The Simple Way To Upgrade A Box Of Tuna Helper - Tasting Table (2024)

The Simple Way To Upgrade A Box Of Tuna Helper - Tasting Table (4)

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ByClarice Knelly/

There are few things in life as convenient as pre-made, boxed meals that just require you to add water or a handful of other ingredients. From instant mac and cheese to trusty ramen, there's no shortage of tasty dinners that only take a few minutes to whip up. While many of us would like to be able to cook dinner from scratch every night, or order takeout if you don't typically find yourself in the kitchen, our busy schedules (and budgets) don't always allow it. We all know, on those especially chaotic days, there's nothing like a favorite easy meal waiting in the cupboard for you.

However, many boxed meals do get a reputation of being especially bland or unsatisfying. But, we're here to tell you, you don't have to opt for convenience just to miss out on flavor. Simple upgrades, such as adding vegetables or throwing in additional protein, are obvious steps one can take to amp up their quick meal.

But, when it comes to one of America's favorite quick meals, Betty Crocker's Tuna Helper, there may be an even easier upgrade than chopping up whole veggies after a long day.

Just one ingredient makes the difference

The Simple Way To Upgrade A Box Of Tuna Helper - Tasting Table (5)

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Betty Crocker outlines some great ways to liven up one of their most popular boxed meals, Tuna Helper. From suggestions on serving up the dish with bacon crumbles and parsley to serving it as a soup, the brand is not short on creative recipe hacks. However, the simplest, and possibly best, way they recommend livening up your Tuna Helper is to add garlic.

Garlic is a great go-to way to add depth to almost any savory meal because it is made of many strong chemical compounds, as per Serious Eats, that actually attack our taste buds and olfactory receptors. This provokes our taste buds to wake up and be alert, which makes the things garlic is added to taste better.

To get this effect, Betty Crocker recommends adding minced garlic to your pan right before it starts simmering. Easier than choosing, washing, and chopping any veggies or proteins, this simple hack is sure to upgrade your next Tuna Helper indulgence.

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The Simple Way To Upgrade A Box Of Tuna Helper - Tasting Table (2024)

FAQs

The Simple Way To Upgrade A Box Of Tuna Helper - Tasting Table? ›

Just one ingredient makes the difference

What to add to box tuna helper? ›

Add Your Own Twist! Turn up the flavor by adding minced garlic just before simmering. Just before serving, top with crumbled cooked bacon and fresh or dried parsley.

Can I use canned chicken in Tuna Helper? ›

A: Thanks for asking, I tried the tuna helper with a can of chicken instead of tuna and it tasted just fine. My family does not like tuna helper, because they don't like tuna, so I used a can of chicken and they loved it.

How many cans of tuna does Tuna Helper take? ›

3 cups hot water. 1 cup milk. 3 tablespoons margarine or butter. 1 can (6 ounces) tuna, drained.

Can you use tuna helper without the tuna? ›

Despite suggesting that two cans of tuna be used as per Tuna Helper's cooking instructions, Betty Crocker explains that the tuna can be replaced with either two cans of chicken or even two cups of chopped, rotisserie chicken without having any major repercussions on the final taste or texture of the dish.

How do you dress up canned tuna? ›

Start by doctoring up a can of tuna with mayonnaise, lemon, and cilantro—think spicy tuna with the spice on the side. Then add rice and crunchy seasoned carrots and cucumber for the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Serve with your favorite condiments such as soy and hot chili sauce.

Can I use water instead of milk in tuna helper? ›

Can Tuna Helper be made with all water instead of milk and water? Yes, but it will change the taste of the final dish. You also might use chicken, ground beef, tofu or eggs as the protein source.

Can I eat 10 cans of tuna a day? ›

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans , most adults should aim to eat at least 8 ounces, or 2 servings, of fish per week, which can include canned tuna.

How many days is tuna helper good for? ›

Storing Hamburger Tuna Helper

Once cooled to room temperature, tuna helper can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring each time it stops, until warmed all the way through.

What is the healthiest way to eat canned tuna? ›

Healthy tuna recipes
  1. Tangy tuna burgers. A star rating of 4.6 out of 5. ...
  2. Spinach omelette. A star rating of 2.8 out of 5. ...
  3. Tuna & butterbean salad. A star rating of 4.5 out of 5. ...
  4. Storecupboard tuna bean salad. ...
  5. Spicy tuna quinoa salad. ...
  6. Tuna Niçoise protein pot. ...
  7. Healthy tuna pasta. ...
  8. Asparagus & tuna salad.

Which tastes better tuna in oil or tuna in water? ›

In the end, it comes down to taste: Tuna packed in water will be more neutral and, well, watery, while olive oil will have some peppery richness that can complement that tuna.

Can tuna helper be frozen? ›

Yes, tuna casserole freezes beautifully! Tuna noodle casserole can be frozen 3 ways. Freeze the mixture WITHOUT the noodles and then cook the noodles on the day of serving and add them together before baking. This is my preferred method because it ensures the best texture consistency of the noodles.

What spices go well with canned tuna? ›

Some basic seasonings to use for canned tuna include salt, black pepper, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs like dill, parsley, or cilantro.

Can you make tuna helper without butter? ›

a way to prepare betty crocker tuna helper without all the fat. prepare it the same way it says on the box but use skim milk and no butter. prepare the same way the box says but add no butter and use nonfat milk :) tastes the same as with butter! after pasta has simmered for about 5 minutes add frozen veggies!

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