So, is this a familiar conversation in your house?
Alicia: It’s about time for me to start dinner. So, What would you like?
David: I don’t know. But, What are you thinking?
Alicia: I’m not sure. Something easy. Because I don’t feel like cooking much tonight.
David: Wanna go out?
I would love to answer yes. Who wouldn’t? But then I feel lazy. I hate feeling lazy mainly because I consider myself an industrious person.
Alicia: Nah. I don’t mind cooking.
David: So, what do you feel like making?
Alicia: What do you feel like eating?
Ok. I’m industrious. But I’m seriously not an organized person.
David: Whatever you feel like cooking.
Alicia: I really don’t feel like cooking.
David: So, do you want to go out?
Am I lazy?
So, maybe I am lazier than I thought? I love my husband. David has so many talents, and only of them is putting up with my indecisiveness.
Alicia: No. It’s too expensive. Not to mention, I don’t need the calories. Plus, there is no place I really want to go.
That part is correct. We are planning a trip to Disney next month, and I recently lost almost 60 pounds. However, I felt like it was too much, so tried to gain some back. Then, between several arthritis flare-ups and an injury, I was unable to do any meaningful exercise for several months. I meant to gain 10 pounds but ended up increasing by 20 instead. I’m trying to work those extra 10 pounds off. Besides, we live in a small town with exactly three restaurants nearby. As you can imagine, after four years, I’m bored with them.
David: Ok, then. What do you feel like cooking?
Alicia: I really want some comfort food. How about tuna casserole?
Can you tell that I’m just full of contradictions? Do I want healthy? Or, do I crave comfort food? Yes. The answer to both questions is a resounding “YES!” I don’t want to sabotage my goals. Since I know that we will enjoy the food riches that Epcot Food and Wine Festival offers, I am trying to eat healthier now. But, I want comfort food. The last few weeks have irked my nerves.
Tuna Casserole is Retro Comfort Food
One of my favorite comfort foods is tuna casserole. It conjures childhood memories.
However, it usually has so much cheese, heavy cream, and high sodium content that I avoid it. Tonight, I needed it, though. So, I created this version that shaves over 100 calories off the original 1970’s classic. My version is also lower in sodium and fat. Additionally, my version has no saturated fat. It’s also higher in vitamins A, C, and Iron. But, if you want a bigger fiber bite, use whole grain egg noodles. They are an IBS trigger for David, so I use regular egg noodles.
While I hesitate to call this Tuna Casserole makeover “healthy,” it is easier on the calorie budget. And, it still hit me right in the childhood feels, soothing all that ails. Plus, it’s as easy to make as dumping everything in a casserole dish and baking it. So, it’s not like cooking at all. And, David loved it. Also, I felt like I almost got out of cooking without blowing our vacation budget.
Enjoy!
This slimmed-down Tuna Casserole version is still delicious, but is lower in fat and calories than the traditional casserole. Feel free to add sharp cheddar. For a heartier version, use whole wheat noodles.
Preheat oven to 400
Prepare egg noodles according to directions to al dente.
While noodles cook, saute onion and bell pepper till onion is translucent.
Stir all ingredients together into a large casserole dish. Pour mixture into a casserole dish.
Bake 20 minutes or until it's thick and bubbly. Enjoy!
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 234
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 2g4%
- Cholesterol 53mg18%
- Sodium 506mg22%
- Potassium 261mg8%
- Total Carbohydrate 28g10%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 7g
- Protein 23g46%
- Vitamin A 30%
- Vitamin C 74%
- Calcium 7%
- Iron 14%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Ingredients
Directions
Preheat oven to 400
Prepare egg noodles according to directions to al dente.
While noodles cook, saute onion and bell pepper till onion is translucent.
Stir all ingredients together into a large casserole dish. Pour mixture into a casserole dish.
Bake 20 minutes or until it's thick and bubbly. Enjoy!
Alicia Taylor
We enjoy hosting parties and my husband and I are both avid gamers. You can find me on PS4 as SunshineFlaGirl. We also play tabletop RPGs and eurogames.
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94 Comments
Ripon hassan
December 24, 2020 - 3:55 pmTruly delicious and classic as well. Everything is so nicely described. I really enjoyed it. Thanks for the lovely treat.
