Tuna Hot Dish is a classic American casserole from the mid-20th century, especially beloved in the Midwest. Known for its comforting combination of pantry staples like potato chips, canned tuna, mushroom soup, and peas, this dish was a staple on weeknight dinner tables. It exemplifies the post-war era of convenience cooking, where simple, shelf-stable ingredients could come together to create a warm, satisfying meal. This recipe is perfect for busy households looking for a nostalgic, budget-friendly dinner option.
Ingredients
- 8 oz potato chips (crushed)
- 5 oz tuna (drained)
- 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
- 15 oz peas (drained)
- ½ cup milk
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Mix the Filling
- In a large bowl, combine the tuna, cream of mushroom soup, peas, and milk. Mix well.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread half of the crushed potato chips in the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Pour the tuna mixture over the chips and spread evenly.
- Top with the remaining crushed potato chips.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips
- Use baked potato chips to reduce fat.
- Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella before baking for a cheesier casserole.
- Mix in sautéed onions or celery for more flavor.
- Replace peas with mixed vegetables or corn.
- Add cooked egg noodles to stretch the dish for more servings.
- Use canned chicken instead of tuna for an alternative flavor.
- Top with crushed crackers instead of chips for a less salty option.
- Season with black pepper, garlic powder, or paprika.
- Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
- Stir in a spoonful of sour cream for creaminess.
Nutrition
Calories: 510kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 14gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 760mgPotassium: 330mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 350IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 110mgIron: 2mg
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