If you’re on a keto diet or simply trying to reduce carbs without sacrificing flavor, then this keto tuna casserole is exactly what you need. Growing up, tuna casserole was a staple comfort food in my household, creamy, cheesy, and hearty, it always hit the spot after a long day. But when I adopted a low-carb lifestyle, I knew I needed to reinvent this classic to fit my new way of eating. And that’s exactly what I’ve done with this recipe.
A good keto tuna casserole is hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor. This version stays true to the essence of the original casserole, but it swaps out the usual high-carb ingredients for keto-friendly alternatives. With creamy tuna, melted cheese, and a crunchy topping, every bite will feel indulgent, satisfying, and most importantly, compliant with your keto goals.
This dish fits perfectly as a weeknight dinner when you’re craving something hearty but want to avoid those sneaky carbs. It’s also great for meal prep and can be easily stored for leftovers, so you can enjoy it throughout the week. Whether you’re hosting a low-carb dinner party or just want a comforting bowl of food on a cozy evening, this keto tuna casserole has you covered.
Table of contents
Why this Keto Tuna Casserole Works
The Secret to a Great Keto Tuna Casserole
The key to this recipe is finding the right ingredients to maintain the creamy texture and savory taste that makes tuna casserole so irresistible. Instead of using regular pasta or breadcrumbs, I’ve swapped them out for cauliflower rice and almond flour to keep the casserole rich without adding any carbs. Cauliflower rice has the perfect texture, soaking up the creamy sauce and providing a subtle “rice” feel. Almond flour, when combined with butter, creates a crunchy, golden topping that mimics breadcrumbs beautifully.
Another great aspect of this recipe is how versatile it is. You can customize the ingredients to suit your taste. If you prefer a little more richness, you can increase the amount of cheese or use a different type of cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or even cream cheese works wonders). Want to make it dairy-free? Simply use coconut cream and nutritional yeast as substitutes. You can even add in extra veggies like spinach or zucchini to increase the fiber content while keeping things keto-friendly.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
This keto tuna casserole is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want a filling meal but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. In about 40 minutes, you’ll have a bubbling, golden casserole that everyone will love. The best part? It’s incredibly satisfying and filling, so you won’t find yourself reaching for a snack an hour later. Plus, it stores and reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic option for leftovers.
Recipe Card
Keto Tuna Casserole
Cuisine: Keto inspiredDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes30
minutes300
kcalA creamy, low-carb version of the classic tuna casserole that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a keto diet.
Ingredients
2 cans of tuna (5 oz each), drained and flaked
1 medium cauliflower head, riced (or 2 cups cauliflower rice)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup almond flour (for topping)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Prepare the Cauliflower Rice: If using a whole cauliflower, chop it into florets and pulse in a food processor until it resembles rice. Sauté the cauliflower rice in a pan with a tablespoon of butter until lightly tender (about 5 minutes), then set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and the cheese starts to melt.
- Mix the Ingredients: Add the riced cauliflower and flaked tuna to the bowl with the sauce. Mix everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Make the Topping: In a small bowl, combine almond flour, Parmesan cheese, paprika, and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and low-carb goodness!
Notes
- For extra crunch, top with crushed pork rinds or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese.
- To make this casserole dairy-free, use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast.
- If you want a bit more texture, add a handful of sautéed mushrooms or zucchini to the casserole mix.
Pro Tips for Success
1. Use Fresh Tuna or Canned Tuna in Water
For the best flavor and texture, opt for high-quality canned tuna. Make sure to choose tuna packed in water, not oil, as it keeps the dish light while still providing plenty of protein. If you have access to fresh tuna, searing and flaking it can elevate the dish even further.
2. Don’t Overcook the Cauliflower Rice
Cauliflower rice is a fantastic low-carb substitute for traditional rice, but it can become mushy if overcooked. Lightly sauté or steam it until it’s just tender before adding it to the casserole. This will help retain its texture and allow it to absorb the creamy sauce without becoming soggy.
3. Add a Touch of Spice
If you enjoy a little heat, feel free to add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a small dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. The mild heat pairs wonderfully with the creamy tuna and adds a nice contrast to the richness.
4. Use Full-Fat Dairy
For the creamiest, most decadent casserole, opt for full-fat ingredients. Heavy cream, full-fat sour cream, and whole milk cheese provide that rich, satisfying texture that makes this dish so comforting. If you’re dairy-free, be sure to choose full-fat coconut milk or cream for a similarly creamy effect.
Variants of the Keto Tuna Casserole
1. Dairy-Free Keto Tuna Casserole
To make this casserole dairy-free, simply swap the heavy cream for coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for the cheesy flavor. This variant still provides the creamy, comforting texture you love without any dairy. It’s perfect for those with lactose intolerance or anyone following a dairy-free lifestyle.
2. Vegetarian Keto Tuna Casserole
If you’re not a fan of tuna, you can easily transform this casserole into a vegetarian version. Swap the tuna for cooked chicken, turkey, or even roasted mushrooms for a hearty, meatless option. To keep it keto, just be sure to choose vegetables that are low in carbs like spinach, zucchini, or cauliflower.
3. Keto Tuna Casserole with a Crunchy Topping
For an extra crunch, you can make a delicious almond flour topping. Simply mix almond flour, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter together, then sprinkle it over the top of the casserole before baking. This creates a crunchy, golden crust that adds texture to the dish and a lovely nutty flavor.
4. Low-Carb Tuna Casserole with Extra Veggies
To boost the nutrition and fiber content of this dish, consider adding more low-carb vegetables to the mix. Spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers work wonderfully. Not only do these vegetables add color and flavor, but they also provide additional nutrients while keeping the dish keto-friendly.
FAQs about Keto Tuna Casserole
If you like heat, try adding red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a tablespoon of hot sauce to the cream sauce before mixing it with the tuna and cauliflower.
If you’re not a fan of sour cream, you can replace it with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangy flavor, or even use cream cheese for extra creaminess.
Absolutely! Feel free to add spinach, zucchini, or even broccoli for added nutrition. Make sure the veggies are cooked or lightly sautéed before adding them to the casserole to prevent excess moisture.
Final Thoughts
This keto tuna casserole is a game-changer for anyone following a low-carb diet but craving the warmth and comfort of a classic casserole. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—all while keeping the carb count low. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, prepping it for the week, or serving it at a keto-friendly gathering, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. The rich textures, combined with the heartiness of tuna and cauliflower rice, create a meal that’s not only satisfying but also deliciously comforting.
Give this recipe a try the next time you’re in the mood for a comforting, low-carb meal. You’ll love how easy it is to make, and the entire family will be asking for seconds. Plus, it’s a perfect candidate for meal prep, so you can enjoy it all week long! If you’re looking for the authentic recipe, check out the tuna casserole recipe!
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