Aaron Dewberry
August 31, 2020 - 10:20 amJust made this weekend and it was really good! I did sub the bell peppers with mushrooms, added some additional spices, and sprinkled some parmesan cheese on top as well, but this was my first time not making it from a box and I really enjoyed it so thank you!
end of the fork
November 10, 2017 - 6:12 amha ha, love this! I think my kids would really love this, I have to try this!
Rezel Kealoha
November 10, 2017 - 12:01 amI used to eat this back in my teen years. I love how you made it healthier!
jpinney13
November 6, 2017 - 11:37 amWould you believe I’ve never actually tried tuna casserole?! Guess I just never got around to is but your recipe has inspired me. Love the use of greek yogurt!
Monica Le
November 6, 2017 - 9:52 amI love the sound of this recipe. The fact that it’s made with egg noodles is a HUGE plus. I’m a fan!
Carol Borchardt
November 5, 2017 - 8:27 pmWow! Been forever since I’ve had tuna casserole! Love that you lightened it up. It may just give me some incentive to try it again!
Karyl | Karyl's Kulinary Krusade
November 5, 2017 - 5:59 pmOh man, I can’t tell you the last time I had tuna casserole! I loved it as a kid. I really need to add it back to my meal plan. Pinning your recipe!
Debs
November 5, 2017 - 2:48 pmLovely recipe. I’m a big tuna fan.
Sara
November 3, 2017 - 8:33 pmIve never had casserole, and as a new pescatarian, this might just be the one for me to try it out.
Alicia Taylor
November 4, 2017 - 11:30 amI’m a pescatarian, too. I was a vegetarian for 10 years before switching to Pescatarian. Tuna is a great protein source for us.
hotrangianthu
November 3, 2017 - 5:44 pmSadly, I can’t get used to eating tuna, but suhc a great post btw. I especially love the part of conversation with oyur husband, so cute and sweet. Look forwards to your next posts.
Alicia Taylor
November 4, 2017 - 11:30 amThank you 🙂
Veena Azmanov
November 3, 2017 - 4:00 pmI love tuna casserole but haven’t made on in ages. This so wants me to try this soon. Conversation with my kids would be something quite similar. I’m saving this for later. Love the greek yogurt in there.
Alicia Taylor
November 4, 2017 - 11:31 amYeah – I gotta start doing some better meal planning. It’s just so hard to cook for two sometimes.
miljance93mommysup
November 3, 2017 - 2:50 pmI eat casserole every week, and I will put your recipe in the week coming. They look so good.
Aduke Schulist
November 3, 2017 - 1:55 pmI’ve only had this a few times in my life and it was good. My kids aren’t a fan though.
Hey Sharonoox
November 3, 2017 - 9:31 amI haven’t eaten tuna casserole for a long while and this looks so good. This will be perfect for Friday movie night in my house.
Anita Merchante
November 3, 2017 - 3:24 amI’ve always been a fond of Casserole and this variation of Casserole with Tuna is great! I hope to try this recipe soon. I will just skip the sweet peas as I don’t like them. Rest of the ingredients are all my favorites so it’s going to be a good treat for me.
Stephanie Pass
November 3, 2017 - 2:25 amCongrats on your weight loss! Whenever I think of Tuna Noodle Casserole it reminds me of my college dorm life when they served it in the dining hall. It was a great comfort food.
Alicia Taylor
November 4, 2017 - 11:32 amThank you 🙂 Yeah – but I bet the college butchered a couple of cans of soup 🙂
Whole Food Bellies (@Wholefoodbellie)
November 2, 2017 - 10:02 pmOh I love this!! Tuna casserole was my absolute favorite as a child, but given the ingredients of my mums version, I always backed off from making my own.Cant wait to try this one out for my own kids
Dominique| Perchance to Cook
November 2, 2017 - 6:35 pmI love me a good tuna casserole. This looks AMAZING! And major perks that it’s been lightened up. Can’t wait to try it!
Monica
November 2, 2017 - 2:25 pmA variant on that conversation happens routinely at my house, too! Usually it’s that I have a plan but second-guess at the last minute whether I have enough energy to follow through on it, ha! I love that this is lightened-up comfort food – just what I crave now that the weather is turning cooler!
Dina Demarest
November 2, 2017 - 12:57 pmBeing healthy starts from your mindset! I am with you in eating healthy and living healthy.
Jessica Terry
November 2, 2017 - 10:38 amTuna casserole is actually an easy and delicious meal! I love making it every once in a while and it totally qualifies as comfort food.
Stephanie JNote
November 2, 2017 - 10:18 amWow. You lost 60 pounds. That is great. That tuna casserole looks delicious. Makes me want to make some. Hopefully it will come out as good as yours.
Amelie
November 2, 2017 - 9:37 amI agree, tuna casserole is definitely comfort food and I love how you changed it into something healthier. Definitely gonna try this!
westviamidwest
November 1, 2017 - 8:44 pmThat is so our family in making dinner versus going out. (Im glad were not the only ones who have the same conversations over and over and over.). Im kind of loving using the greek yogurt in this,… I c ant wait to taste it to see if its as good as I imagine it is! 🙂
Claudia Krusch
November 1, 2017 - 8:27 pmTuna casserole is always a popular dish in my house. I will have to give this recipe a try. I am always looking for healthier options to feed my family.
Scott
November 1, 2017 - 5:23 pmWe love tuna casserole, but hate the calories. Didn’t realize it could be so good and light!
natalielovesbeauty
November 1, 2017 - 5:21 pmI haven’t made a casserole in ages! I always thrown in any veggies I have and it turns out pretty good!
Brandy (@brandyellen)
November 1, 2017 - 2:32 pmThis tuna casserole recipe makeover is such a great idea. I would love to make this for the family, just thinking of what else I could add into it. So delicious sounding!
Alicia Taylor
November 1, 2017 - 4:15 pmIt doesn’t really need anything added into it. It’s a high protein meal – but a side salad may round it our nicely.
Shivangi Chauhan
August 29, 2017 - 11:22 pmI love the conversation here. Haha! So cute. I recently found a place in my city serving some great casserole so I am gonna hit it soon.
Iamlauracharles
August 28, 2017 - 3:53 amI recently lost 40lbs and gained back 20 due to ankle bursitis. So nerve wrecking! So I’ve been tying to eat healthier since I can’t workout as much. This recipe looks so good and it’s only 234 calories! I think I might try it
Alicia Taylor
August 29, 2017 - 12:23 pmYes! I understand. I recently lost 60 pounds (which was my inspiration for starting this blog!) I made an effort to modify my favorite recipes. I had pulled a muscle in my thigh and was unable to work out for almost 6 months. I gained a little back from not being able to exercise but eating healthy helped.
Rebecca Swenor
August 27, 2017 - 7:43 pmThis tuna casserole is an awesome idea. My family love tuna casserole and I have not made it in a very long time this is a recipe I will have to try with the yogurt. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Hello, I'm Shan
August 25, 2017 - 2:09 pmMy daughter loves Fish and pasta so I’m definitely going to try this recipe! Looks delicious.
joyfulsource
August 25, 2017 - 10:02 amI love cooking pasta with tuna and I will certainly give this a try this weekend! Thanks for sharing!
keisha1989
August 25, 2017 - 9:35 amThis brings me back to my childhood 🙂 I am all the way hungry right now. I love a tuna caserole. I might just make this dish tonight.
Gloria
August 25, 2017 - 4:09 amI always make my casseroles with bechamel sauce (white sauce). It makes them super tasty and creamy without the extra fat. =D
Angela
August 25, 2017 - 12:22 amdude!!! Greek Yogurt for the win!!!!!! I don’t know why I never thought about using that in my tuna casserole recipe…..but it’s brilliant! <3
Alicia Taylor
August 25, 2017 - 11:57 amI like it because it adds a bit of protein to it 😀
Cassie Liz
August 24, 2017 - 5:14 pmI’ve never made a tuna casserole or eaten one for that matter! Yours definitely looks like the perfect comfort food and would be perfect for tuna lovers!
Echo
August 24, 2017 - 3:45 pmThis looks really good, but I can’t do tuna, so I would sub chicken! Yum!
tsosmmn
August 24, 2017 - 8:29 amI have only had tuna casserole once or twice and I loved it. I am definitely going to try this recipe. Thank You
Marielle Altenor
August 23, 2017 - 11:44 pmI can’t remember the last time I had a tuna casserole. I think maybe from a potluck a few years ago. So good! I need to make this for my family!
parentingpatch
August 23, 2017 - 10:51 pmMy family and I are huge fans of tuna! I love the look and sound of your lighter take on such a classic recipe!
