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    Home » All Recipes

    Author: Donna | Published: Jan 22, 2022 |

    Olive and Tomato Healthy Tuna Casserole

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    It's a busy weeknight and you have to feed the kids but don't want the hassle that usually comes along with that job. If your kid is a fan of tuna, then they are going to love this healthy tuna casserole. As easy as boiling some pasta, mixing in a handful of other ingredients, topping with cheese, and throwing it into the oven. Leftovers pack well for lunch the next day, and even better is that this meal can be easily meal prepped meaning you only have to throw it into the oven when you get home after a busy day.

    It's a busy weeknight and you have to feed the kids but don't want the hassle that usually comes along with that job. If your kid is a fan of tuna, then they are going to love this healthy tuna casserole. As easy as boiling some pasta, mixing in a handful of other ingredients, topping with cheese, and throwing it into the oven. Leftovers pack well for lunch the next day, and even better is that this meal can be easily meal prepped meaning you only have to throw it into the oven when you get home after a busy day.

    Tuna casserole in a white casserole dish with some dry pasta and cherry tomatoes in the background

    If you love easy but nutritious throw-together dinners like this, then you will also love this Lightened-Up Sundried Tomato and Salmon Alfredo Pasta Bake and this Insanely Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole Bake.

    Jump to:
    • Easy Weeknight Healthy Tuna Casserole
    • How To Assemble The Casserole
    • How To Serve Tuna Casserole
    • Storage and Meal Prep
    • Recipe

    Easy Weeknight Healthy Tuna Casserole

    This is the type of meal that is super handy to have on hand during a busy week.

    Especially after sports when the kids are famished, and you are rushing to get them fed before showers and bed.

    Even better is that you are only going to need a handful of simple ingredients to get it happening:

    • penne or other pasta: use dried pasta or fresh pasta depending on what you have on hand. Simply cook it according to packet instructions before adding all of the other ingreidents. I prefer using penne, or something similarly tubular, as the inside collects the sauce, making sure the flavor is better distributed around the casserole;
    • tuna in oil: I tend to buy tuna in springwater, and you can absolutely sub that in instead of tuna in oil. The only reason I list tuna in oil here is that tuna can become a little dry on cooking, and the oil helps to lock in some of that moisture;
    • cherry or plum tomatoes: if you only have larger tomatoes that is fine, simply dice them into a smaller size and away you go;
    • black or mixed olives: buy pitted olives so you don't have to go to the hassle of pitting before using;
    • dried oregano: you can always sub in fresh oregano if that is what you have, simply add 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs for each teaspoon of dried asked for in the recipe;
    • olive oil;
    • garlic powder: you can also sub in fresh garlic if that is what you have or prefer;
    • mozzarella cheese: we are going to grate this and use it for topping the casserole. You can buy pre-grated mozzarella if that is something you like, however I tend to find it has a grainy texture when melted, so prefer to grate this myself. You do you. You can always add some cheddar cheese to the mixture to add another element of flavor;
    • marinara or pizza sauce: check the salt levels and ingredients list if you are buying this (or you can make a homemade version like this Fresh Heirloom Tomato Sauce);
    • fresh basil leaves, parsley or oregano for garnish.
    Overhead shot of all of the ingredients required to make a tuna bake
    A handful of simple ingredients is all that's needed.

    You might also want to top with some chili flakes, but if you are serving to kids, you might want to leave those until plated.

    We don't want to whinging and dramatics.

    Overhead shot of healthy tuna casserole served in a white casserole dish and surrounded by dry pasta and cherry tomatoes

    How To Assemble The Casserole

    No special skills are required.

    We are simply going to boil the pasta according to package directions until it is cooked al dente (soft but with a little bit of bite left in it).

    Once the pasta is cooking add it to a large bowl with all of the tuna, marinara sauce, and herbs.

    Mix well so everything is well combined.

    Overhead process collage of all the steps needed to make a tuna bake
    (1). Mix the cooked pasta with the passata/marinara and the tuna.
    (2). Add a layer of the tuna pasta to the casserole dish and top with cheese.
    (3). Add another layer of tuna pasta and then top with tomatoes and olives.
    (4). Add another layer of cheese and baked until melted and bubbly.

    Now here is the technical part: add half of the pasta mixture to a large casserole dish, add half the cheese, add the rest of the pasta, top with the olives and tomatoes, and finish with the cheese.

    This simply ensures the cheese is evenly spread throughout the casserole, so everyone gets dome cheesy goodness.

    Pop the casserole into the oven for about 20 until the cheese is all gooey and melty.

    Garnish with fresh herbs and you are good to go.

    Want another quick and easy casserole option for dinner? Try this Mexican shredded chicken casserole next.

    healthy tuna casserole served in a white casserole dish
    Bake until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

    How To Serve Tuna Casserole

    I usually serve as is.

    Simply use a large spoon, or another server of choice, and divide the casserole between plates.

    You could also serve with some nice crunchy bread for mopping up the tomato sauce, or a nice simple green garden salad for some greens.

