The Crunchiest Crispy Tuna and Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Crispy tuna and green bean casserole brings comfort food to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Hearty home cooks understand the magic of redefineing simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Unexpected flavor combinations make this dish a standout performer in the weeknight dinner lineup.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with crunchy topping elements that surprise and delight taste buds.

Nutritious proteins and fresh vegetables create a balanced meal that satisfies multiple cravings simultaneously.

Family-friendly recipes like this one redefine ordinary ingredients into something spectacular without complicated techniques.

This dish promises a perfect harmony of taste, texture, and nutritional value that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Reasons to Enjoy Crispy Tuna and Green Bean Casserole

• Elevate Comfort Food: Transform the classic tuna casserole into a gourmet experience with fresh ingredients and sophisticated flavor combinations that make every bite exciting.
• Crispy Texture Delight: The potato chip and panko breadcrumb topping creates an irresistible crunchy layer that perfectly contrasts the creamy pasta and tender green beans.
• Quick and Satisfying Meal: Prepare this one-dish wonder in under an hour, making it an ideal solution for busy weeknight dinners that don't compromise on taste or nutrition.
• Versatile Family Pleaser: Packed with protein from tuna, vegetables from green beans, and a cheesy sauce that appeals to both kids and adults, this casserole delivers a balanced and delicious meal everyone will love.

Ingredients Checklist for Crispy Tuna and Green Bean Casserole

• Ziti Pasta: Classic pasta shape with ridges that hold sauce wonderfully, perfect for casseroles..
• Haricots Verts: Delicate, thin French-style green beans with tender texture and fresh green color..

• Solid White Tuna: High-quality, mild-tasting fish packed in spring water for clean, fresh flavor..

• Heavy Cream: Rich, luxurious base for creamy sauce with smooth, velvety consistency..
• Sharp White Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Tangy and nutty cheeses that provide depth and complex flavor..
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create smooth, silky sauce and crispy topping..

• Leeks: Mild, sweet onion-like vegetable with subtle flavor and delicate texture..
• Fresh Chives, Tarragon or Parsley: Bright, fresh herbs that add aromatic finishing touch..

• Gourmet Mushroom Blend: Mixed variety of mushrooms offering earthy, umami flavor..
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced and well-rounded taste..

• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken sauce and create smooth, consistent texture..
• Organic Vegetable Broth: Adds depth and liquid base for creamy sauce..

• Potato Chips, Panko Breadcrumbs: Crispy, crunchy elements for textural contrast..
• Vegetable Cooking Spray: Prevents sticking and helps create even cooking.

How to Make Crispy Tuna and Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F, getting ready for a delicious adventure.

Step 2: Prepare Pasta and Green Companions

• Cook pasta following package instructions
• Boil green beans in salted water for 30-60 seconds until they're crisp and bright
• Quickly cool beans in ice water
• Drain both pasta and beans thoroughly

Step 3: Sauté Veggie Medley

• Melt butter in a large skillet
• Toss in thinly sliced leeks, cooking until soft
• Add mushrooms and sizzle until they turn golden brown
• Transfer mixture to a separate bowl

Step 4: Craft Creamy Sauce

• Melt remaining butter in the skillet
• Whisk in flour and cook until smooth
• Slowly pour in heavy cream and vegetable broth
• Bring to a gentle boil
• Blend in Cheddar and Parmesan cheese
• Season with salt and pepper

Step 5: Combine Flavor Layers

• Mix cream sauce with cooked pasta
• Fold in
• Drained tuna
• Chopped chives
• Fresh herbs
• Green beans
• Sautéed veggie mixture

Step 6: Create Crunchy Topping

• Blend in a bowl
• Crushed potato chips
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Melted butter

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh chives and serve hot.

