Creamy & Delicious Easy Keto Tuna Casserole (Low-Carb Comfort Food!)
Craving a classic comfort food that fits your keto lifestyle? This Easy Keto Tuna Casserole delivers! It’s packed with flaky tuna, tender cauliflower, and a rich, creamy, cheesy sauce, all baked until golden and bubbly. A satisfying and simple meal perfect for any night of the week.
Yields: 6-8 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 20 ounces (about 4-5 standard cans) canned tuna in spring water (or olive oil), thoroughly drained
- 1 cup full-fat mayonnaise (check for no added sugar)
- ⅓ cup full-fat sour cream
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (check for no added sugar)
- ½ cup green onions, chopped (plus more for garnish, optional)
- 2 cups cooked cauliflower, chopped into small florets or riced (fresh or frozen, cooked until tender-crisp)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or other sharp cheese like cheddar or Colby Jack)
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Fork or spoon
- Large baking dish (e.g., 9×13 inch or similar 2-quart capacity)
- Non-stick cooking spray or butter for greasing
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Prep Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
- Prepare Cauliflower: If using fresh cauliflower, chop it into small florets and steam or boil until tender-crisp. If using frozen, cook according to package directions until tender-crisp. Drain very well and chop into small, rice-like pieces if desired.
- Make Tuna Base: In a large mixing bowl, add the thoroughly drained tuna. Use a fork to flake it apart.
- Combine & Mix: Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, Dijon mustard, and chopped green onions to the bowl with the tuna. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Cauliflower & Cheese: Gently fold in the cooked and chopped cauliflower and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese into the tuna mixture.
- Assemble & Top: Transfer the entire mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the 1 cup of shredded Gruyère cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake the tuna casserole for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted, golden brown, and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
- Serve & Enjoy! Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh green onions if desired.
Tips for Success:
- Drain Tuna Well: Ensure the tuna is very well drained to prevent a watery casserole.
- Don’t Overcook Cauliflower: Cook the cauliflower until it’s tender-crisp, not mushy, so it retains some texture in the casserole.
- Cheese Choice: While Gruyère adds a sophisticated nutty flavor, cheddar, Colby Jack, or even Monterey Jack can be used as alternatives.
- Label Check: For strict keto, ensure your mayonnaise and Dijon mustard do not contain added sugars.
- Customization: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick, or some finely diced celery for extra crunch.
Storage: Store any leftover tuna casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification
This Easy Keto Tuna Casserole recipe is a fantastic, comforting, and highly compliant option for your app!
- High Protein: Yes, this recipe is very high in protein. Tuna, mayonnaise (with egg), sour cream, and cheeses are all excellent protein sources.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb. Tuna, cauliflower, mayonnaise, sour cream, and cheeses are all naturally low in carbohydrates.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly. All listed ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet.
- Mayonnaise & Dijon Mustard: Remind users to check labels for no added sugars.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