    A spoonful of cooked tuna pasta being scooped out of the casserole dish.
    Divide into 6 portions and serve.

    This healthy tuna casserole is a meal unto itself, but is great served with a side of greens or steamed vegetables also.

    Why not try serving with these simple vegetable sides:

    • Lemon and Garlic Air Fryer Broccoli
    • Honey, Lemon and Sea Salt Air Fryer Asparagus
    • Simple and Scrumptious Roasted Dutch Carrots
    • Zesty Heirloom Tomato and Nectarine Salad
    tuna casserole served onto a white plate with some fresh parsley
    A generous serving topped with fresh parsley and basil is perfect!

    Storage and Meal Prep

    Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 days.

    The leftover casserole can also be frozen.

    Wrap the casserole securely with plastic wrap, then with aluminum foil.

    Label and freeze for up to 3 months.

    When ready to eat, simply defrost the casserole in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours until completely thawed.

    This is also a great meal for prepping ahead of time, which is perfect for a busy week.

    Simply make up the casserole right up to the point of being put into the oven, but instead wrap it in plastic wrap (or if the casserole dish has a lid you could just use that), and store in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking.

    Once needed, simply preheat the oven and bake the casserole until the cheese is nice and melted.

    a serving of tuna pasta on a white plate and topped with parsley
    Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

    Need another hearty comforting pasta dish? Why not try this Baked Spaghetti from Glenda Embree?

    Serve and enjoy.

    Happy Eating.

    xx

    Recipe

    healthy tuna casserole served in a white casserole dish

    Healthy Tuna Casserole

    It's a busy weeknight and you have to feed the kids but don't want the hassle that usually comes along with that job. If your kid is a fan of tuna, then they are going to love this healthy tuna casserole. As easy as boiling some pasta, mixing in a handful of other ingredients, topping with cheese, and throwing it into the oven. Leftovers pack well for lunch the next day, and even better is that this meal can be easily meal prepped meaning you only have to throw it into the oven when you get home after a busy day.
    4.94 from 16 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved Recipes!
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 29 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Anytime
    Servings 6 serves
    Calories 461 kcal

    Clicking any equipment link above will earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 ½ cups uncooked penne or other pasta
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 14 oz (400g) tuna in oil drain most of the oil
    • 12 cherry or plum tomatoes
    • ½ cup black or mixed olives pitted
    • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese grated
    • 14 oz (400g) passata or pizza sauce
    • fresh basil leaves, parsley, and oregano for serving
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Boil the pasta according to package instructions (al dente). Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to pasta water.
    • Once cooked add pasta to a large mixing bowl, add tuna, marinara sauce, 1 teaspoon of oregano, garlic powder. Mix to combine.
    • Ina  9 x 13-inch baking dish add half of the pasta mix, add a layer of half of the cheese, another pasta layer, and top with olives and tomatoes. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of oregano and finish with a layer of remaining cheese.
    • Bake at 400 F for about 20 minutes or until cheese is properly melted.
    • Garnish with fresh herbs and more oregano!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 461kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 33gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 34mgSodium: 610mgPotassium: 646mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 799IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 192mgIron: 3mg
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment HERE and let us know how it was!

    The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Paula says

      March 01, 2022 at 3:23 am

      This really is so good! Easy to make and my boys didn't know it was tuna.

      Reply
    2. Sherry says

      March 01, 2022 at 2:18 am

      Lent starts this week so I have been looking for "no meat recipes" to be able to feed my family a great home cooked meal. Your healthy tuna casserole recipe is perfect for us!!

      Reply
    3. Lisa says

      February 26, 2022 at 7:08 am

      This dish was a big hit with family and I loved how easy it was to prepare.

      Reply
    4. Glenda says

      February 22, 2022 at 8:33 pm

      A delicious update of the old classic! Easy and quick to prep, too. Love this one!

      Reply
    5. Shelby says

      February 22, 2022 at 5:52 am

      This was such a great weeknight meal! My kids loved it and it was a great way to sneak some fish into them!

      Reply
    6. Jennifer says

      January 24, 2022 at 2:14 am

      I love quick casseroles like this and I almost always have a can (or two) of tuna around! Yum!

      Reply
    7. Sherry says

      January 23, 2022 at 2:46 pm

      I made this casserole and took it to a family gather. Everyone loved it and wanted a copy of the recipe!! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    4.94 from 16 votes (9 ratings without comment)

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    Hello and welcome, I'm Donna!

    I am so glad you are here!

    Since I have a part-time job, 3 little kids, and a love of good food (as do you I assume), I have learned how to get the most out of the kitchen in the smallest amount of time.

    Forget about hunting down weird ingredients and making trips to specialty shops.

    We are going to make the most of what is available at the store and farmer's markets all whilst enjoying some delicious meals the whole family (hopefully...if you have fussy eaters I guarantee nothing) will enjoy.

    Pop on that apron and let's get creative in the kitchen!

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