Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe
Okay, friends, let’s talk comfort food. We’re not talking about just any old dish. What is the kind of food that wraps you in a warm hug? I’m talking about a Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe, the kind my grandma used to make on those rainy days. Sundays, that fills the house with a smell that just screams “home.” Forget mac and cheese for a minute (I know, blasphemy! What is the best tuna noodle casserole? Is this the dish I crave when I feel under the weather or just need a little bit of comfort? Is nostalgia a part of life?
What is a tuna noodle casserole?
What is a tuna noodle casserole? Think of it as a creamy, dreamy combination of tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, and rich sauce. What is that crispy, golden topping that makes everyone fight over the corner pieces? What is essentially a warm, comforting hug in food? The dish has been around for ages, with variations popping up in cookbooks throughout the mid-20th century. Is it a staple because it’s economical, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and is super simple to make? What is a throw What is good food?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Okay, buckle up, because I’m about to tell you why this Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe is about to become your new go-to. First and foremost, the *flavor*! The creamy sauce, that comforting tuna flavor, the slightly sweet peas (or whatever veggie you choose – more on that later), and that crispy, crunchy topping… it’s a symphony of textures and tastes that just work. Then there’s the *simplicity*. This isn’t a fussy recipe that requires hours in the kitchen. This is a dump-and-bake kind of situation, perfect for busy weeknights when you just want something delicious on the table without the hassle. What I love most about this is that it is a *cost-effective* meal. Canned tuna is a budget-friendly protein, and the other ingredients are pantry staples that most of us already have on hand. And don’t even get me started on the *versatility*! You can customize this casserole to your heart’s content. Add different veggies, experiment with different cheeses, or even swap out the tuna for chicken. It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! If you love classic comfort food like chicken pot pie or baked ziti, you’ll definitely find a friend in this tuna noodle casserole recipe.
How do I make a tuna noodle casserole?
Quick Overview
What is better, a tuna noodle casserole or burger than takeout? How do you make a creamy sauce with canned soup, milk, or both? If you’re feeling decadent, why not try a ), and seasonings. Add in your tuna and veggies, toss everything together, and pour it into a baking dish. What is your secret weapon? Potato chips? What’s the best part? What are some of the ingredients in your pantry?
Ingredients Notes:
For the Casserole:
* Egg Noodles:I prefer the wide ones, but any kind will do. Cook them al dente because they will continue to cook in the oven. *Canned Tuna:I always use tuna packed in water. Make sure to drain it well to avoid a watery casserole. *Cream of Mushroom Soup: What are theWhat is the base of our creamy sauce? What are some suggestions for a “cream of” soup? I’ve even used cream of broccoli with good results!Milk (or cream): Milk isAdds richness and helps thin out soup. I’ve tested this with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier! *Frozen Peas:Can you use any frozen veggie you like – green beans, corn, or a mix?Shredded Cheddar Cheese:Adds a cheesy, melty goodness. What are some good alternatives to Monterey Jack cheese?Onion:Can you use yellow onion or white onion?Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder – all the basics to round out the flavor. I add a pinch of celery salt which adds great depth.
For the Topping: What is the
* Potato Chips:What is my secret weapon for a crispy, salty topping? Crush them roughly before scattering over the casserole. What are the best potato chips to make?Butter: To make the topping nice and crispy. Melted butter to be exact!
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. How do you prevent a casserole from sticking to your hands?
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Cook the egg noodles according to package directions, but cook them for a minute or two less than they are supposed to. What is the recommended time? We want them to be al dente, as they’ll continue to cook in the oven. Drain the noodles well and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion
Dice the onion and sauté it in a pan with some butter or oil until softened. What are some good ways to make a delicious casserole? If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but I highly recommend it!
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk (or cream), salt, pepper, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well. What is celery salt? What is the base of our delicious sauce?
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked noodles, drained tuna, sautéed onion (if using), and frozen peas to the sauce. What is the best way to make sure everything is evenly coated? Do not overmix noodles, as this can make them mushy.
Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish & Top
How do I spread the mixture in a baking dish? In a separate bowl, melt the butter and toss it with the crushed potato chips. Set aside. Sprinkle buttered potato chips evenly over the casserole. Can you use buttered breadcrumbs?
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is browned. Keep a close eye on it towards the end to prevent the topping from burning. If it starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. How do you slice a tomato sauce?
What is the best way to serve it?
What is a complete meal in itself? Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe? What are some ideas?For a simple lunch:What is a good salad with greens?For a family dinner:Serve with roasted carrots or steamed broccoli for a healthy and balanced meal.For a Potluck:What is a good casserole? Bring along a loaf of crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
Growing up, we always had this with a simple side salad with Italian dressing. Is it a family tradition to serve mashed potatoes?
How do I make a perfect tuna noodle casserole?
Okay, I’ve made this Tuna Noodle Casserole more times than I can count, so I have learned a few things. What are some tricks along the way?Noodle Know-How: Don’t overcook the noodles! They should be al dente, as they’ll continue to cook in the oven. Soggy noodles are a casserole killer. I always set a timer so I do not over cook them.
Soup Savvy: If you want to add more flavor to the sauce, try using a can of condensed cream of celery or cream of chicken soup in addition to the cream of mushroom. Also you can add in a dollop of sour cream for extra creamy flavor.
Veggie Variety: Feel free to experiment with different veggies. Frozen peas are classic, but you can also use green beans, corn, or a mix. Just make sure to thaw them before adding them to the casserole. You can even sautee some fresh mushrooms along with the onion for added flavor and texture.
Tuna Tips: Drain the tuna really, really well. Nobody likes a watery casserole. I even press it with a paper towel to get out as much excess moisture as possible.
Topping Triumph: For a super crispy topping, melt the butter before tossing it with the crushed potato chips (or breadcrumbs). You can also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to the topping for extra flavor.
Cheese Choices: While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a sprinkle of Gruyere would be delicious.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
These are all tips that I learned the hard way making so many Tuna Noodle Casseroles for potlucks and family dinners!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? No problem! This Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe stores beautifully.
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving it at room temperature for more than a couple of hours. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate it as soon as possible.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before storing it.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or bake the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, friends! My Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe, a timeless classic that’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and oh-so-comforting. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you need a little bit of home-cooked goodness. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other casserole recipes for more easy and delicious meal ideas! Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments below if you tried this recipe and how it goes! Happy cooking!
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Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz egg noodles uncooked
- 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup canned
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cans tuna drained and flaked
- 1 cup frozen peas thawed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crushed potato chips
- 0.5 tsp salt or to taste
- 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add egg noodles, and cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Drain.
- In a large bowl, mix together the soup, milk, tuna, peas, and cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir the cooked noodles into the tuna mixture. Transfer to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Top with crushed potato chips.
- Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the chips are lightly browned.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
