Cooking with Canned Tuna: Economical, Simple and Savory

These days, cooks are always on the lookout for less costly recipes that taste good and are quick to throw together. Try these tasty tuna recipes.
 
Not only is tuna healthy, it’s also a great alternative to some of the pricier seafood dishes, and can be a wonderful addition to weekly dinners. Tuna is good for your heart, packed with omega-3, protein and has a lot of versatility in menu planning. Remember when buying canned tuna for any of these recipes below, look for tuna packed in spring water, not oil. Also, most tuna recipes call for tuna that has been drained well. These recipes are simple, yet full of flavor.

Tuna Vegetable Pie

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons flour
• ½ cup onion, chopped
• 2 cups milk
• 2 (6 ½ oz) cans tuna, drained
• 1 can green peas, drained
• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• Melt 4 tablespoons butter and add chopped onions.

Blend in flour stirring until smooth.

Add milk slowly, stirring constantly until begins to bubble a little.

Reduce heat and cook about 2-3 more minutes until mixture begins to thicken.

Add the tuna, green peas, salt and pepper.

Spoon into a baking dish sprayed with Pam or other nonstick spray.

Top with the mashed potatoes.

Dot with 1 tablespoon butter.

Bake in oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176 Celsius) for about 15-20 minutes. Top should be lightly browned.

Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole

• 2 (6 ½ oz) cans tuna, drained
• 2 cups cooked macaroni noodles
• 1 pound sliced Swiss cheese
• 2 tablespoons finely diced olives
• ½ cup bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Lightly spray bottom of a casserole dish with cooking spray.

Alternately layer the tuna, cooked noodles and Swiss cheese in casserole dish.

Next cover with olives, bread crumbs, butter and Parmesan cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176 Celsius) for 20-30 minutes.

Very good served with green salad.

Mama’s Tuna Casserole

• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 2 tablespoons flour
• ½ teaspoon dry mustard
• ¼ pound American cheese, cut in small pieces
• 2/3 cup milk
• ¼ cup green pepper, chopped
• 2 tablespoons pimento
• 1 (5 oz) package egg noodles
• 2 (6 ½ oz) cans tuna in spring water, drained
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176 Celsius).

Mix the first 3 ingredients in a 2 quart saucepan on low heat until smooth.

Stir in cheese, milk, green pepper, and pimento.

Cook and stir over low heat until the cheese melts and mixture begins to thicken.

Add noodles and tuna.

Spoon into a greased baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Top with Durkee French Fried Onions a few minutes before serving and place back in the oven for 5-7 minutes until onions are crispy.

This dish is delicious with hot buttered rolls and a fruit cup or green salad. It's also good for lunch instead of dinner.