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.
PrintEasy Tuna Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Tuna Casserole is a timeless comfort food classic, combining noodles, tuna, and creamy sauce baked to golden perfection. It's simple to prepare, making it ideal for a hassle-free dinner.
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
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Cook the Noodles:
- Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
Mix Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, tuna, and frozen peas. Stir in the cooked noodles. Season with salt and pepper.
-
Assemble the Casserole:
- Transfer the noodle mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
-
Add Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese.
-
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
-
Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a crunchier top, add more breadcrumbs or mix in some crushed potato chips.
- Customize the casserole by adding other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers, or swap the peas for corn.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: tuna casserole, easy casserole recipe, weeknight dinner
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