Dairy Free Tuna Casserole Recipe
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This dairy free tuna casserole brings all the cozy flavor of budget-friendly, comforting classic tuna casserole without any of the dairy, and it’s just as satisfying!
Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, this recipe is quick to prepare, uses pantry staples like economical canned tuna, and bakes up into a creamy, crave-worthy dish that feels like home. Whether you’re dairy-free by choice or necessity, this tuna casserole will become a go-to favorite.
Why Choose Dairy Free?
If you can’t have dairy, traditional recipes packed with cream, milk, and cheese can be off-limits. Dairy free eating can be important for people who are lactose intolerant, have a milk allergy, or follow plant-based or paleo diets. But that doesn’t mean giving up comfort food. With a few simple substitutions, you can create creamy, savory dishes without dairy-based ingredients, and your family may not even notice the difference!
This recipe replaces traditional milk and cheese with dairy free alternatives that still bring richness and flavor. It’s also versatile. Feel free to swap veggies, use gluten-free pasta, or add crunchy toppings depending on your taste.
Dairy Free Tuna Casserole Recipe
Dairy Free Tuna Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta rotini, penne, or elbow work well
- 2 5 oz cans tuna in water, drained
- 1 cup frozen peas or mixed veggies
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or gluten-free blend
- 2 cups unsweetened plain dairy-free milk almond, oat, soy, or coconut
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs optional topping
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for topping
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour into the skillet and stir to coat the onions. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Slowly pour in the dairy free milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in the Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and thyme. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
- In a large mixing bowl or directly in the pot, mix together the cooked pasta, drained tuna, frozen peas, and the creamy sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Smooth it out with a spatula.
- If using a crunchy topping, mix crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Enjoy warm with a side salad, green beans, or fresh fruit.
Tips and Variations:
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in the sauce.
- Add veggies: Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Swap tuna: Not a fan of tuna? Use canned salmon or cooked shredded chicken instead.
- Add spice: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the casserole a kick.
- No oven? You can skip the baking step and serve this directly from the stovetop as a creamy tuna skillet pasta.
Storing and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in single portions for easy lunches. Use freezer-safe containers and eat within 2 months for best quality.
Reheating: Microwave individual servings or reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
This dairy-free tuna casserole proves that comfort food doesn’t have to come with cream, cheese, or compromise. It’s simple to make, deliciously creamy, and totally customizable for your family’s tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re dairy-free full time or just experimenting, this is a cozy, wholesome dinner you can feel good about serving.
Give it a try tonight, and don’t be surprised if it becomes part of your regular meal rotation!
Canned Tuna Ideas
For more canned tuna favorties, check these out:
