Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 25 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Welcome to a comforting classic that never goes out of style: the Tuna Noodle Casserole. It's a nostalgic dish that brings warmth and simplicity to your dinner table, perfect for a cozy family meal or a quick weeknight fix.

Ingredients for Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole

The backbone of this dish is the classic combination of egg noodles and tuna. The noodles provide a hearty base, while the tuna adds a savory, protein-packed punch. Condensed cream of mushroom soup brings creaminess and depth, binding the ingredients together. Milk helps to thin out the soup, making it the perfect consistency. Frozen peas add a pop of color and sweetness, while shredded cheddar cheese introduces a rich, melty layer of flavor. Crushed potato chips on top give a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior. Chopped onion adds a mild bite, and butter ties everything together with a touch of richness. Finally, a sprinkle of black pepper and salt enhances the overall taste.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you're short on time, use pre-chopped onions or skip them altogether.
  • For an extra crispy top, broil the casserole for the last 2 minutes of baking.
  • Mix in some corn or chopped bell peppers for added veggies and color.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli on the side to balance out the richness. A glass of chilled white wine can complement the flavors beautifully, making it a simple yet elegant meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to cook and flake it before adding it to the casserole.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free noodles and ensure your cream of mushroom soup is also gluten-free.

Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, get your oven preheating to 375°F (190°C) and give your 9x13 inch baking dish a light greasing. This ensures a non-stick experience later. Now, let's get those egg noodles going. Cook them according to the package instructions, then drain and set them aside. You'll want them ready to soak up all the flavors later.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, melted butter, black pepper, and a little salt. Mix until everything is smooth and well blended. This is your creamy base.

Next, fold in the cooked noodles, drained tuna, peas, chopped onion, and half of your shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed and well coated with the creamy mixture.

Transfer this delightful mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, followed by a generous layer of crushed potato chips. This is where the magic happens.

Slide the dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 20-25 minutes. You're looking for a bubbly casserole with a golden brown top. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before diving in. This allows the casserole to set a bit, making serving easier.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy nights.
  • A perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy textures.
  • Uses pantry staples, saving you a trip to the grocery store.
  • Customizable with your favorite vegetables or toppings.

Ingredients

2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
12 oz egg noodles
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup milk
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup crushed potato chips
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 tsp black pepper
Salt to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, melted butter, black pepper, and salt.
4. Stir in the cooked noodles, drained tuna, peas, chopped onion, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
6. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and crushed potato chips on top.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
8. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

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