By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on June 11, 2023 | Last Updated on July 2, 2023
The Barefoot Contessa Tuna Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish made from canned tuna, noodles, mushrooms, onions, peas, parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs. It is the perfect comfort food for a cold winter night and is sure to please any crowd.
This casserole is easy to make, with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. And it’s full of nutrition too!
This recipe includes everything you need to make the perfect tuna casserole, including step-by-step instructions and tips to help you make the most of this tasty dish.
We’ll also include all the information you need to create a delicious Barefoot Contessa Tuna Casserole that your family will love! So, let’s get started!
What is the Barefoot Contessa Tuna Casserole?
As mentioned above, the Barefoot Contessa Tuna Casserole is a classic comfort food made with canned tuna, egg noodles, mushrooms, onions, peas and parmesan cheese. It’s an easy-to-make dish that can easily be adapted for different dietary needs and tastes.
It has a savory flavor from the soy sauce, white wine and Worcestershire sauce. The Parmesan cheese adds a hint of nutty richness while the breadcrumbs add texture to the top of the casserole.
My mom used to make this Bare food contessa occasionally on special days. This was one of that dish I used to look forward on occasions.I loved it very much! The combination of all of the ingredients in this casserole was always so delicious and made for a warm and comforting meal.
How to make Barefoot Contessa Tuna Casserole?
Making this casserole is easy! The key here is all you need to do is follow the simple steps and instructions of tips and you will have a delicious hearty meal.
You can also read the following appetizer recipes:
Ingredients
- Tuna: The main protein of the dish, this canned tuna will provide flavor and nutrition.
- Egg Noodles: These noodles will add a hearty texture to the casserole.
- Mushrooms: This savory vegetable provides an earthy flavor to the casserole.
- Parmesan Cheese: This cheese adds a nutty richness to the dish.
- Peas: These frozen peas add a burst of freshness and flavor to the casserole.
- Breadcrumbs: The crunchy topping helps complete this delicious casserole.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This savory sauce adds a boost of flavor to the dish.
- White Wine: This dry white wine helps balance out the savory flavors in the casserole.
- Chicken Broth: The chicken broth helps bring all of the ingredients together for a flavorful base.
- Onions: These diced onions add sweetness and depth to the dish.
- Butter: The butter helps give the casserole its creamy texture.
- Thyme: This fragrant herb adds a bright and earthy flavor to the casserole.
- Dark Soy Sauce: This savory sauce gives an extra depth of flavor to the casserole.
- Ground Pepper: The pepper adds a spicy kick to the dish.
- All-purpose Flour: This helps thicken the casserole and give it a creamy texture.
- Whole Milk: This helps create a smooth, creamy sauce that binds all of the ingredients together.
- Lemon Juice: The lemon juice adds a bright balance to the casserole.
- Coarse Salt: This salt helps bring out the flavors of all of the ingredients.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2
Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
Step 3
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and add the mushrooms, onions, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Step 4
Add the soy sauce, white wine, and flour to the pan and cook for 1 minute.
Step 5
Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth; bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 10 minutes or until thickened.
Step 6
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and canned tuna.
Step 7
Pour half of the mixture into the prepared baking dish; top with cooked egg noodles, peas, parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs; pour remaining tuna mixture over top and mix together gently.
Step 8
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown on top; let cool slightly before serving.
Tips
• For a cheese-y crunch, sprinkle some extra parmesan cheese on top of the casserole before baking.
• For a lighter version of this dish, substitute whole wheat noodles for the egg noodles and low-fat milk for whole milk.
Barefoot Contessa Tuna Casserole
Equipment
- baking dish
- large saucepan
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 2 10 oz Cans solid light tuna
- 10 oz egg noodles
- 6 ounces sliced mushrooms
- 2 cups shredded parmesan cheese
- 6 oz frozen peas
- 2 cups bread crumbs
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup diced yellow onions
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp freshly chopped thyme
- 2 tbsp Dark soy sauce
- Ground pepper
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- Coarse salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and add the mushrooms, onions, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the soy sauce, white wine, and flour to the pan and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth; bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 10 minutes or until thickened.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and canned tuna.
- Pour half of the mixture into the prepared baking dish; top with cooked egg noodles, peas, parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs; pour remaining tuna mixture over top and mix together gently.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown on top; let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a cheese-y crunch, sprinkle some extra parmesan cheese on top of the casserole before baking.
- For a lighter version of this dish, substitute whole wheat noodles for the egg noodles and low-fat milk for whole milk.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 1290kcal
Carbohydrates: 142g
Protein: 74g
Fat: 45g
Saturated Fat: 26g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g
Monounsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 127mg
Sodium: 2987mg
Potassium: 919mg
Fiber: 10g
Sugar: 16g
Vitamin A: 1627IU
Vitamin C: 23mg
Calcium: 1418mg
Iron: 9mg
What to serve with Barefoot Contessa Tuna Casserole?
This casserole is great served with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a light and healthy meal. You can also serve it with garlic bread, mashed potatoes, or fresh fruit for a heartier dinner.
How to store leftover Barefoot Contessa Tuna Casserole?
If there are any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They can also be frozen for up to two months.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Pregnant women should avoid consuming canned tuna as it may contain high levels of mercury. Instead, opt for fresh or frozen tuna when making this recipe.
FAQs
What kind of tuna should I use for this recipe?
For this recipe, we recommend using solid light tuna packed in water. This type of tuna is low in mercury and is the best option when making a tuna casserole. It has a mild flavor that won’t overpower the other ingredients. If you prefer a stronger flavored fish, albacore or skipjack tuna can also be used.
Can I use frozen peas instead of canned?
Yes, you can! Frozen peas will work just as well and are a great way to add some extra nutrition to the dish. Just make sure that they are completely thawed before adding them to the casserole. You can also use fresh peas if they are in season.
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes, you can certainly use other types of noodles in this recipe. Egg noodles are the most traditional choice but you could also opt for whole wheat or gluten-free options as well. You could also try using different shapes such as rotini or shells. Just make sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly, and always check that the noodles are fully cooked before adding them to the casserole. If you prefer a lighter option, you could try using zucchini noodles instead of traditional noodles. You can also make this dish without any noodles at all and serve it over mashed potatoes or rice for a heartier meal.
Is this recipe gluten free?
Yes, this recipe can be made gluten free with a few simple substitutions. Instead of regular all-purpose flour, use a gluten free alternative like almond or coconut flour, and opt for gluten free egg noodles if desired. Additionally, make sure to check the labels on the canned tuna, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and breadcrumbs to make sure they are all gluten free. With these simple swaps, you can enjoy a delicious Barefoot Contessa Tuna Casserole that is completely gluten free!
Wrapping Up
The Barefoot Contessa Tuna Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that is sure to please any crowd. It’s easy to make, with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, it’s full of nutrition too! With step-by-step instructions and tips for adapting the recipe to your dietary needs or tastes, this casserole is sure to be a hit in any kitchen.
Please share this guide with your friends and family so that they can also bake it at their home.
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
