When I was a little boy my mom would make this recipe, one that she had started using long before I was born, and it was always one of my absolute favorites. Before she passed away I copied all her recipes into my own little notebook (so I could ask her questions, because y’all “milk” is not enough info – I need a quantity to go with it! she was also fond of the “bake until done” step – so I was sure to ask her for at least ballpark times and temps).
Captain’s Casserole is definitely my go to recipe when I have guests coming over. It goes in the oven an hour before eating so I have time to clean up (and freshen up). And the real secret weapon is that it makes the house smell amazing for when guests arrive. Resistance is futile.
Watch the video my alter ego Captain Housekeeper made!
Captain’s Casserole
Ingredients
1 can cream of mushroom soup
2/3 c grated cheddar cheese
1/2 c milk
2 cans tuna, drained
1 1/3 c cooked rice
1/2 tsp oregano
1 c water
dash pepper
1 can whole tomatoes (16 oz)
1/2 c sliced stuffed green olives
1/2 c onion VERY thinly sliced
1/2 c crushed potato chips
Directions
Preheat oven to 325F
In saucepan heat soup, milk, & cheese until melted, stirring occasionally.
Combine rice, oregano, & pepper in greased 1 1/2 quart shallow baking dish. Drain tomatoes (save out 1/2 c of their juice). Stir saved juice & water into rice. Slice tomatoes and arrange them on the rice.
Add onions, tuna, & olives. Pour on sauce. Sprinkle with chips.
Bake until done (just kidding) – bake uncovered for 1/2 hour, then increase temp to 425 and bake for another 1/2 hour.
When serving be sure to go straight down all the way to the bottom of the casserole dish so that you get all layers. I usually make a double or triple batch when I’m having company.
4 servings
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I made this and suddenly had tears in my eyes with my mind full of memories of my momma making this casserole. The smells are captivating and the taste phenomenal. Thank you so much.
I grew up with similar recipe. Often used it for “bring-in”/potluck suppers at church. Difference was that most of my family didn’t like olives and were extremely allergic to black (or all types of) peppers. So my mother substituted chopped dill pickles for the olives, and left out the pepper but sometimes would add crushed garlic, garlic powder, or garlic salt in lieu of the pepper.