Tuna Casserole For One

Craving comfort food that’s easy to make and proportioned just for you? Look no further than this single serving Tuna Casserole. Infused with a homemade creamy sauce, small-shaped pasta, and a crispy, buttery topping, this dish has all the elements you’d want in a comfort meal. Cooked in a small baking dish, it’s the perfect solution for satisfying that comfort food itch without any waste.

this Recipe

Enjoy a classic tuna casserole accompanied by aromatic roasted Brussels sprouts, a vibrant and fresh tomato salad, and buttery cornbread.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe

• Ease of Preparation: All you need are simple ingredients and a small baking dish.
• No Waste: Designed for one serving, this recipe eliminates leftovers.
• Customizable: Easily swap out ingredients based on dietary needs or what you have on hand.
• Flavorful: The homemade creamy sauce packs a punch, elevating the entire dish.
• Quick: From start to finish, you’re looking at less than 45 minutes.
• Tuna Casserole For Two?: No worries, just double the ingredient amounts.

Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this easy tuna casserole recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.

• Pasta: This recipe calls for 1/2 cup of dried elbow macaroni, which expands to about 1 cup when cooked. For a gluten-free alternative, consider using a gluten-free macaroni. If you’ve got leftover pasta, consider using it in a Macaroni Salad, Chili Mac, or Goulash.
• Butter: Salted butter serves multiple purposes: it cooks the onions and forms the roux for the sauce. Plus, you’ll use some melted for that crave-worthy crispy topping. Unsalted butter also works, but you might want to adjust the salt level.
• Onions: A 1/4 cup of chopped onions adds depth and aroma. Shallots or green onions are good substitutes if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Flour: All-purpose flour acts as a thickening agent for the sauce. For a gluten-free version, a 1:1 gluten-free flour can be used.
• Seasonings: The recipe incorporates dried thyme, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper for flavor. These can be adjusted to personal preference or swapped with similar herbs.
• Milk: Any percentage of cow’s milk will do, from skim to whole. Plant-based milk like almond or oat can be used for a dairy-free option.
• Heavy cream: This contributes to both the thickness and richness of the sauce. Half-and-half or a plant-based cream can be used as a lighter alternative. We use heavy cream in many of our single serving and small batch recipes like Fettuccine Alfredo and Chicken Divan.
• Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed or bottled lemon juice works fine. This adds a subtle tanginess that balances the creaminess.
• Cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar and freshly grated Parmesan cheese give the best melting texture and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese tends to have anti-caking agents, so it’s better to shred your own. Got extra Parmesan and cheddar? Use them both in a Squash Casserole, Bacon, Egg and Cheese Cup, and Twice Baked Eggplant.
• Canned tuna: Drain the water or oil thoroughly to avoid a watery casserole. For a twist, canned salmon or even shredded chicken can be used.
• Breadcrumbs: Store-bought or homemade breadcrumbs will create that irresistible crispy topping. Panko breadcrumbs can add an extra crunch if you prefer.

This section provides a quick rundown of the ingredients used in this single serving tuna casserole recipe. For complete measurements and step-by-step instructions, please scroll to the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.

Expert Tips

• Pasta Choices: While I use small elbow macaroni, feel free to swap it out. Small-shaped pasta like penne or fusilli works well, and you can go for regular, whole wheat, or gluten-free varieties to suit your dietary needs.
• Veggie Boost: If you enjoy a touch of green in your casserole, toss in 1/2 cup of frozen peas while the sauce simmers. It’s an easy way to add color and nutrients.
• Cheese Variations: While sharp cheddar is my go-to, consider mixing it up with smoked Gruyère, fontina, or sharp white cheddar for a unique twist on flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

RELATED:  15 Easy Single Serving Dessert Recipes

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