Health Benefits of Tuna plus 4 Tasty Dinner Recipes

My mother raised us kids all on her own and would often work long hours at her job. She would keep several cans of tuna in the pantry at all times because it was inexpensive, and it was something that all of us liked to eat. These days, It can be purchased fresh, canned or in a pouch.

As an adult, I followed in my mother's footsteps. I have learned to make tuna 50+ different ways for my family. We use it in hot and cold sandwiches, cold salads, burgers and casseroles.

Tuna is very high in protein and easy to prepare. It is a good source of Omega 3 fatty acids and high in Vitamin D. Studies have shown that it can help keep a brain and heart healthy.

I would like to share 4 of my family's favorite recipes with you.

Grilled Swiss Tuna Burgers

12 oz. can tuna, drained
4 oz. shredded Swiss cheese
2 egg whites
2/3 cup milk
1 Tbsp. minced onion
salt and pepper to taste

In a medium sized bowl, combine all of the above ingredients. Shape mixture into 4 patties. Grill on a preheated grill or in a frying pan for 10 minutes or until browned.

Tuna Noodle Casserole

7 oz. can tuna, drained
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
2 Tbsp. butter
1 can cream of celery soup
1 cup of milk
2 Tbsp. pimiento, diced
1/4 cup bread crumbs
8 oz. package egg noodles

Saute chopped celery and onion in butter. Blend in soup and milk. Add flaked tuna and pimiento. Cook noodles according to package directions in a saucepan. In a greased casserole dish, combine soup mixture and egg noodles. Top with bread crumbs. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.

Tuna Cheese Pie

1 9-inch pie shell
12 oz. can tuna, drained
1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
1/2 cup onion, chopped
3 eggs
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup milk

Pierce pie shell with fork and bake in a 375 degree oven for 8 minutes. In a large bowl, toss together the tuna, cheese and onion. Spoon into pie shell. Re-using the same bowl, combine all of the remaining ingredients. Slowly pour mixture over tuna mixture. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 50 minutes. Serves 6-8 people.

Tuna Tator-Chip Casserole

1 medium bag potato chips, crushed
12 oz. can tuna, drained
1 can peas, drained
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 1/2 cups milk

Lightly grease a 2 qt. casserole dish. Place a layer of crushed potato chips, a layer of peas and a layer of tuna, using half of each, into the casserole dish. Pour 1/2 of heated soup-milk mixture over ingredients in casserole dish. Repeat layers for a second time. Place a handful of crushed potato chips on top. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes or until done.