Description
Whipping up this Tuna Rice Casserole takes just 20 minutes and delivers classic comfort straight from your kitchen. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender tuna, this quick meal turns ordinary ingredients into a satisfying dinner that brings smiles around the table.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Grain:
- 1 can (5 ounces / 142 grams) tuna, drained
- 2 cups cooked rice
Vegetables and Cheese:
- ½ cup chopped celery
- ¼ cup chopped onion
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Liquids and Seasonings:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Warm your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the rack sits in the center position.
- Grab a large mixing bowl and add the drained tuna, breaking it into small, even flakes.
- Fold the cooked rice into the tuna, creating a light and even mixture.
- Dice the celery and onion into small, uniform pieces to distribute flavor throughout the casserole.
- Sprinkle the chopped vegetables into the tuna and rice, mixing gently to combine.
- Whisk the mayonnaise, milk, and lemon juice in a separate bowl until smooth and well-blended.
- Shred the cheddar cheese and incorporate it into the creamy liquid mixture.
- Season the sauce with a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper to enhance the overall taste.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the tuna and rice, stirring carefully to coat every ingredient.
- Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 8×8 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges bubble slightly.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 3-4 minutes to help it set and cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Choose light or Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier version of the casserole.
- Swap white rice with brown rice or quinoa to boost nutritional value and add more fiber.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking to create a crispy, golden crust that adds extra texture.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure your mayonnaise and cheese are certified gluten-free and check all ingredient labels carefully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg