Keto Tuna Casserole: A Flavorful Twist for Low-Carb Delight

How Many Carbs Are in a Tuna Casserole?

Explore a culinary journey that combines savory classic comfort food with this Keto Tuna Casserole recipe. As the popularity of the ketogenic diet grows for its health benefits and weight management, we aim to provide a delicious recipe that seamlessly fits into your keto lifestyle.

Embark on a flavorful journey as we guide you in creating a keto tuna casserole that satisfies your taste buds and dietary goals. We cleverly use low-carb options, ensuring each bite of this comforting dish is guilt-free.

Get ready to savor a perfect mix of creamy textures, rich flavors, and a satisfying crunch from a golden-baked topping. Whether you’re a seasoned keto fan or new to low-carb eating, our tasty spin on the classic tuna casserole will enhance your dining experience while supporting your health goals. 

This yummy keto tuna casserole skips the noodles and canned soup but is bursting with flavor! Ready in just 30 minutes using common ingredients, great for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

Classic tuna pasta casserole served with garlic bread and salad
Classic tuna pasta casserole served with garlic bread and salad

Table of Contents

How to Make a Keto Tuna Casserole

Tuna noodle casserole topped with parmesan and herbs
Tuna noodle casserole topped with parmesan and herbs

This keto tuna casserole includes mushrooms, spinach, and two types of cheese, creating the ultimate cheesy dish! It’s flavorful, creamy, and nutritious. 

This low-carb tuna casserole dish is a great keto recipe with keto-friendly veggies, creamy cheese, lots of flavor, and multiple servings. It has only 3 grams of net carbs per serving! Additionally, this keto tuna casserole is packed with nutrients and is gluten-free, making it a very healthy meal.

Tuna is a fantastic protein source that provides your daily omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B6. Add mushrooms and spinach for a super healthy meal. This low-carb keto recipe is super quick and easy to make, ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Tuna

Canned tuna is a must for keto. It’s tasty, filling, and easy on your wallet. It’s a healthy source of protein, fats, and other essential nutrients. And, you’ve gotta have it in your pantry! 

Canned tuna transferred into a bowl
Canned tuna transferred into a bowl

Mushroom

We’re swapping noodles for mushrooms in this tuna casserole. Choose from sliced white or brown button mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, or portobellos. Instead of canned cream of mushroom soup, these mushrooms perfectly complement the flavor of the tuna casserole.

A selection of different edible mushrooms
A selection of different edible mushrooms

Cheese

We’ll use mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese to add that yummy cheesiness to the tuna casserole. We suggest shredding your own with a cheese grater for better flavor. Pre-shredded cheeses from the store usually contain added starches to prevent clumping. These starches add unnecessary carbs.

Grated cheddar and mozzarella cheese in bowls
Grated cheddar and mozzarella cheese in bowls

Almond Flour

Usually, tuna casserole includes bread crumbs and noodles, resulting in around 60 grams of carbs per serving. However, we’ll use almond flour instead of bread crumbs for this low-carb version to reduce carbs while maintaining a crispy texture.

Spinach

Another common keto ingredient. Spinach provides a good source of fiber and nutrients, making it a great addition to this recipe. It also adds some color and flavor to the dish.

Fresh spinach leaves on a wooden board
Fresh spinach leaves on a wooden board

To season: Salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. You can also add cayenne pepper and chopped parsley as desired.

That being said, here’s the full list of items you’ll need for this keto tuna casserole:

  • 2 Tbsp butter 
  • ½ onion, chopped 
  • 2 cups sliced mushrooms
  • 1 cup chopped spinach
  • 2 five-ounce cans tuna in water
  • 1 cup grated Mozzarella cheese 
  • 1 cup Cream cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups Cheddar Cheese 
  • 2 Tbsp almond flour

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.

Chop the spinach and onion, and slice the mushrooms.

To start, melt the butter in a big pan on medium-high heat. Then, add the onions and saute for 3 minutes.

Once the onions are soft, put in the mushrooms and cook on high heat for around 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

When the mushrooms soften and shrink, add the spinach, stir until wilted, and reduce the heat to low.

Once the spinach wilts, mix in cream cheese, grated mozzarella, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Cook until the cheese begins to melt and mix with the other ingredients. Next, add the drained tuna and stir until everything is well combined.

Once everything is mixed, evenly spread the tuna mixture into the casserole dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top, then add the almond flour.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the top is crispy and golden brown.

Nutrition

This recipe yields about 10 servings. Each serving contains:

  • Calories: 239
  • Fat: 19g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Net Carbs: 3g
  • Protein: 14.4g

Tips for Making the Best Keto Tuna Casserole

Traditional tuna noodle casserole topped with potato crisps
Traditional tuna noodle casserole topped with potato crisps

For low-carb recipes like this healthy tuna casserole, choose block cheese instead of pre-shredded to reduce carbs. If you only have pre-shredded cheese, it’s okay to use it in this low-carb dish as other ingredients help keep the carb count low.

To make keto tuna casserole even cheesier, you can sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese on top after it gets out of the oven. Smoked gouda or provolone are also good substitutes for cheese.

