This Tuna, Cheese, and Rice Casserole is the epitome of comfort food. Creamy, cheesy, and filled with hearty ingredients, it’s a nostalgic dish that’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or looking for a satisfying meal-prep recipe, this casserole brings simple ingredients together into a warm, irresistible dish.
Ingredients
For the Sauce :
- 6 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup celery, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups milk
- 8 ounces (2 cups) cheddar cheese, shredded
For the Casserole :
- 1 (7-ounce) can tuna, drained and flaked
- 1–1 ½ cups green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons pimiento, diced
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 4 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and celery, cooking until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the flour, black pepper, mustard powder, and Worcestershire sauce, whisking constantly to form a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking, ensuring a smooth mixture. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Set aside.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine the tuna, green peas, pimiento, cooked rice, and prepared cheese sauce. Mix well to coat all ingredients evenly. Season with kosher salt to taste.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy as a standalone meal or pair with a fresh side salad for added greens.
Conclusion
This Tuna, Cheese, and Rice Casserole is a heartwarming dish that brings together creamy cheddar, flaky tuna, and tender rice in a single comforting bite. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners, easy potlucks, or leftovers that taste just as good the next day. This casserole is sure to become a go-to classic in your recipe collection!
Comforting Tuna, Cheese, and Rice Casserole: A Classic One-Dish Meal
Tuna, Cheese, and Rice Casserole is a creamy,cheesy, and comforting one-dish meal packed with tuna, peas, and tender rice.It’s an easy-to-make, family-friendly recipe that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Sauce :
- 6 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup onion finely chopped
- ¼ cup celery finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups milk
- 8 ounces 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
For the Casserole :
- 1 7-ounce can tuna, drained and flaked
- 1 –1 ½ cups green peas fresh or frozen
- 2 tablespoons pimiento diced
- Kosher salt to taste
- 4 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and celery, cooking until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the flour, black pepper, mustard powder, and Worcestershire sauce, whisking constantly to form a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking, ensuring a smooth mixture. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Set aside.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine the tuna, green peas, pimiento, cooked rice, and prepared cheese sauce. Mix well to coat all ingredients evenly. Season with kosher salt to taste.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy as a standalone meal or pair with a fresh side salad for added greens.