Name: Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces egg noodles; 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup milk; 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna, drained; 1 cup frozen peas; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons melted butter; Salt and pepper, to taste

This Easy Tuna Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the simplicity of pasta, tuna, and cheese topped with crispy fried onions for a delightful crunch. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal prep option, this recipe is both filling and easy to make.

Ingredients

3 cups cooked macaroni
1 (5 ounce) can tuna, drained
1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 ½ cups French fried onions

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Combine Ingredients

Mix Casserole Base:

In a 9x13-inch baking dish, combine the cooked macaroni, drained tuna, and condensed cream of chicken soup. Stir the ingredients together until well mixed.

Bake

Add Cheese:

Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and hot.

Add Topping and Final Bake

Crispy Onion Topping:

After the initial bake, evenly sprinkle the French fried onions over the casserole.
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the onions are golden and crispy.

Serve

Enjoy Your Meal:

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Tips

Pasta Choice: While macaroni is used here, feel free to substitute with any pasta you prefer or have on hand.
Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese for varying flavors, such as mozzarella for a milder taste or a spicy pepper jack to add a kick.
Extra Creaminess: For an even creamier casserole, consider adding a splash of milk or a dollop of sour cream to the mixture before baking.
Adding Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value by stirring in some peas, diced carrots, or chopped spinach.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 462
Fat: 29g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Protein: 12g

This Easy Tuna Casserole is not only simple to prepare but also wonderfully versatile, making it a great recipe to have in your cooking repertoire for those days when you need a satisfying meal without too much fuss. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven for the best experience, and savor the leftovers, which are just as delicious the next day.