Kristi Wheeler
August 23, 2017 - 6:33 pmLove tuna casserole so much! Love your recipes, I’m gonna try it!
geekdad248
August 23, 2017 - 3:51 pmMy mom used to make tuna casserole once a week when I was a kid. I don’t recall the last time I had it for dinner though. I think I’m going to put this recipe to good use.
Monica
August 23, 2017 - 1:37 pmI make a tuna casserole, but have never added some of the great ingredients like red bell pepper, yogurt and mustard. Going to give yours a try next time, it looks delicious.
Aduke Schulist
August 23, 2017 - 1:03 pmI have a boxed dinner like this in my pantry that one of my kids pulled out a few days ago and asked me to make… I never did. This one looks much better!
tara pittman
August 23, 2017 - 12:54 pmI have a package of noodles in my pantry. I think I will make this for dinner
robin rue
August 23, 2017 - 12:05 pmI like your take on this. I haven’t had a tuna casserole in a million years, but need to try yours soon!
Lynndee
August 23, 2017 - 9:20 amThat looks yummy! I’ve never had tuna casserole before. I love tuna though but I just always saute them and sometimes I add egg. I would love to try that.
Angela Ricardo Bethea
August 23, 2017 - 9:11 amThat tuna casserole looks amazing! Your version of tuna casserole is truly a comfort food. Maybe I’ll try this someday.
HilLesha
August 23, 2017 - 7:33 amI honestly don’t eat any type of seafood, but my mom loves tuna casserole. I’ll have to share the link to your recipe with her for sure! 🙂
Lynsey
August 23, 2017 - 1:28 amThis song bids delicious! I used to love heated tuna pasta, will need to try you out!
Adaleta Avdić
August 22, 2017 - 11:41 pmThis looks really good and like a super great recipe! I can’t wait to try
Ricci
August 22, 2017 - 11:13 pmI LOVE Tuna Noodle Casserole but I haven’t made it in forever!! Sounds like I need to make this recipe soon!!
Victoria Heckstall
August 22, 2017 - 9:22 pmNice recipe! Tuna is very healthy. If you know so many recipes out of it, that is so fantastic and adorable.
Chrystal | Nevermore Lane
August 22, 2017 - 8:08 pmMy mom used to make this all the time when I was a kid. It was comfort food and perfect on a budget. I dont eat it too much anymore because of the pasta, but every once in a while I crave it.
trialandeater1
August 22, 2017 - 3:01 pmI always try to lighten up recipes a bit too, any way to make it a little healthier!
Mindy Fewless
August 22, 2017 - 2:58 pmThis is pure comfort food!!! 🙂
Jagruti
August 22, 2017 - 2:24 pmYou’ve given mean idea,thanks a lot for sharing this recipe
Shannon Gurnee
August 22, 2017 - 1:59 pmOur kids love eating Tuna Noodle Casserole. This sounds like a good recipe too!
Amy @ The Cook Report
August 22, 2017 - 1:19 pmThis is such a comforting dish, I love that you’ve made it healthier
Farrah Less G.
August 22, 2017 - 11:22 amThe funny thing is your conversation with your husband is the same conversation we have at home. Especially when we both tired from work. Oh by the way my husband’s name is David too 😀 I will definitely will copy your recipe for this tuna casserole. Sounds and looks delicious by your photos.
Alicia Taylor
August 22, 2017 - 12:02 pmLOL – Yep. We have this conversation quite a bit. It’s just two of us and it’s hard to cook for two sometimes.
Joanna Everyday Made Fresh
August 22, 2017 - 10:00 amI love that your version doesn’t contain condensed soup. I was making my own when my daughter received her first set of food allergies, but thankfully there is a brand out now that is just about as homemade as you can get.
Alicia Taylor
August 22, 2017 - 12:00 pmI prefer to rely on fresh ingredients when possible. The fewer processed foods, the better.
loisaltermark
August 21, 2017 - 11:07 pmThis sounds like a great new version of a classic comfort food dish. I laughed at your conversation with your husband – I think we can all relate!
