A can of cream of mushroom soup can be a real dinner saver. It works great in casseroles and can turn into a sauce or gravy in a pinch.
Baked Tuna Chow Mein Casserole
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You can make this tasty dish in the microwave or oven. It's made with tuna, celery, onions, bell pepper, soy sauce, chow mein noodles, and cream of mushroom soup
serves/makes:
ready in:
under 30 minutes
under 30 minutes
5 reviews
2 comments
ingredients
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 cup thinly sliced celery
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 tablespoons chopped green bell pepper
1 can (7 ounce size) tuna, drained and gently flaked
1 can (10.25 ounce size) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup chow mein noodles
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1/3 cup chow mein noodles, for top of casserole
directions
Place the butter in a 1 1/2 quart microwave-safe casserole dish. Place in the microwave and cook on high for 30 seconds.
Add the celery, onion, and bell pepper. Stir well. Heat on high, uncovered, for 3 minutes, stirring halfway through the cooking time. If the veggies are still too crisp, cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Add the tuna, cream of mushroom soup, chow mein noodles, black pepper, and soy sauce. Stir well then top with the remaining chow mein noodles.
Cook in the microwave, uncovered, for 10 minutes on high heat or until the casserole is bubbly in the middle.
Serve hot.
Alternately, the casserole can be baked at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes or until heated through.
recipe tips
For a creamier casserole, try adding a dollop of sour cream or a splash of milk to the mixture before cooking.
To add a crispy topping, sprinkle crushed crackers, breadcrumbs, or even potato chips on top of the casserole along with the chow mein noodles.
For a lighter version, use low-fat cream of mushroom soup and light butter or margarine.
Boost the flavor with additional seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of hot sauce to taste.
common recipe questions
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
You can use fresh tuna in this recipe. Cook the fresh tuna first by grilling, baking, or sauteing it until it's fully cooked, then flake it into the casserole mixture. Keep in mind that fresh tuna will have a slightly different texture and taste compared to canned tuna.
Is there a substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer not to use cream of mushroom soup or are looking for a homemade alternative, you can make a simple white sauce flavored with mushrooms. Saute finely chopped mushrooms in butter, add flour to make a roux, then gradually whisk in milk until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
You can add other vegetables such as peas, carrots, or corn to the casserole for added color, texture, and nutrition. Just make sure to cook any hard vegetables slightly before adding them to make sure they are tender after baking or microwaving.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to cook. If you're going to microwave it, it can go directly from the fridge to the microwave. If baking, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to make sure it's heated through.
What's the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until thoroughly heated. Be aware that the chow mein noodles on top may soften upon reheating.
Can I use a different type of noodle instead of chow mein noodles?
Yes, you can use other types of noodles such as cooked spaghetti, egg noodles, or even rice noodles if you prefer. The texture and flavor will vary slightly.
tools needed
Microwave-Safe Casserole Dish: For preparing the casserole, as it is used to melt the butter and combine the ingredients. It must be safe for use in the microwave.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For measuring out the celery, onion, bell pepper, chow mein noodles, pepper, and soy sauce.
Cutting Board: For preparing the vegetables, including chopping the onion, celery, and bell pepper before adding them to the casserole.
Sharp Knife: For slicing and dicing the vegetables.
Mixing Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the ingredients together in the casserole dish.
what goes with it?
Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky flavor of the bread complements the creamy texture of the casserole.
Soy Sauce Glaze: Drizzle a little extra soy sauce mixed with honey over the casserole before serving.
Steamed Broccoli: The freshness of steamed broccoli balances the richness of the cream of mushroom soup.
Sriracha Sauce: Offer a side of sriracha for those who like a spicy kick.
Simple Green Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette can brighten the meal.
Carrot Slaw: A crunchy slaw made with carrots, cabbage, and a light dressing can provide a nice textural contrast.
beverage pairings
Wine Pairings
Chardonnay: Look for an unoaked Chardonnay that's bright and zesty. It will complement the creamy mushroom soup without overwhelming the dish, and you'll appreciate the fresh acidity cutting through the richness.
Sauvignon Blanc: A citrusy Sauvignon Blanc can add a refreshing zing to the meal. Its herbal notes will pair nicely with the veggies while the acidity balances the creaminess of the soup. Aim for one with hints of grapefruit or green apple.
Pinot Grigio: If you want a light and easy sipper, go for a Pinot Grigio. Its crisp, fruity flavors can play well with the tuna and veggies.
Other Alcohol Pairings
Dry Martini: A classic dry martini can be a fun pairing. The herbal notes from the gin and the clean, refreshing bite from the vermouth contrast nicely with the rich casserole.
Pale Ale: A nice pale ale comes in with a gentle hop kick that won't overpower the dish. Its soft malty backbone will harmonize with the flavors without trying to shine brighter than the casserole.
Sparkling Wine: A dry sparkling wine or Champagne adds a bit of celebration to your meal. The bubbles and acidity can bring out the flavors.
Non-Alcoholic Pairings
Sparkling Water with Lime: A splash of lime adds some pizzazz that can cut through the creaminess and perfectly complement the soy sauce.
Ginger Ale: The light sweetness and slight spiciness of ginger ale can be a delightful companion for your casserole. It adds a touch of zing that plays well with the tuna and veggies.
Coconut Water: For a tropical vibe, try coconut water. It's hydrating and has a subtle sweetness.
nutrition data
Nutritional data has not been calculated yet.
This iconic whiskey is a "Jack of all trades" when it comes to cooking. Toss it in some pasta, as a savory dipping sauce, and even bake it into something sweet.
Not to be confused with evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk is very sweet (and very sticky) and used primarily in desserts.
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reviews & comments
May 31, 2020
This is an oldie but a goodie. One of our first recipes in âHome Ecâ back in the day. Nice to see updated microwave version. I would suggest adding 1 cup water for softer noodles.
This was very tasty, but for us, I doubled the Tuna, used Heart Healthy canned soup, and low sodium Soy Sauce. I also added some fresh finely minced garlic & dill for more flavor (we like it). On the whole, this was a VERY nice recipe, and easily 'customized' to everyone's palate & needs. We all loved it. I saved the recipe, & I'll definitely make this many times in the future.
July 30, 2017
I remember making this for family...... my kids loved it....husband not so much.... and they are in their 60's now.....I would switch out tuna and use chicken and slivered almonds .....now make it for myself. freeze leftovers then warm in microwave .....great time saver...fast.
July 14, 2016
Your recipes are great,thanks
March 25, 2016
I added teaspoon minced garlic, liberal addition of red pepper flakes, shredded Swiss cheese, cashews, French fried onions, and for first time, frozen peas...this is great!
February 16, 2016
This was good, and overall pretty easy to make. Be sure to check those microwaved veggies to be certain that the celery softens like it should. Mine wound up a little crispier than I would have liked. I went with the combo microwave and oven approach. It took a little longer, but the oven seemed to brown the chow mein noodles and surface layer better for a little added appeal.