Introduction
Tuna noodle casserole is a classic comfort food dish that is loved by many. It is a simple and delicious recipe that combines tender egg noodles, creamy sauce, and flavorful tuna. This casserole is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can create a satisfying and hearty meal that will please both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
To make a tasty tuna noodle casserole, you will need the following ingredients:
– 8 ounces of egg noodles
– 2 cans of tuna, drained
– 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
– 1 cup of frozen peas
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup of milk
– 1/4 cup of diced onion
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon of butter
– 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
Follow these simple steps to make a delicious tuna noodle casserole:
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by cooking the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until they become translucent and fragrant.
Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, drained tuna, frozen peas, and the prepared sauce. Mix everything together until well combined.
Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it warm and enjoy!
Variations
Tuna noodle casserole is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste. Here are a few variations you can try:
1. Cheesy Topping
If you love extra cheese, sprinkle some additional shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese on top of the casserole before baking. This will create a deliciously cheesy and gooey crust.
2. Vegetable Additions
Feel free to add more vegetables to the casserole to boost its nutritional value. Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots can be great additions that add color and texture to the dish.
3. Crispy Topping
If you prefer a crunchy topping, mix together breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the casserole before baking to create a crispy crust.
Tips
Here are some tips to help you make the best tuna noodle casserole:
– Cook the egg noodles al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
– Use high-quality canned tuna for the best flavor. You can use either chunk light tuna or solid white albacore tuna.
– Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste preference. Add more herbs or spices for extra flavor.
– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
Tuna noodle casserole is a classic dish that is loved for its simplicity and deliciousness. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can create a satisfying and comforting meal that the whole family will enjoy. Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste and experiment with different variations. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering, this casserole is sure to be a hit.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, you can use a different type of pasta if you prefer. Penne, macaroni, or rotini can be great alternatives to egg noodles.
Q: Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
A: Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup instead.
Q: Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?
A: While canned tuna is commonly used in this recipe for convenience, you can certainly use fresh tuna if you prefer. Simply cook the fresh tuna before adding it to the casserole.
Tuna Noodle Casserole
A classic comfort food dish that combines tender egg noodles, creamy sauce, flavorful tuna, peas, and cheddar cheese to create a satisfying and hearty meal.
Ingredients
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8 ounces egg noodles
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2 cans tuna, drained
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1 can cream of mushroom soup
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1 cup frozen peas
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup milk
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1/4 cup diced onion
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon butter
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1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat, add diced onion and minced garlic until translucent. Add cream of mushroom soup, milk, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir and let simmer.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked noodles, drained tuna, frozen peas, and the prepared sauce. Mix well and transfer to a greased baking dish.
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Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve warm and enjoy!
