Cheesy Tuna Zucchini Casserole is a delightful dish that combines the comforting flavors of cheesy goodness with the nutritious benefits of zucchini and tuna. This dish has quickly become a favorite in my household, especially when I’m in need of a quick and satisfying dinner. The combination of tender zucchini noodles, flaky tuna, and a rich, creamy sauce makes it a perfect meal for any night of the week. Let’s dive into how to create this scrumptious casserole!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Tuna Zucchini Casserole
This Cheesy Tuna Zucchini Casserole is not just delicious; it comes with a plethora of benefits:
- Nutritious and wholesome, packed with protein from tuna.
- Low in carbohydrates, perfect for those on a low-carb diet.
- Quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
- Kid-friendly, ensuring even the pickiest eaters will enjoy it.
- Versatile, allowing for easy substitutions based on your pantry.
- Comforting and satisfying, perfect for a cozy family dinner.
This dish aligns well with a Low-Calorie diet and is a fantastic option for a Healthy Tuna Zucchini Casserole.
Ingredients for Cheesy Tuna Zucchini Casserole
Gather these items:
- 3 medium zucchini, spiralized
- 1 (12-ounce) can tuna in water, drained
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 3 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
How to Make Cheesy Tuna Zucchini Casserole Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Step 2: Lightly spray the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Step 3: Place the spiralized zucchini noodles in the prepared dish, spreading them out as much as possible to create an even layer.
- Step 4: Bake the zucchini noodles at 10-minute intervals, stirring every time until most of the moisture evaporates. This takes about 20-30 minutes.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter, add minced garlic, almond milk, heavy cream, cream cheese, and 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese. Whisk until smooth.
- Step 6: Stir the drained tuna into the cheese sauce and remove from heat.
- Step 7: In the same baking dish, layer the components by spreading the tuna cheese sauce over the pre-baked zucchini noodles. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Step 8: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
Pro Tips for the Best Cheesy Tuna Zucchini Casserole
Keep these in mind:
- Ensure zucchini is well-drained to avoid a watery casserole.
- Feel free to mix in other vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
- This dish is perfect for meal prep; you can make it ahead and reheat for quick dinners.
Best Ways to Serve Cheesy Tuna Zucchini Casserole
Here are some great serving ideas:
- Serve it with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Pair with crusty bread for a comforting dinner experience.
- Top with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added flavor.
How to Store and Reheat Cheesy Tuna Zucchini Casserole
To store, cover the casserole with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Tuna Zucchini Casserole
What is Cheesy Tuna Zucchini Casserole?
This dish is a comforting casserole made with zucchini noodles, tuna, and a creamy cheese sauce, perfect for a family dinner.
Can I make Cheesy Tuna Zucchini Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole in advance, cover it, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it. It’s a great time-saver!
How do I avoid common mistakes with Cheesy Tuna Zucchini Casserole?
To avoid a soggy casserole, be sure to drain the zucchini well before baking. Also, use the right cheese for a creamy texture.
Variations of Cheesy Tuna Zucchini Casserole You Can Try
Here are some delicious variations:
- Add diced tomatoes for a burst of flavor.
- Substitute tuna with cooked chicken for a different protein.
- Try using different cheese types like pepper jack for a spicy twist.
For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making Cheesy Chicken Noodle Soup for a comforting meal.
For more information on the health benefits of zucchini, you can visit Healthline.
Print
Cheesy Tuna Zucchini Casserole: 6 Delicious Steps
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A comforting, cheesy bake featuring tender zucchini noodles, flaky tuna, and a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner.
Ingredients
- 3 medium zucchini, spiralized
- 1 (12-ounce) can tuna in water, drained
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 3 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Lightly spray the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Place the spiralized zucchini noodles in the prepared dish, spreading them out as much as possible to create an even layer.
- Bake the zucchini noodles at 10-minute intervals. Remove the dish and stir the noodles every 10 minutes, continuing this process until most of the moisture has evaporated from the zucchini. This typically takes about 20-30 minutes depending on the zucchini.
- While the zucchini noodles are pre-baking, heat a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter, then add the minced garlic, almond milk, heavy cream, cream cheese, and 1 cup of the sharp cheddar cheese. Whisk the mixture continuously until it is smooth and all the cheese has melted into a creamy sauce.
- Stir the drained tuna into the prepared cheese sauce. Remove the skillet from heat.
- In the same 9×13-inch pan used for pre-baking the zucchini noodles, layer the components. Begin with the pre-baked zucchini noodles, then spread the tuna cheese sauce evenly over them, and finally, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Cheesy Tuna Zucchini Casserole