Nov 28, 2011

Homemade Tuna Casserole

Hi all! I've been busy the last few days trying to catch up on some housework since I worked so much last week. My schedule was so weird last week that I have spent the weekend in a sort of fog. I would work some shifts as early as 6am and other shifts I stayed at work as late as 11:30pm and 12:15am. I am looking forward to a more set morning shift which will make my life so much more smooth as well as routine. I thrive on routine. Also, I thrive on sleep! Young children just don't have an understanding of why Mama might need to sleep later than usual!


Today Casey is working at both his jobs. He came home for about ten minutes to have dinner with us before rushing back to work. I wanted to have a nice hot meal prepared when he got home and I was literally taking the casserole out of the oven when he walked through the door. The kids were clamoring for their supper at the table. I took special care in measuring all the ingredients because I wanted to share with you a simple but wholesome casserole for your family to enjoy. I served tuna casserole and peas.

If you are like me, you grew up having tuna casserole made with cream of mushroom soup. While that tasted good, I am here to show you how to revolutionize this casserole. Trust me that this is a satisfying meal and very filling. After our family of five is done eating, we usually have about one large serving leftover.

Homemade Tuna Casserole

12 oz gluten free pasta (or pasta of choice)
1/2 onion, chopped
2 T. butter
2 garlic cloves, chopped
2 T. brown rice flour (or flour of choice)
2 c. heavy cream
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
2 cans tuna, drained
2 c. sharp cheddar cheese

Topping:
extra cheese for sprinkling (about a handful)
1 T. butter, melted
1/4 c. gluten free cornflake crumbs

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Cook your pasta according to the directions on the package. Drain and set aside.


In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and saute the chopped onion until translucent. 


Add in the chopped (or pressed/grated) garlic and cook about another minute.


Sprinkle in the flour and whisk together.

Whisking the flour into the sauteed onions and garlic.

Pour in the cream and whisk until it just starts to boil. Turn down the heat to low. Add salt and pepper. Use a fork to flake the tuna into the sauce. Pour in the cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and sauce is combined.

Finished sauce.
Mix together the pasta and the sauce and pour into a greased 2 1/2 quart casserole dish. Sprinkle the top with a handful of cheese. Melt 1 T. butter in the microwave or on the stove top. In a bowl, combine the cornflake crumbs and melted butter. Keep stirring until the crumbs are all slightly moist. Spread on top the casserole. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.


As I mentioned, I took this out just in time as Casey was coming home so I forgot to snap an after picture but it looked basically just the same except melty and warm. It didn't brown a whole lot. The kids loved it and Casey said it was "very good." He is a very blunt critic of my cooking so when he says its good then you can trust him!

♥ Shari

4 comments:

  1. Hi, Shari! I never had tuna casserole while growing up and (wait for it!) I've never even eaten tuna casserole before. However, I'm going to try my hand at your recipe. I'll let you know how it goes. I like tuna. I like casseroles. I think I'll like tuna casserole!!

    Chandra
    More Modern Modesty

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  2. now wonder it's good with heavy cream! sounds really good ;-)

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  3. Chandra ~ You just made my day! Its so cool that you stopped by to read my blog and thanks for commenting! Let me know if you do or don't like tuna casserole! :D Because this is very similar to my chicken macaroni and cheese which is sure to please if you don't care for tuna. I'll have to share that recipe on here some time! And, thanks for all the modest inspiration on your blog! :D

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  4. Mom ~ If you prefer to make this a tad "healthier" perhaps choose a whole grain pasta or substitute some or all of the cream with a low fat milk. :D I love adaptable recipes that can be easily changed for a personal preference or dietary need!

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