You can use fresh tuna or try tuna in olive oil instead of water. Not a tuna fan? Canned salmon or chicken breast are great protein alternatives. Make sure to drain it to avoid a watery casserole.

Use avocado oil or olive oil instead of butter.

For a heartier meal, try these low-carb pasta swaps: zucchini noodles, Shirataki noodles, rainbow veggie noodles, or spaghetti squash – all perfect for a keto tuna noodle casserole.

If you decide to add noodles to this recipe, you will need either chicken broth or vegetable broth as well as a creamy ingredient: heavy cream, sour cream, or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

You can also bulk up this keto tuna casserole by adding cooked riced cauliflower instead of pasta.

For a crunchy topping, add crushed pork rinds on top.

What to Serve with Low-Carb Tuna Casserole

Homemade cheesy tuna casserole with pasta
Homemade cheesy tuna casserole with pasta

Pairing your low-carb tuna casserole with complementary sides can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some delicious options:

Fresh Green Salad:

Serve a crisp green salad with a variety of leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette. The refreshing salad provides a nice contrast to the richness of the casserole.

Roasted Vegetables:

Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or asparagus, add depth and texture. Season them with olive oil, garlic, and herbs for an extra burst of flavor.

Avocado Slices:

Creamy avocado slices not only contribute healthy fats but also provide a creamy element that pairs well with the casserole.

Garlic Butter Green Beans:

Sautéed green beans with garlic butter make for a simple yet flavorful side dish that won’t overshadow the star of the meal.

Keto Garlic Bread:

Prepare a low-carb garlic bread using almond flour or coconut flour to accompany the casserole, allowing you to indulge in the classic combination without the carb overload.

Cucumber Tomato Salad:

A light and tangy cucumber-tomato salad with feta cheese and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette can add a burst of freshness.

Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes:

Creamy cauliflower mashed potatoes serve as a velvety side that complements the heartiness of the tuna casserole without the extra carbs.

Choose a combination of these sides based on your preferences to create a well-rounded, satisfying low-carb meal that celebrates both flavor and health.

How to Store Keto Tuna Casserole

The keto tuna casserole leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen in an airtight container for up to three months. 

Reheat gently in an oven-safe dish at 300°F or in the microwave.

For meal prep, if you plan to cook this casserole within the next few days, store it in the baking dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking.

More Keto Recipes

If you like this keto tuna casserole, try these other simple yet tasty keto recipes for a stress-free week ahead!

Keto Lunch Recipes

Keto Dinner Recipes

Keto Breakfast Recipes

Keto Meal Prep Recipes

Keto Instant Pot Recipes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is fresh tuna good for keto?

Yes, fresh tuna is an excellent choice for a keto diet. Tuna is a rich source of high-quality protein and healthy fats, making it a nutritious option that aligns with the low-carb principles of the ketogenic lifestyle. Additionally, tuna is naturally carb-free, making it an ideal choice for those looking to maintain ketosis. 

This versatile fish can be cooked in many ways, like grilling, searing, or adding to salads or keto casseroles. Fresh tuna is low in carbs and rich in omega-3s, promoting heart health and overall well-being, making it great for a ketogenic diet.

Are mushrooms OK on a keto diet?

Mushrooms are keto-friendly and great for a ketogenic diet. They’re low in carbs, high in fiber, and packed with essential nutrients. With high fiber and water content, they keep you full with less.

Additionally, mushrooms are rich in potassium, a crucial mineral and electrolyte. Potassium is important on the keto diet as your body expels excess water due to the absence of carbs for retention.

They work well in different keto dishes like salads, omelets, and stir-fries, enhancing flavor, texture, and nutrition without greatly affecting carb intake. Just watch portion sizes, as carb content may differ slightly among mushroom types.

Can you make tuna casserole without noodles?

Certainly! This keto tuna casserole can be crafted without noodles, offering a low-carb twist to this classic comfort dish. Replace traditional pasta with alternatives like cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a mixture of shredded cabbage and spinach. 

Begin by sautéing these low-carb substitutes to achieve a tender texture. Combine them with a creamy mixture of canned tuna, mayonnaise, sour cream, and shredded cheese. Enhance the flavor profile with seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of Dijon mustard. 

Top it off with a layer of cheese and bake until golden and bubbly. This noodle-free tuna casserole not only adheres to low-carb dietary preferences but also provides a satisfying and flavorful meal for those seeking a healthier alternative.

Final Thoughts

Our keto tuna casserole journey combines a classic favorite with low-carb principles. Using substitutes like cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, we’ve turned a traditional dish into a keto-friendly masterpiece without sacrificing taste or comfort.

This tasty journey shows that sticking to a low-carb diet doesn’t have to mean giving up on delicious, fulfilling meals. When you whip up this yummy keto tuna casserole in your kitchen, remember to enjoy the flexibility and inventiveness of the keto lifestyle.

Let this recipe become a staple in your collection, showing that wholesome, low-carb options can be tasty and nutritious. Whether you’re all about keto or just starting with low-carb recipes, we’re excited for this tuna casserole twist to add some joy to your meals and spark your culinary creativity in the healthy, tasty world!

Enjoy every bite of this low-carb treat and the endless possibilities on your keto path!