Who else celebrates Valentines Day with a group of friends?
Every year, me and my girls get together for a home cooked dinner party on valentines day (NO BOYS ALLOWED!) and we all bring a dish. Most of these dishes are skinny, or light, because most of us have just made new years resolutions to lose weight. I always try to focus more on what my body needs, rather than starving myself of something and calling it a “diet.”
I make sure I get a good amount of fat and protein to help my body function properly. This is why I bring this Cheesy Tuna Black Bean Casserole to the dinner party. It provides the essential nutrients,and it tastes great. And I make sure to cook more than necessary, so the girls can take leftovers home with them.
The first time I made it for them, they asked me for the recipe, but I didn’t have one to give them! I had just improvised a casserole using what I had on hand (trying to keep it healthful), and it was really good. Luckily, I had remembered what I did and was able to replicate it and write down the recipe.
It took, like, an hour to name it. We finally decided on Ultimate Cheesy Tuna Pasta Casserole. And I’m stickin’ with that.
I usually take it to dinner parties, but it is also a great dish to pack for a picnic.
It is so creamy and savory, your belly will thank you. It has wholesome ingredients and is super easy to put together. It is a favorite around my house for a hot lunch, and is a great take to school lunch.
The ingredients for this casserole are so simple and it comes together easily.
In the time it takes to boil water and cook the pasta, I have already made the sauce and prepared the other ingredients. All I have to do once the pasta finishes is combine it all in a casserole pan.
The Bumblebee tuna in this recipe gives the whole dish a really lovely flavor. It changes it from being an okay dish to being an exiting, deeply flavored dish.
I also love that the tuna is an easy and delicious way to add a variety of nutrients, including lean protein, healthy fat, and important vitamins and minerals.
Tip: This Ultimate Cheesy Tuna Pasta Casserole also freezes well. You would simply freeze the unbaked casserole to thaw and bake later.
Here’s how its made:
For this recipe you will need Bumblebee tuna, canned black beans, pimentos, penne pasta, butter, flour, milk, salt, garlic, and mozzarella cheese.
Mix the cooked pasta with the Bumblebee tuna, black beans, pimentos, and prepared sauce.
Bake at 350 for 20 minutes, and broil until browned to your liking (Don’t let it burn!!!!).
Here is the recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 box penne pasta
- 1 can Bumble Bee Tuna
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 jar pimentos
- For the sauce:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 cups extra mozzarella (to top)
Instructions:
- Pre-heat oven to 350 F.
- Cook the pasta to al dente.
- While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a dutch oven. Whisk in salt, garlic powder and flour, and cook 1-2 minutes. Slowly add the milk (1/2 cup at a time), whisking smooth. When all milk is added, add the cheese and stir until melted.
- In a casserole pan, combine the penne, tuna, black beans, pimentos, and prepared sauce. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake 20 minutes.
- Broil until browned to your liking. (Watch it carefully! DO NOT LET IT BURN!)
What are some of your favorite recipes using Bumble Bee Tuna??? Let me know in the comments below!!!
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
this looks amazingly delicious! Pinned
Mmm, that looks so good!
I think my sister would love this! Minus the black beans. I’ll definitely be sharing this recipe with her and I’d love for you to come link up with us at Talented Tuesday!
~Meaghan
Oh wow! This casserole looks delicious! Thanks for sharing!