Comfort food at its finest, this Cheesy Green Bean & Tuna Casserole is the ultimate weeknight dinner—easy to make, loaded with flavor, and oh-so-satisfying. Tender rotini pasta and French-cut green beans are coated in a creamy blend of garlic, onion, and cream of mushroom soup, creating the perfect base for chunks of savory tuna. Topped with sharp cheddar cheese and crunchy golden breadcrumbs (easily made gluten-free), this dish is baked to bubbly perfection.
– Onion: Adds a sweet and savory depth to the casserole; yellow or white onions work best. Dice finely for even cooking. – Garlic: Provides a fragrant, robust flavor that complements the creaminess of the dish. Use fresh garlic for the best taste or garlic powder as a quick substitute. – Rotini Pasta: The corkscrew shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully. Use gluten-free rotini if needed, and cook it al dente for the best texture. – Cream of Mushroom Soup: The base for the casserole’s creamy sauce. Opt for a gluten-free version or make your own if preferred.
– French-Cut Green Beans: Thinly sliced for better texture and distribution throughout the dish. Fresh, canned, or frozen work well—just be sure to drain canned beans or thaw frozen ones. – Tuna: A classic protein option for this dish. Use canned tuna packed in water or oil, flaked, and drained. Chicken or plant-based substitutes can work as alternatives. – Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts into a gooey, flavorful topping. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for variety. – Breadcrumbs: Adds a crispy, golden topping that contrasts the creamy casserole. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed, and toast lightly in butter for extra flavor.
– To make gluten-free: Rotini Pasta: To make a gluten-free tuna casserole, use gluten-free rotini pasta or another gluten-free pasta variety like penne or fusilli. Breadcrumbs: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crush gluten-free crackers as a crunchy topping. You can also make your own breadcrumbs by toasting gluten-free bread. Cream of Mushroom Soup: Choose a gluten-free version of canned cream of mushroom soup, or make your own with gluten-free flour. Cheddar Cheese: Most cheddar cheeses are naturally gluten-free, but always check the label to confirm there are no added gluten-containing ingredients.
– To make dairy-free: Cheddar Cheese: Use a dairy-free shredded cheese blend that melts well, such as a coconut-based or almond-based cheese alternative. Cream of Mushroom Soup: Replace with a dairy-free, gluten-free cream of mushroom soup or make your own using coconut milk or almond milk as the base. Butter (if using): Swap with a dairy-free butter or olive oil.
– To make low-carb: Rotini Pasta: Replace the pasta with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb option. – To make vegetarian/vegan: Tuna: Replace the tuna with chickpeas or lentils for a plant-based protein. Cheddar Cheese: Use a vegan cheese alternative. Cream of Mushroom Soup: Choose a plant-based version or make your own with vegetable broth and dairy-free milk.
– Make-Ahead: You can prepare this casserole in advance! Assemble it up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven—add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s cold from the fridge. – Perfect Pasta: Cook the pasta slightly underdone (al dente) since it will continue to cook while baking in the casserole, ensuring it doesn’t get mushy. – Tuna Drainage: Be sure to thoroughly drain the tuna to avoid excess moisture in the casserole. This helps keep the texture creamy but not watery.
– Customizing the Topping: For extra flavor, mix some grated Parmesan or chopped nuts into the breadcrumbs before sprinkling on top for an added layer of richness and crunch. – Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, diced jalapenos, or a dash of hot sauce to the casserole for a subtle kick. – Vegetable Options: Swap out the green beans for other veggies like peas, corn, or broccoli for a fun variation. If using fresh vegetables, blanch them briefly before adding to the casserole to soften them up.
.– Protein Alternatives: While tuna is classic for this casserole, you can easily swap it for canned chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based protein if you prefer. – Cheese Variations: Sharp cheddar is perfect for a bold flavor, but you can experiment with other cheese varieties like mozzarella for a meltier texture or Gouda for a smoky finish. – Breadcrumbs: If you’re out of breadcrumbs, crushed crackers (gluten-free if needed) can also work. Toasting them with a little butter (or dairy-free butter) before sprinkling adds extra flavor and crunch.