When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? A dish that warms your heart and soothes your soul, right? What if I told you that such a dish exists on the keto diet too? Yes, today I'm going to introduce you to a great recipe that ticks all these boxes and more—the keto tuna casserole. This low carb casserole recipe is a revelation for anyone on a low carb diet, allowing you to enjoy the creaminess and richness of a classic tuna noodle casserole, but without all those pesky carbs!
Casseroles, in general, are a great thing; they're easy to make, usually involve a handful of simple ingredients, and are perfect for meal prep. They're the kind of dish you prepare on a Sunday and munch on throughout the week. However, the typical tuna casserole isn't exactly keto-friendly, given the breadcrumbs, egg noodles, and certain other ingredients. So, if you're a fan of tuna but also keeping an eye on your carb count, what do you do?
This brings us to the keto tuna noodle casserole. I've crafted a recipe that's just as creamy and satisfying as the original recipe but tailored for those on a low carb diet. And believe me, it’s a delicious dinner treat!
Keto Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Servings: 4
Net Carbs: 4 net carbs per serving
Ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp. Butter
- ½ Onion chopped
- 2 tsp. Minced garlic
- 1 Can Palmini linguine noodles
- ½ C. Heavy whipping cream
- ½ C. Grated parmesan cheese divided
- ⅓ C. Pork rind crumbs
- 1 Large can of tuna drained well
- 2 Tbsp. Chopped fresh parsley
- 6 oz. Sliced mushrooms
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add in the onions and mushrooms, and saute until they have softened.
Mix in the garlic, and saute for 30 seconds longer.
Pour in the heavy whipping cream, and simmer until thickened.
Stir in ¼ cup of the grated parmesan, and salt and pepper to taste.
Combine the palmini noodles, parsley and tuna in a large bowl, and pour the sauce mixture over it. Stir to combine well.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Add the mixture to a well greased baking dish.
Stir together the remaining parmesan and pork rind crumbs in a bowl.
Sprinkle the pork rind crumb mixture over the casserole.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until browned on top and cooked through.
Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Pros and Cons of Keto Tuna Casserole
Pros:
- Low Carb Count: With just 4g net carbs per serving, it perfectly aligns with the keto lifestyle.
- Healthy Fats: Heavy whipping cream and parmesan cheese not only give the dish a creamy texture but also provide beneficial healthy fats, which are essential for those on the keto diet.
- Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients, like the parmesan cheese, mushrooms, and even the Palmini noodles, might already be in your pantry.
- Delicious Taste: It's a flavorful combo of cheesy keto tuna casserole goodness, with a hint of olive oil and Italian seasoning.
Cons:
- Different Texture: While Palmini noodles are a great low-carb substitute, their texture is different from traditional egg noodles. If you're not a fan, you can also experiment with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
- Adapting to the Keto Twist: If you're used to the original recipe with breadcrumbs and cream of mushroom soup, this might taste a bit different. But, as with any dish, adjusting the ingredients according to personal preference is always an option.
Tips for a Perfect Keto Tuna Casserole
- Tuna Choice: Opt for albacore tuna or fresh tuna for a less "fishy" taste.
- Customize Veggies: Feel free to add green beans or fresh cauliflower for added texture and nutrition.
- Alternative Toppings: If pork rinds aren't your thing, try a combination of almond flour and grated mozzarella cheese for a crispy topping.
- Storage: Use an airtight container to store any leftovers. It keeps the casserole fresh and prevents it from absorbing odors from the refrigerator.
- Variation: For a slightly tangy twist, add a dash of lemon juice or lemon zest.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other cheeses instead of parmesan?
Absolutely! Cheddar cheese or cream cheese can be fantastic replacements. They add a creamy cheese sauce texture to the dish.
2. How long can I store the casserole in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it should remain fresh for 3-4 days. Just ensure it's cooled down before refrigerating.
3. Can I use store-bought chicken broth instead of heavy cream?
While chicken broth can add flavor, it won't provide the same creamy texture as heavy cream. If you're looking for alternatives, you might want to try sour cream mixed with a bit of xanthan gum.
4. Is it possible to freeze the casserole for later use?
Yes, once the casserole has cooled, you can freeze it. Just ensure you're using an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag.
5. Can I add other proteins to the dish?
Of course! If you're not a big fan of tuna, feel free to substitute with chunks of chicken or even shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Key Takeaways:
- Keto Tuna Casserole is a low-carb comfort food that's both nutritious and delicious.
- Incorporating simple ingredients like heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and olive oil can elevate the low carb keto tuna casserole.
- Experiment with different ingredients and flavors to suit your personal preference for low carb tuna recipes.
- Proper storage is key! Using an airtight container will keep the dish fresh.
- Have fun with this easy recipe, and don’t hesitate to make it your own!
Keto tuna casserole Conclusion
I hope you’ve found this information about keto tuna casserole as delicious as I have. This dish is truly a testament to the fact that you can enjoy a variety of delicious recipes on a low carb or keto diet. It’s all about finding those low carb twists and making the most of the ingredients available to you. So, go ahead and give this recipe a shot. It’s simple, wholesome, and a treat for the taste buds, sure to please the whole family.
Remember, the keto diet isn't just about cutting carbs; it's about embracing a healthier lifestyle and discovering new, delicious ways to fuel your body. This keto tuna casserole is just one of many low carb keto recipes that prove this point beautifully. So, enjoy your low carb comfort food, and here's to living the keto lifestyle with gusto!
And there we have it! A classic comfort dish, reimagined for our keto enthusiasts. This low carb tuna casserole recipe is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory. It's a testament to the fact that with a little creativity, we can enjoy all our favorite dishes without compromising our dietary preferences.
Keto Tuna Casserole
A classic comfort dish, reimagined for our keto enthusiasts. This low carb tuna casserole recipe is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory. It's a testament to the fact that with a little creativity, we can enjoy all our favorite dishes without compromising our dietary preferences.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. Butter
- ½ Onion chopped
- 2 tsp. Minced garlic
- 1 Can Palmini linguine noodles
- ½ C. Heavy whipping cream
- ½ C. Grated parmesan cheese divided
- ⅓ C. Pork rind crumbs
- 1 Large can of tuna drained well
- 2 Tbsp. Chopped fresh parsley
- 6 oz. Sliced mushrooms
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add in the onions and mushrooms, and saute until they have softened.
- Mix in the garlic, and saute for 30 seconds longer.
- Pour in the heavy whipping cream, and simmer until thickened.
- Stir in ¼ cup of the grated parmesan, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the palmini noodles, parsley and tuna in a large bowl, and pour the sauce mixture over it. Stir to combine well.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Add the mixture to a well greased baking dish.
- Stir together the remaining parmesan and pork rind crumbs in a bowl.
- Sprinkle the pork rind crumb mixture over the casserole.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until browned on top and cooked through.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Hello, I'm Melissa, the founder and visionary behind Everyday Ketogenic. With more than 12 years of experience in content creation, recipe development, and blogging, I've cultivated this platform into a leading resource for anyone interested in the ketogenic lifestyle. Everyday Ketogenic is my canvas, where I paint with words and ideas, bringing the keto world to life.