Tips to Perfect Crispy Tuna and Green Bean Casserole

• Prevent Mushy Beans: Blanch green beans briefly and shock in ice water to maintain their crisp texture and vibrant green color.
• Cheese Melting Mastery: Gradually add cheese to the cream sauce and whisk continuously to ensure a smooth, lump-free consistency.
• Crunch Control: Mix potato chips and panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy, golden-brown topping that adds delightful texture.
• Tuna Technique: Drain tuna thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the casserole watery and diluting the flavors.
• Flavor Boost: Toast breadcrumbs and cheese topping for a few extra minutes if you want an even more golden and crispy finish.

Reheating and Storing Crispy Tuna and Green Bean Casserole

• Refrigeration: Seal leftover casserole in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezing: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Reheating: Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Warm in a preheated 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning. Add a splash of vegetable broth to maintain moisture and restore the creamy texture.

Delicious Pairings for Crispy Tuna and Green Bean Casserole

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy casserole and cut through its richness.
• Serve with Tangy Side Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's heaviness and add fresh, bright flavors.
• Add Crusty Bread Accompaniment: Serve warm, crusty sourdough or French bread to soak up the delicious cheese sauce and provide a delightful textural contrast.
• Suggest Sparkling Water Pairing: Choose a citrus-infused sparkling water with a slice of lemon to refresh the palate between bites of the rich, creamy casserole.

Flavor Variations for Crispy Tuna and Green Bean Casserole

• Seafood Sensation: Swap tuna with succulent crab or salmon for a luxurious maritime flavor profile that elevates the classic casserole.
• Vegetarian Comfort: Replace tuna with hearty roasted cauliflower or chickpeas, adding extra protein and maintaining the creamy, crispy textures.
• Mediterranean Magic: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese to transform the dish with bright, tangy Mediterranean ingredients.
• Spicy Fusion: Add jalapeños, smoked paprika, and pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick that brings unexpected warmth and complexity to the traditional recipe.

Crispy Tuna and Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Nostalgic comfort meets zesty Mediterranean flair in this crispy tuna and green bean casserole. Golden breadcrumbs crown tender green beans and flaky tuna, creating a quick weeknight dinner that brings Mediterranean coastal memories right to your table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 (16 ounces) package ziti pasta
• 1 (12 ounces) can solid white tuna in spring water, drained
• 1 (8 ounces) package haricots verts (thin green beans), cut into 1-inch pieces

Dairy and Cream Ingredients:

• 3 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded sharp white Cheddar cheese
• 6 tablespoons butter, divided
• 6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Vegetable and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 medium leeks, thinly sliced
• 2 (4 ounces) packages fresh gourmet mushroom blend
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup organic vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon or parsley
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Vegetable cooking spray
• ¼ cup crushed potato chips
• ¼ cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
• Garnish: sliced fresh chives

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Instructions

1. Warm your kitchen oven to a moderate 350°F, preparing for a delightful culinary creation.
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Simultaneously, blanch green beans in salted boiling water for roughly 30 seconds, ensuring they remain crisp and vibrant. Immediately shock the beans in ice water to halt cooking, then drain thoroughly.
3. In a spacious skillet, melt butter and gently sauté leeks until translucent. Introduce mushroom blend and continue cooking until edges turn golden and fragrant.
4. Create a velvety cream sauce by melting additional butter and whisking in flour. Gradually incorporate heavy cream and vegetable broth, stirring continuously. Allow the mixture to simmer and thicken.
5. Blend shredded Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses into the sauce until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
6. Combine cooked pasta, tuna, green beans, leek-mushroom mixture, chives, and tarragon in the cream sauce. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
7. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
8. Craft a crispy topping by mixing crushed potato chips, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and melted butter. Sprinkle generously over the casserole.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the interior becomes bubbling hot.
10. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chives for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Potato chips and panko create an irresistible golden-brown crust that adds unexpected crunch to the tender pasta and flaky tuna base.
• Fresh herbs like chives and tarragon transform this nostalgic comfort food into a sophisticated, restaurant-worthy dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 680
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg