the rich cheese sauce. Interestingly, the casserole's design reflects a broader trend in American cuisine of transforming sandwiches into oven-baked meals, maximizing convenience while preserving flavor. Nutrition-wise, each serving packs a substantial protein punch, making it both satisfying and practical. Additionally, its evolution demonstrates the enduring popularity of repurposing pantry stapleslike canned tuna, cheese, and breadinto modern comfort classics.

FAQ about Tuna Melt Casserole Recipe

Yes, you can store leftover Tuna Melt Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual servings in the microwave.

Yes, Tuna Melt Casserole can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe dish. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake directly from the freezer at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until heated through.

Absolutely! You can substitute canned chicken for the tuna if you prefer, or use a different type of cheese, such as mozzarella or gouda, for a milder flavor. For a spicy variation, you can swap the capers for chopped pickled jalapeños. The bread cubes can also be substituted with croutons for extra crunch.

Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day ahead. Assemble everything up to the point of baking, cover with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, simply bake as directed. It may take a few extra minutes to bake if it's cold from the fridge.

Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like. Penne, fusilli, or farfalle would all work well. Just make sure to cook the pasta according to the package instructions before combining it with the sauce.

If the casserole is too dry after baking, you can add a bit more milk to the sauce while you're making it. Alternatively, you can drizzle some extra milk or cream over the casserole before reheating to moisten it.

Yes, you can use low-fat milk or milk alternatives like almond milk or oat milk. Keep in mind that the texture and richness of the sauce may vary slightly depending on your choice.

If you prefer a milder dish, simply reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. You can also skip the jalapeños if you're using them as a substitute for the capers.

You can add extra seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika to boost the flavor. For a more savory touch, try adding a pinch of thyme or parsley. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as pepper jack for a tangy kick.

Yes, you can use canned tuna in oil. It will add a richer flavor to the casserole. Just be sure to drain the oil before adding it to the dish.

Comments

Ashley White

07/23/2024 02:44:43 AM

Delicious! I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out fantastic. A satisfying and delightful twist on a classic dish. Thank you!

Jacob White

05/03/2023 10:15:41 PM

This dish was absolutely delightful! I didn't have tuna on hand, so I substituted with canned chicken breast, and opted for croutons as a topping instead of bread. Despite these modifications, I stuck to the recipe as instructed, and the final result was outstanding.

Kenneth Edwards

02/13/2025 04:46:35 PM

Julianna, my friend got this recipe from Apple News, but it mistakenly indicated 8 teaspoons of cayenne instead of 1/8th! He ended up using 8 teaspoons!! It's unclear how this error occurred, but you may want to reach out to Apple to address this issue. 🌶️🚨

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