Bobby Flay Tuna Casserole Recipe

Top Tuna Casserole Recipe by Bobby Flay

Bobby Flay’s tuna casserole represents the ultimate comfort food for busy families seeking a quick and hearty meal.

Hearty and rich, this classic dish combines creamy textures with savory seafood notes that promise delightful satisfaction.

Nostalgic memories of home-cooked dinners resurface with each steaming forkful of this timeless recipe.

Packed with protein and simple ingredients, the casserole delivers robust flavors that appeal to both kids and adults.

Soft noodles and tender tuna create a harmonious blend of textures that make this dish irresistibly comforting.

The warming combination of cheese, vegetables, and seafood transforms ordinary ingredients into something truly special.

Pro Tips for Bobby Flay Tuna Casserole

  • Select Premium Tuna: Pick high-grade, solid white albacore packed in water for richer, cleaner taste.
  • Cheese Adventure: Blend sharp cheddar with smoked gouda or gruyère to create unexpected flavor complexity.
  • Control Liquid Levels: Completely drain tuna and pat dry with paper towels to prevent watery casserole texture.
  • Noodle Precision: Cook pasta just shy of package instructions, aiming for slightly firm al dente consistency.
  • Spice Boost: Sprinkle cayenne or smoked paprika for gentle heat that elevates the entire dish's profile.

Clever Storage Solutions for Bobby Flay Tuna Casserole

  • Vacuum Seal Method: Extract all air using a vacuum sealer before storing in the freezer. Prevents freezer burn and maintains casserole's original texture and flavor intensity.
  • Portion Separation Method: Divide leftover casserole into individual serving sizes before refrigerating or freezing. Allows easy reheating without thawing entire dish and reduces potential food waste.
  • Glass Container Method: Transfer cooled casserole into glass containers with tight-fitting lids. Prevents moisture absorption, keeps ingredients fresh, and allows direct microwave reheating without transferring to another dish.

Creative Variations for Bobby Flay Tuna Casserole

  • Spicy Mediterranean Tuna Fusion: Swap regular tuna with spicy Mediterranean-seasoned tuna, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and replace parsley with fresh basil for a zesty Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Smoked Salmon Seafood Swap: Substitute tuna with flaked smoked salmon, use dill instead of parsley, and incorporate cream cheese for a rich, luxurious seafood casserole experience.
  • Vegetarian Mushroom Alternative: Replace tuna with sautéed mixed mushrooms, use vegetable broth instead of milk, and add roasted garlic for an earthy, protein-packed vegetarian version that maintains the casserole's creamy texture.
  • Southwestern Chili Kick: Add diced green chiles, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, sprinkle cumin and chili powder into the mix, and top with crushed tortilla chips for a bold, southwestern-inspired casserole that brings heat and excitement to the classic recipe.

A Heartfelt Ending for Bobby Flay Tuna Casserole

Classic comfort meets culinary expertise in Bobby Flay’s tuna casserole masterpiece.

Mediterranean-inspired tuna blends seamlessly with creamy cheese and tender noodles, creating a nostalgic meal.

Crisp breadcrumb topping adds delightful texture to this family-friendly dish.

Weeknight dinners gain new life with such simple yet sophisticated ingredients.

Hearty portions guarantee satisfaction for hungry families and friends.

Passionate cooks who share this recipe spark joy: click those like buttons, spread delicious inspiration through comments, and watch culinary magic unfold among fellow food enthusiasts.

Discover the Comfort of Bobby Flay Tuna Casserole

  • Whip Up Quick Comfort: This tuna casserole delivers delicious home-style comfort in just 33 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Celebrate Creamy Texture Delight: Blending tender noodles with smooth soup, melted cheese, and soft vegetables creates a rich, creamy texture that feels luxurious and warming in every single bite.
  • Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Using basic kitchen skills like sautéing vegetables, boiling noodles, and mixing ingredients makes this recipe super approachable for home cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced chefs.

Must-Have Ingredients for Bobby Flay Tuna Casserole

Main Ingredients:

Pasta and Protein:
  • Egg Noodles: Classic pasta perfect for a comforting casserole, wide and sturdy noodles work best.
  • Tuna: Protein-rich seafood that adds hearty flavor, canned chunk light or albacore recommended.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Celery: Aromatic base that provides depth and subtle crunch, fresh produce preferred.
  • Frozen Peas: Sweet green vegetable that adds color and nutrition to the dish.
Dairy and Binding:
  • Milk: Creamy liquid that helps bind the casserole and create smooth texture.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and adds rich flavor, block cheese recommended for better melting.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy sauce that acts as a convenient binding agent for the casserole.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that provides bright, clean flavor and green color accent.
Topping:
  • Breadcrumbs: Crunchy topping that adds textural contrast and golden brown appearance.
Additional Elements:
  • Butter: Helps sauté vegetables and adds rich flavor to the base.

A Complete Guide to Bobby Flay Tuna Casserole

A Complete Guide to Bobby Flay Tuna Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Topping

Heat the oven to 425°F. In a separate bowl, mix the topping ingredients and set aside for later use.

Ingredients for topping:
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Melted butter
  • Herbs (optional)

Step 2: Cook Pasta

Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking process. Use of wide egg noodles.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

In a skillet, melt of butter. Sauté diced onions and chopped celery for 5 to 7 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 4: Combine Casserole Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • Cooked pasta
  • Sautéed onion and celery
  • Frozen peas
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • Milk
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 (5-ounce) cans of drained tuna
  • Chopped fresh parsley

Mix all ingredients thoroughly.

Step 5: Assemble Casserole

Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle prepared topping evenly over the casserole.

Step 6: Bake Casserole

Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.

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Bobby Flay Tuna Casserole Recipe

Bobby Flay Tuna Casserole Recipe


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4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 33 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Bobby Flay’s Tuna Casserole elevates a classic comfort dish with bold, zesty flavors. Mediterranean herbs and crispy breadcrumb topping make this hearty meal a delightful twist on traditional recipes that will satisfy your craving for something familiar yet extraordinary.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 can tuna 5-6 ounces (142170 grams), drained
  • 3 cups (255 grams) egg noodles, approximately 6 ounces (170 grams)
  • 1 cup (113 grams) cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup (57 grams) cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • ⅔ cup (95 grams) frozen peas, defrosted
  • 1 tablespoon parsley
  • 1 tablespoon parsley

Binding and Topping Ingredients:

  • 10 ½ ounces (298 grams) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) milk
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted
  • ½ cup (60 grams) panko bread crumbs

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and prepare a 2-quart (1.9 liters) baking dish for the casserole.
  2. Cook the noodles in salted boiling water according to package instructions until they reach al dente texture. Immediately drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
  3. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté diced onions and chopped celery until they become translucent and softened, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, sautéed onion and celery mixture, frozen peas, condensed cream soup, whole milk, shredded cheese, flaked tuna, and freshly chopped parsley. Gently stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  5. Transfer the mixed casserole contents into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even spread.
  6. Sprinkle the prepared topping mixture evenly over the casserole surface, creating a crispy layer.
  7. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling hot and the topping turns golden brown.

Notes

  • Drain tuna thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the casserole soggy.
  • Select premium tuna packed in water for a cleaner, fresher taste profile.
  • Grate cheese yourself for maximum melting and richer flavor distribution.
  • Slightly undercook pasta to maintain perfect texture after baking.
  • Customize heat levels by adding red pepper flakes or mild jalapeños.
  • Break up tuna chunks uniformly for consistent seasoning throughout the dish.
  • Consider whole wheat noodles for added nutritional value and nutty undertone.
  • Layer ingredients carefully to create delicious pockets of flavor in each bite.
  • Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly and create better overall consistency.
  • Store leftovers in airtight container for up to three days in refrigerator.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 323
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 689mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 19g
  • Cholesterol: 68mg
Ethan Miller

Ethan Miller

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Food Photography and Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Blogging
  • Ingredient Sourcing and Sustainability Practices

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and food safety protocols.

Culinary Institute of the Pacific

  • Program: Certificate in International Cuisine
  • Focus: Exploration of global culinary traditions, flavor profiles, and plating artistry.

Ethan’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where he first learned to play with flavors and ingredients. With formal training in culinary arts and a deep love for international cuisines, Ethan’s goal is to share the joy of cooking with others.

He believes food is all about creativity and bringing people together, one meal at a time. When he’s not experimenting with new dishes, he enjoys hiking in the Oregon wilderness and discovering fresh, local ingredients.

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