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Low Carb Keto Tuna Casserole with Spinach Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 130 reviews

This Low Carb Keto Tuna Casserole with Spinach is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish perfect for those following a keto lifestyle. Featuring canned tuna packed in oil, nutrient-rich spinach, and a rich sauce made from cream cheese, heavy cream, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, this casserole delivers both flavor and texture. The optional pork rind topping adds a delightful crunch without the carbs, making it a satisfying and wholesome meal that can be prepared quickly and baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Tuna

  • 2 (5-ounce) cans of solid white albacore tuna in oil, drained (optional 3rd can for stronger tuna flavor)

Spinach

  • 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry (or 8–10 cups fresh spinach, sautéed and squeezed)

Dairy

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided (¾ cup for sauce, ¼ cup for topping)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided (¾ cup for sauce, ¼ cup for topping)

Aromatics

  • ½ cup diced yellow onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Fats & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried dill

Optional Topping

  • ½ cup crushed pork rind crumbs (for topping, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking for the casserole.
  2. Prepare Spinach: If using frozen spinach, thaw completely and squeeze out all excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to avoid a watery casserole. If using fresh spinach, sauté in a pan with a little olive oil until wilted, then squeeze out excess liquid.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet or oven-safe 9×13 inch casserole dish, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
  4. Create Creamy Sauce: Lower heat to low. Add softened cream cheese to the skillet with the onion and garlic, stirring until melted and smooth. Slowly pour in heavy cream while stirring continuously to create a smooth, slightly thickened sauce.
  5. Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese and ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and dried dill. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
  6. Combine Ingredients: Add drained tuna and squeezed spinach to the cheese sauce. Gently stir to evenly distribute all ingredients throughout the sauce.
  7. Transfer to Casserole Dish: If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish and spread evenly.
  8. Top Casserole: Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup cheddar and ¼ cup mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. If using, add crushed pork rind crumbs evenly over the cheese layer for a crunchy topping.
  9. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly around the edges and golden brown on top.
  10. Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes to set and cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Be sure to squeeze out as much water as possible from the spinach to prevent a watery casserole.
  • Using oil-packed tuna adds richness and healthier fats compared to water-packed tuna.
  • Softening cream cheese before adding helps prevent lumps in your sauce.
  • The pork rind topping is optional but adds great texture while keeping it keto-friendly.
  • Feel free to experiment with other keto-friendly cheeses like Monterey Jack or smoked Gouda for varied flavors.
  • If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can be used as a substitute.
  • Adjust seasonings according to your taste; red pepper flakes can add a nice subtle heat if desired.

Keywords: low carb tuna casserole, keto tuna casserole, spinach tuna casserole, keto casserole, low carb dinner, tuna recipes, keto comfort food

Find it online: https://thedishspot.com/low-carb-keto-tuna-casserole-with-spinach-recipe/