Keto Tuna Casserole - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

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This delicious and filling keto tuna casserole has no noodles, but it has plenty of flavor!

Ready in just 30 minutes and using simple everyday ingredients, this easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Keto Tuna Casserole - Healthy Recipes Blog (1)

Canned tuna is one of my favorite ingredients. It's tasty, filling, and very affordable. And just as important - I always have it on hand, making it the natural choice when the fridge is otherwise bare. I use it to make tuna cakes and tuna salad.

I also use it to make this tuna casserole. It's so good! It has no noodles, but you won't miss them. It's a lazy casserole - minimal chopping necessary. And it's ready fast, so it's perfect for weeknight dinners.

Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • Variations
  • Instructions
  • Expert Tip
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Reader Review
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Storing Leftovers
  • More Seafood Recipes
  • Foodie Newsletter
  • Recipe Card

Ingredients

This is a delicious, filling, well-seasoned mixture of canned tuna, chopped red onion, mayonnaise, and cheese, baked until golden and bubbly.

Here's an overview of the ingredients - the exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below:

  • Canned tuna: I use skipjack tuna in this recipe.
  • Mayonnaise: I like using avocado oil mayonnaise.
  • Dijon mustard: It's creamier and less vinegary than yellow mustard. I do recommend using it here rather than using yellow mustard.
  • Shredded Gruyere cheese: Other melty cheeses such as cheddar or provolone should work too. But Gruyere is especially flavorful.
  • Chopped red onion: Make sure it's finely chopped.
  • To season: Salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper doesn't make the casserole very spicy, at least to my palate, but it does add a nice subtle kick.
  • Chopped parsley: I use it mostly for garnish, so you can skip it if you don't have it on hand. It does add a nice splash of color, though.

Variations

  • You can use tuna in olive oil instead of tuna in water. It's delicious!
  • Try using sour cream instead of mayonnaise. Both work, but personally, I prefer mayonnaise.
  • Dill makes a nice addition to this recipe.
  • Sharp cheddar or provolone are good substitutes for Gruyere. Smoked Gouda is also very good.

Instructions

Making this tuna casserole is so easy! Scroll down to the recipe card for detailed instructions. Here are the basic steps:

  • Simply mix all the ingredients together, reserving some of the cheese and the parsley. (Photos 1-2).
  • Next, transfer the mixture to a small baking dish and sprinkle the top with the remaining cheese. (Photo 3).
  • Bake the casserole until heated through, about 15 minutes in a 400°F oven. Garnish with parsley and serve. (Photos 4-6).
Keto Tuna Casserole - Healthy Recipes Blog (2)

Expert Tip

You can bulk up this casserole by adding 2 cups of cooked riced cauliflower, increasing the mayonnaise to ½ cup, and dividing it into 3 servings.

Recipe FAQs

Why is my casserole dry?

This casserole can become dry if the ratio of tuna to creamy ingredients (mayonnaise and mustard) is too high.

I find that ⅓ cup of mayo works well, but depending on the brand of tuna you use, you might need to increase it and use up to ½ cup.

Can you make a tuna casserole without noodles?

Yes! I do it all the time. It's a different recipe than classic ones, and you'll want to serve it with something for scooping it out, such as fresh-cut veggies, keto crackers, or pork rinds. But it's very, very good.

Can you freeze this casserole?

Yes. Once completely cool, you can wrap the baking dish in plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil. Freeze it for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge.

Reader Review

On Instagram, @shelikeshergreens posted this gorgeous photo of her casserole. She says, "I made my own mayonnaise for this casserole. I didn’t have gruyere so I used cheddar instead. I added dill to the mix to bring some freshness to it. This was amazing with the sautéed beans!"

Keto Tuna Casserole - Healthy Recipes Blog (3)

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is rich and filling. As you can see in the recipe card below, a serving has 465 calories. So I simply serve it with fresh-cut veggies for scooping it out of the baking dish (or plate). It's also good with a side of microwave broccoli.

Storing Leftovers

The leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days, or you can freeze them for up to three months if you want to keep them for longer. Gently reheat them in a 300°F oven or in the microwave at 50% power.

Keto Tuna Casserole - Healthy Recipes Blog (4)

More Seafood Recipes

  • Keto Tuna Salad
  • Tuna Patties
  • Crab Salad
  • Seared Tuna

Recipe Card

Keto Tuna Casserole - Healthy Recipes Blog (9)

4.98 from 1159 votes

Print Recipe

Keto Tuna Casserole

This delicious and filling keto tuna casserole has no noodles, but it has lots of flavor! Plus it's so easy to make.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time15 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: 2 servings

Calories: 465kcal

Author: Vered DeLeeuw

Ingredients

  • 2 (5 oz) cans tuna in water drained
  • cup avocado oil mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ cup Gruyere cheese shredded, divided
  • ¼ cup red onion minced
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ¼ cup parsley chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Video

Notes

You can bulk this casserole up by adding 2 cups of cooked riced cauliflower, increasing the mayonnaise to ½ cup, and dividing it into 3 servings.

The leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days, or you can freeze them for up to three months if you want to keep them for longer. Gently reheat them in a 300°F oven or in the microwave at 50% power.

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Nutrition per Serving

Serving: 0.5casserole | Calories: 465kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 882mg | Sugar: 5g

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Disclaimers

Cup measurements refer to the standard American cup, which is 240 milliliters. Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Nutrition info is approximate, and the carb count excludes non-nutritive sweeteners. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Please read these Terms of Use carefully before using any of my recipes.

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More Keto Casserole Recipes

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About the Author

Keto Tuna Casserole - Healthy Recipes Blog (20) Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., CNC, has been following a low-carb real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She's a Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC), has taken courses at the Harvard School of Public Health, and has earned a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from Cornell University. Her work has appeared in several major media outlets, including Healthline, HuffPost, Today, Women's Health, Shape, and Country Living. Click to learn more about Vered.

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Comment

  1. Beth

    Keto Tuna Casserole - Healthy Recipes Blog (21)
    Hi, great recipe, wondering how many servings it is? Thanks. Looking forward to trying more recipes.

    Reply

    • Vered DeLeeuw

      Hi Beth,
      This recipe makes two servings.

      Reply

  2. Lynn Maison

    Keto Tuna Casserole - Healthy Recipes Blog (22)
    I made this! But, made the following adjustments...
    Sprayed a 13x9 glass casserole dish
    Spread a thin crust pizza dough in the dish. Spryed with butter spray and sprinkled with garlic powder and dill.
    I covered with plastic wrap and set in fridge for (@ least) 30m.
    Once ready, bake for 6-8m @ 400°.
    While baking the crust to a lightly golden brown:
    Add to a mixing bowl...
    Tuna
    1/4c Mayo (avocado oil, olive oil preferred)
    2 tbsp Dried diced onion instead of fresh cut (all I had)
    1/8c milk
    1/4c sour cream
    1/3c shredded cheese
    Mix ingredients.

    Spread on top of crust. Top with the remaining cheese. Pads of butter and parmesan can be added to the top to brown.
    Sprinkle with parsley or fresh diced green onions.

    Reply

    • Vered DeLeeuw

      Thanks for sharing your version of this recipe, Lynn. 🙂

      Reply

  3. Winnie Haney

    Keto Tuna Casserole - Healthy Recipes Blog (23)
    Made this for my husband who's on Keto. I try his stuff once in a while and love eating this myself with pig skins as a dip. I didn't have all the ingredients so tweaked a few things with the same amount of carbs, a little more cost friendly.

    Reply

    • Vered DeLeeuw

      Glad you liked it, Winnie!

      Reply

  4. Jesse

    Keto Tuna Casserole - Healthy Recipes Blog (24)
    This was very good. I added riced cauliflower and green peas and used white albacore tuna, it tastes less fishy to me. I also added shredded colby jack cheese because that's what I had on hand, and French fried onions on top. Thanks for sharing. I was wondering how I was going to use all the canned tuna I bought, now I know.

    Reply

    • Vered DeLeeuw

      So glad you enjoyed this casserole, Jesse!

      Reply

Keto Tuna Casserole - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

FAQs

Is canned tuna OK for keto diet? ›

Yes, tuna is both paleo- and keto-friendly. Because it contains essentially zero carbohydrates, it fits easily into any high-protein diet. However, if you're on a keto diet, you may want to choose oil-packed tuna because it's higher in fat.

How many calories are in a keto tuna casserole? ›

Nutrition Facts
Amount Per Serving
Calories295
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 20.6g26%
Cholesterol 80.4mg27%
6 more rows
Aug 20, 2019

Why is my tuna casserole so dry? ›

Your tuna casserole can also become dry due to overbaking. Even if it turns out perfect when you first cook it, it may still dry out when you reheat it. Luckily, these mistakes are quite easy to fix. For example, adding fewer noodles or just a little bit more sauce can help restore moisture and enhance the flavor.

