Creamy Tuna Broccoli Casserole

Warm, cozy, and ready in under an hour, this creamy tuna broccoli casserole is a weeknight lifesaver. Creamy Tuna Broccoli Casserole blends tender broccoli, flaked tuna, and a silky cheese sauce for a comforting, family-friendly meal. If you love creamy casseroles, try this similar skillet version for inspiration: creamy low-carb chicken casserole with broccoli and bacon.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tuna Broccoli Casserole

• Ready in about an hour for quick weeknight dinners.
• Family-friendly flavors that please picky eaters.
• Great for meal prep and reheats well for lunches.
• Comforting, rich texture without being fussy to make.
• Uses pantry-stable tuna for an easy, protein-packed meal.

Ingredients Needed

Protein

• 2 cans tuna (4.5 oz each), drained and flaked

Veggies

• 1 pound broccoli, cut into bite-size pieces

Dairy & Sauce

• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Toppings

• 1/2 cup mozzarella, shredded (for topping)

Aromatics & Spices

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions 5

1. Preheat and prep

Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.

2. Cook the broccoli

Steam or blanch broccoli for 2–3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender, then drain well.

3. Make the sauce

In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt butter and add cream cheese, stirring until smooth. Whisk in heavy cream, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; then stir in shredded cheddar until melted and combined.

4. Combine tuna and broccoli

Gently fold flaked tuna and cooked broccoli into the sauce until evenly coated, then transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.

5. Top and bake

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top and bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden around the edges. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions Creamy Tuna Broccoli Casserole

• Serve over steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a heartier plate.
• Pair with a crisp green salad and lemon vinaigrette for brightness.
• Offer crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the sauce.
• For a protein boost, serve alongside lighter grilled chicken like these grilled chicken broccoli bowls with creamy garlic sauce.

Tips for Success Creamy Tuna Broccoli Casserole

• Drain broccoli well after blanching to prevent a watery casserole.
• Use room-temperature cream cheese so it melts into a smoother sauce.
• Taste the sauce before baking and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Leftovers keep 3–4 days refrigerated and reheat covered in the oven.
• For a lighter version, swap half-and-half for heavy cream, adjusting baking time slightly.
• For extra crunch, add panko breadcrumbs on top in the last 10 minutes.

Variations

• Swap tuna for flaked cooked salmon or shredded rotisserie chicken for a different protein.
• Add veggies like chopped mushrooms or bell peppers for more color and texture.
• Make it spicy by stirring in 1/4–1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• For a dairy-free option, use dairy-free cream cheese, a plant-based cream, and dairy-free cheese alternatives.

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