Barefoot Contessa’s Cozy Tuna Casserole Recipe For Comfort

Hearty tuna casserole emerges as a culinary champion, bridging generations with its soul-warming embrace.

This nostalgic dish dances between simplicity and decadence, transforming humble ingredients into a symphony of comfort.

Creamy textures and rich flavors meld seamlessly, creating a meal that feels like a warm hug from grandma’s kitchen.

Weeknight cooking gets an effortless upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe that never fails to delight.

Every forkful tells a story of home-cooked love and culinary tradition.

Seafood enthusiasts and comfort food fanatics will swoon over this irresistible skillet sensation that promises to become your new dinnertime obsession.

Get ready to fall head over heels for a classic that turns ordinary evenings into memorable feasts.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 33 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Items Used in Barefoot Contessa Tuna Casserole

• Tuna: Select wild-caught or sustainably sourced for richer flavor and better texture.
• Eggs: Choose fresh, free-range eggs for enhanced nutritional value.

• Milk: Whole milk provides richer, smoother consistency.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Cheddar Cheese: Opt for reduced-sodium versions for healthier preparation.

• Panko Bread Crumbs, Butter, Parsley: Select fresh, high-quality ingredients to elevate overall dish complexity.
• Onion, Celery: Look for firm, bright vegetables without soft spots or discoloration.
• Peas: Frozen peas offer consistent quality and quick preparation.
• Egg Noodles: Choose wide or extra-wide noodles for better texture and sauce absorption.

Cooking Tools for Tuna Casserole

• Oven: Essential for baking the casserole to golden-brown perfection.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all the tasty ingredients together.
• Skillet: Great for sautéing onions and celery to build deep flavor.
• Mixing bowl (small): Ideal for creating the crispy, cheesy bread crumb topping.
• 2-quart baking dish: Helps evenly spread and bake the casserole.
• Measuring cups: Ensures precise ingredient amounts.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps mix ingredients smoothly.
• Colander: Drains noodles quickly and efficiently.
• Cutting board: Provides space for chopping parsley and vegetables.
• Sharp knife: Chops herbs and vegetables with ease.

How to Prepare Barefoot Contessa Tuna Casserole

• Fire Up the Oven

Blast the oven to a sizzling 425°F, transforming your kitchen into a comfort food sanctuary.

• Create Flavor Explosion

Whip together a crunchy topping by mixing bread crumbs, melted butter, cheese, and fresh herbs until they dance with deliciousness.

• Prepare Tuna Base

Sauté onions and celery until they release their mouth-watering aroma. Fold in tender egg noodles, creamy mushroom soup, milk, peas, tuna, and cheese into a harmonious blend that promises pure satisfaction.

• Build the Casserole

Pour the tantalizing mixture into a baking dish, creating a smooth canvas for your crispy topping. Generously sprinkle the herb-infused crumb mixture across the surface, ensuring every bite will crackle with excitement.

• Bake and Devour

Slide the casserole into the hot oven and let magic happen. Watch as the top turns golden and edges bubble with anticipation. Pull out a masterpiece that’s crispy, creamy, and guaranteed to make taste buds dance after 18-20 minutes of transformative cooking.

Flavor Changes for Tuna Casserole

• Boost Flavor Fusion: Swap out tuna for rotisserie chicken or cooked salmon to create exciting protein variations that keep your taste buds dancing.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours before baking, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. Simply pop it in the oven when you're ready for a stress-free meal.
• Veggie Power Boost: Experiment by adding roasted bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to increase nutritional value and introduce extra layers of delicious complexity.
• Gluten-Free Hack: Replace panko bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing that irresistible crunchy topping.

Tips for Serving Tuna Casserole Neatly

• Pair with Fresh Salad: Complement the rich, creamy casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette for balanced flavors and added nutrition.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Grab a slice of warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add a satisfying texture to your meal.
• Enjoy with Chilled White Wine: Select a crisp, refreshing white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness of the tuna casserole and enhance the dining experience.
• Top with Extra Herbs: Sprinkle some additional fresh chopped parsley or chives just before serving to boost the dish's brightness and aromatic appeal.

Store Tuna Casserole for Later Meals

• Preserve Peak Freshness: Store leftover tuna casserole in an airtight container within the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The crispy topping might soften slightly, but flavors will remain delicious.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Frozen portions maintain quality for up to 2 months, providing quick future meals.
• Reheat with Care: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or restore crispiness by baking in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of milk to prevent dryness during reheating.
• Portion and Prep: Divide casserole into single-serving containers for grab-and-go lunches. These meal-prep portions make weekday eating effortless and convenient, saving time and reducing kitchen stress.

Comforting Barefoot Contessa Tuna Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s barefoot contessa tuna casserole delivers comfort with classic American diner-style nostalgia. Crisp breadcrumb topping and creamy sauce make this hearty dish perfect for family dinners when home calls for something simple and satisfying.

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Ingredients

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• 1 can (142-170 g/5-6 oz) tuna, drained
• 1 can (298 g/10.5 oz) condensed mushroom soup
• 3 cups (710 ml/24 fl oz) egg noodles
• 1 cup (240 g/8 oz) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• ⅔ cup (100 g/3.5 oz) frozen peas, thawed
• ⅓ cup (80 ml/2.7 fl oz) milk
• 1 tbsp (3 g) parsley, chopped
• ½ cup (120 g/4.2 oz) panko bread crumbs
• 2 tbsps (28 g/1 oz) butter, melted
• ½ cup (120 g/4.2 oz) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tbsp (3 g) parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Ignite the oven to a sizzling 425°F (220°C), creating the ideal thermal environment for the upcoming tuna casserole.
2. Topping Creation: Blend panko crumbs, melted butter, cheddar cheese, and parsley in a mixing bowl, crafting a crisp, flavor-packed crown for the dish.
3. Noodle Transformation: Immerse egg noodles in salted, rolling boiling water until achieving a perfect al dente consistency. Drain and rinse under cold water to cease cooking, preserving their delicate texture.
4. Vegetable Foundation: Sauté onions and celery in butter over medium heat, coaxing out their aromatic essence until translucent and tender, approximately 5-7 minutes.
5. Casserole Assembly: Merge cooked noodles, sautéed vegetables, green peas, cream of mushroom soup, milk, cheddar cheese, chunk light tuna, and parsley in a harmonious blend, ensuring each ingredient is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
6. Baking Preparation: Slide the combined mixture into a 2-quart baking dish, smoothing the surface for an even layer, then lavishly sprinkle the prepared bread crumb topping across the entire casserole.
7. Culinary Finale: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and effervescent edges that signal the casserole has reached its peak of delectable perfection.

Notes

• Boost Noodle Texture: Rinse cooked noodles in cold water to prevent overcooking and maintain a perfect al dente consistency.
• Enhance Vegetable Flavor: Sauté onions and celery until translucent to develop a deeper, richer base flavor for the casserole.
• Create Crunch Perfection: Ensure the bread crumb topping completely covers the casserole for maximum crispy texture and golden-brown appearance.
• Prevent Soggy Disaster: Use whole milk and condensed soup carefully to maintain the right moisture balance and avoid a watery casserole.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg