Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Boil Potatoes: Place the diced potatoes in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Casserole Mixture
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, thawed peas, diced onion, celery, red bell pepper, shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
- Add Potatoes: Gently fold in the cooked diced potatoes until they are well coated with the tuna and vegetable mixture.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the tuna and potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
- Make Bread Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Mix until the breadcrumbs are coated with butter.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Top with Bread Crumbs: Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
Step 6: Serve
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
- Enjoy: Serve warm as a comforting and hearty main dish.
Tips for Perfect Tuna and Potato Casserole:
- Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, carrots, or mushrooms to suit your taste.
- Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese such as mozzarella or Swiss for a different flavor profile.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from chilled.
This Tuna and Potato Casserole is a wonderful dish for family dinners or potluck gatherings, offering a creamy and satisfying combination of flavors and textures. Enjoy!