How to eat canned tuna healthy? ›

13 Healthy Recipes with Canned Tuna
  1. Open Faced Tuna Sandwich with Avocado. As you'll see on this list, my favorite way to make tuna salad sandwiches is open-faced. ...
  2. Canned Tuna Ceviche. ...
  3. Tuna Croquettes. ...
  4. Tuna Pasta Salad. ...
  5. Tuna Egg Salad. ...
  6. Tuna Noodle Casserole. ...
  7. Open-Faced Tuna Melt Sandwich. ...
  8. Tuna Salad Wraps.
Jun 9, 2023

Is Mayo OK on keto? ›

Mayonnaise is the perfect condiment for the Keto Diet because it consists of high fat, low protein, and zero carbohydrates. It also has many health benefits that can help you maintain Ketosis and achieve your weight loss goals on the Keto diet.

Does tuna burn belly fat? ›

Tuna can be a helpful addition to a diet aimed at losing belly fat. Its high protein content and omega-3 fatty acids contribute to fat burning and can help reduce overall body fat, including belly fat.

What tuna is best for keto? ›

Tuna can be a great protein snack or meal for individuals following the keto diet. This fish is a healthy and affordable source of protein, fatty acids, selenium, and vitamin D to name a few key nutrients. The most common (and affordable) type of tuna you see in stores is canned tuna.

How much tuna can you have on keto? ›

Per the USDA, tuna lands at 0 on the fiber spectrum, so needless to say, it is not a good source of the carb. However, with 24 grams of protein and 0 grams of carbohydrates or sugar in just 3 ounces, plus Omega-3 fatty acids (per StarKist), it's pretty perfect for the keto diet.

What kind of noodles are low carb? ›

THE BREAKDOWN: BEST LOW-CARB PASTA BRANDS RANKED
  • IT'S SKINNY PASTA & RICE. ...
  • PALMINI LOW-CARB PASTA. ...
  • GREEN GIANT BUTTERNUT SQUASH VEGGIE SPIRALS. ...
  • BANZA CHICKPEA PASTA. ...
  • SOLELY ORGANIC DRIED SPAGHETTI SQUASH. ...
  • EXPLORE EDAMAME SPAGHETTI. ...
  • MIRACLE NOODLE PASTA. ...
  • THINSLIM FOODS IMPASTABLE LOW-CARB PASTA.
Mar 25, 2024

How do you thicken tuna casserole? ›

Make a cornstarch slurry for a fast and easy thickener.

Use one tablespoon of cornstarch per cup of liquid you would like to thicken. Stir out all the lumps. A few minutes before your casserole is done, add it a little at a time until you are happy with the thickness. Then, let the casserole finish baking.

How many days can you eat tuna casserole? ›

Store your leftover tuna noodle casserole in a shallow, airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat thoroughly in the oven or in the microwave.

How do you keep a casserole moist? ›

In general, you'll want to bake a casserole covered with aluminum foil for most of the cooking time. Covering the casserole helps lock in moisture and prevents it from drying out. If you don't cover the casserole or uncover it too soon, the casserole will dry out.

Can I safely eat a can of tuna everyday? ›

Although mercury is a toxic chemical, it's usually not present in tuna in large enough quantities to cause serious issues. Canned tuna's health benefits seem to outweigh any small negative effect of its mercury concentration. In general, eating canned tuna once or twice a week is safe.

What can I use instead of mayo in tuna? ›

When you're ready to elevate your next lunch or dinner, here are 12 delicious substitutes for mayo in your tuna salad.
  • Greek yogurt. Maslova Valentina/Shutterstock. ...
  • Avocado. Irina Rostokina/Shutterstock. ...
  • Hummus. Tempura/Getty Images. ...
  • Olive oil. Maryia_K/Shutterstock. ...
  • Dijon mustard. ...
  • Ranch dressing. ...
  • Sour cream. ...
  • Cottage cheese.
Jan 24, 2024

Is it safe to eat canned tuna 3 times a week? ›

According to the FDA, canned light tuna, made primarily from skipjack, is recognized as a fish with low mercury levels and is designated as a "best choice." A serving is typically 4 ounces for adults, per the FDA. The FDA recommends eating two to three servings a week, or about 8 to 12 ounces.

What kind of tuna can you eat on keto? ›

Yellowfin Tuna Pouch, StarKist E.V.O.O. Wild-caught Pink Salmon Pouch, StarKist E.V.O.O. Yellowfin Tuna with Sun-dried Tomato Pouch and StarKist E.V.O.O. Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil are all great choices to incorporate into easy, keto-friendly recipes.

Is salmon or tuna better for keto? ›

Salmon is one of the best fish for keto because it is a fatty fish that's high in omega 3 fatty acids and offers a lot of versatile fish dish options.

Is StarKist chunk light tuna keto friendly? ›

StarKist® makes it easy to incorporate seafood into your lifestyle. With 160 calories and 20g of protein per can, this nutrient dense tuna can works well with Mediterranean, Weight Watchers, Keto, and Paleo diet plans.

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