If you have been looking for a low carb Tuna Casserole recipe, then you have come to the right place! Our version of this classic dish is not only delicious but also keto-friendly. This means you can enjoy a comforting and filling meal without having to worry about your carb intake.
I have put together this easy-to-follow Tuna Casserole recipe that will satisfy both your taste buds and dietary needs. We want to make cooking and eating enjoyable for all, which is why our recipes are designed to be customizable and catered to different diets.
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Ingredients
Here is a quick look at what you will need. You can find the full measurements in the recipe card below.
- Butter
- onion, finely chopped
- celery stalks, finely chopped
- cans of tuna drained well
- Cream cheese, room temperature (4 ounces total)
- eggs, lightly beaten
- Mayonnaise
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Paprika powder
- Parmesan cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Sliced almonds
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
This is a quick overview of the steps. See the Recipe card below for the rest.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. In a saucepan or small skillet over medium-high heat, saute the onions and celery in butter until softened, about 5 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, eggs, and seasonings until the eggs and cream cheese are well blended.
To the mixing bowl, add the vegetables, Tuna, and parmesan cheese.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
Top the casserole with the mozzarella cheese and the sliced almonds.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the eggs are completely set in the middle. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian - substitute the tuna with Tofu or chopped mushrooms or green beans for a hearty and protein-packed alternative.
- Keto-friendly - replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds and use full-fat cream cheese instead of reduced-fat. Omit the onions and celery, or saute them in olive oil instead of butter.
- Cheese - For a twist on traditional Tuna Casserole, try using different types of cheese such as cheddar cheese, Gruyere, or goat cheese to make it more of a cheesy tuna casserole.
- Other meats - Not a fan of tuna? Try using Crabmmeat instead
Equipment
- large bowl
- saucepan or small skillet
- casserole dish
Storage
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
- Freezing: You can store in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months
- Reheat - place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until heated through.
Pro Tips
- Use high-quality ingredients - Tuna casserole may seem like a simple dish, but using high-quality tuna and other ingredients can elevate the taste. Splurge on a good brand of canned tuna and use fresh vegetables for the best results.
- Customize to your liking - Tuna casserole is a versatile dish that can be customized based on your preferences. Add in different types of cheese, and vegetables, or even swap out the tuna for chicken or turkey if desired.
- Make it ahead of time - Tuna casserole is a great dish to make ahead of time, whether you're meal prepping for the week or preparing for a busy night. Assemble the ingredients and store in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
FAQ
Answer: It is not recommended to substitute canned tuna with fresh tuna in this dish. Canned tuna has a more of a mild and flaky texture that works well in casseroles, while fresh tuna may be too firm and overpowering in flavor.
Tuna casserole is a classic dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. One of the great things about this recipe is that you can add in different types of cheese, and vegetables, or even swap out the tuna for chicken or turkey if desired. This allows you to create a delicious and unique casserole that suits your personal preferences. So feel free to experiment with different veggies, such as peas, carrots, or broccoli, to add some extra nutrients and flavor to your dish. Just make sure to cook the vegetables beforehand so they are tender before adding them into the casserole.
Many people assume that following a low carb or keto diet means giving up pasta entirely. However, there are many alternative options available such as using zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles. If you want to keep the traditional pasta element in your casserole, you can use a low carb option like chickpea pasta or black bean pasta. These types of pasta have higher protein and fiber content compared to traditional wheat-based pastas. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente before adding it to the casserole so it doesn't become mushy during baking.
Recipe Card
Low Carb Tuna Casserole
Equipment
- Large bowl
- saucepan or small skillet
- casserole dish
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 4 celery stalks finely chopped
- 4 6 ounce cans of tuna, drained well
- ½ 8 ounce package cream cheese, room temperature (4 ounces total)
- 4 eggs lightly beaten
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons paprika powder
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. In a saucepan or small skillet over medium-high heat, saute the onions and celery in butter until softened, about 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, eggs, and seasonings until the eggs and cream cheese are well blended.
- To the mixing bowl, add the vegetables, Tuna, and parmesan cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Top the casserole with the mozzarella cheese and the sliced almonds.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the eggs are completely set in the middle. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Disclaimer:
Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and proportion sizes.
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