Creamy Dill Tuna Casserole

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Creamy Dill Tuna Casserole is the ultimate comfort food with a fresh twist. This dish combines the heartiness of a classic casserole with the vibrant flavor of dill, making it a perfect go-to for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

Ingredients for Creamy Dill Tuna Casserole

Elbow macaroni provides the perfect base for soaking up the creamy sauce. Tuna adds protein and a mild flavor that pairs beautifully with the dill. Frozen peas bring a pop of color and sweetness, while celery and onion add crunch and depth. Butter helps sauté the veggies, enhancing their flavors. The cream of mushroom soup acts as the creamy backbone, melding everything together. Milk and sour cream smooth out the sauce, while cheddar cheese adds richness. Fresh dill is the star herb, infusing the dish with its distinctive taste. A bit of salt and black pepper seasons the casserole to perfection. Finally, breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil create a crispy, golden topping.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, use sharp cheddar cheese.
  • Substitute canned tuna with cooked chicken if preferred.
  • Use fresh peas if available for a sweeter taste.
  • If you love extra crunch, add some chopped bell peppers.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad drizzled with a lemon vinaigrette. A side of crusty bread or garlic toast works wonderfully for a complete, satisfying meal. For a little extra flair, garnish with additional fresh dill before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the breadcrumb topping right before baking.
Is there a substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
Absolutely. You can use cream of chicken soup or make a quick homemade white sauce if you prefer.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, it freezes well. Wrap it tightly before freezing and bake directly from frozen, adding extra time as needed.

Creamy Dill Tuna Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it's ready to go once the casserole is assembled. While the oven heats, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions. Once done, drain and set it aside. Next, take a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped celery and onion, sautéing until they're soft and fragrant.

In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. Stir in the fresh dill, salt, and black pepper. Once the sauce is well mixed, add the cooked macaroni, tuna, peas, and sautéed vegetables. Give it all a good stir so everything is well coated with the sauce.

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly, then transfer the mixture into it, spreading it out evenly. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil until they're well coated. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the casserole for a crispy finish. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for weeknights!
  • Family-friendly and satisfying for all ages.
  • Uses pantry staples, minimizing grocery trips.
  • Fresh dill adds a bright, unique flavor.
  • Customizable with your favorite veggies.

Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni
2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
1 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon butter
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package directions; drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add celery and onion, sauté until soft.
4. In a large bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, cheddar cheese, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Stir in cooked macaroni, tuna, peas, and sautéed vegetables.
6. Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
7. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle over the casserole.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until heated through and the top is golden brown.

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