Dogvills
August 21, 2017 - 10:33 pmIt looks yummy and I love that this is a lighter version. I love using yogurt instead of heavy cream. I can;t wait to try your recipe.
Carrie Chance
August 21, 2017 - 10:18 pmThat conversation looks so much like what my hubs and I seem to have on a regular basis. This recipe looks great too!
marysa
August 21, 2017 - 9:06 pmLooks like an easy enough dish, and it would make an easy meal on a busy weeknight. I will have to save this recipe for when things get so hectic during the school year and we are always rushing off to one activity or another!
Alecia
August 21, 2017 - 9:00 pmI can’t see a bag of egg noodles without thinking about a bowl of tuna noodle casserole! It’s one of those childhood, slightly questionable meals (my family always uses cream of celery soup which might as well be unicorn tears based on the ‘real food’ ingredients it contains!) that I crave when I’m gloomy
keikilani
August 21, 2017 - 8:33 pmTuna casserole is one of the few casseroles I will eat. LOL. We had so many weird ones growing up. It’s definitely comfort food.
Marcie W.
August 21, 2017 - 7:57 pmTuna noodle casserole is one of my all time favorites and truly represents classic comfort food. I make a creamy mac and cheese using Greek yogurt and look forward to trying this recipe as well.
Amber
August 21, 2017 - 7:43 pmOh yum, this sounds tasty. I haven’t had tuna casserole in years. I’ll have to try this one out!
Dawn Nieves
August 21, 2017 - 7:19 pmThis looks so yummy! I even think my kids would love it! I can’t wait to try it!
fashionbeyondforty
August 21, 2017 - 6:38 pmThis looks great! You know it’s easy and a comfort food for sure. I love that your recipe offers a lighter version since we need to eat healthier!
Scott
August 21, 2017 - 6:33 pmWe’ve been trying to incorporate more fish into our diet. This is a great way to accomplish that!
irishred13
August 21, 2017 - 6:29 pmI haven’t had tuna casserole since I was little and I swore never again. Yours looks tastier than what I remember though! Maybe time for another try.
Tomi C
August 21, 2017 - 6:27 pmNot a fan of tuna but I actually like tuna casserole. It’s easy to make and is something the entire family will eat. Perfect low cost meal for big families like ours.
Rebecca Bryant
August 21, 2017 - 5:52 pmYou are making me hungry. I grew up on Tuna Casserole so I am all for trying a lighter version now I’m older. I found dinner for tomorrow.
Lisa Favre
August 21, 2017 - 4:08 pmI tend to find casseroles quite heavy so I’m happy I stumbled on this alternative. Not to mention the fact that it’s tuna and that I am always up for anything with tuna!!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle
August 21, 2017 - 2:21 pmI can’t wait to try this! We love tuna casserole, but I stopped making it because it was so heavy. Time to start making it again!
jmanandmillerbug
August 21, 2017 - 1:09 pmThis brings me back to my childhood! When I was a child my mom would make tuna noodle casserole all the time! I find it funny that I loved it because I was never a tuna fan, but I would gobble it down when I was a child all the time.
Alicia Taylor
August 21, 2017 - 1:26 pmIt does take on a whole new flavor when you cook with it. It’s my favorite way to eat it.
Erin
August 20, 2017 - 10:19 pmI love tuna casserole, it’s one of my go to meals whenever I’m feeling lazy because it’s so easy to make. I’m definitely going to try your recipe next time because that looks amazing.
Alicia Taylor
August 21, 2017 - 1:28 pmIt’s really easy! And this version is completely homemade (well, except the tuna and the noodles). I like it better than the traditional type.
bakinginatornado
August 18, 2017 - 9:58 amI’m not sure I’ve ever had Tuna Noodle Casserole, it never sounded appealing, but your version sounds like comfort food, I’m actually going to have to give it a try.
As much as I enjoy those conversations, no one has to ask me to go out to dinner more than once!
Alicia Taylor
August 18, 2017 - 10:41 amLOL 🙂 Me either most of the time. But we do have a vacation coming up. I want to look good in my swimsuit and eating out has too many calories. Plus, it’s expensive – and that’s money we won’t have to spend there. Also, there really aren’t any decent restaurants around that I’m not already tired of. LOL