Tuna casserole is a timeless dish that combines convenience with comfort. It's the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a hearty meal on the table with minimal fuss. This quick and easy Tuna Casserole recipe not only delivers on flavor but also utilizes pantry staples, making it incredibly budget-friendly and convenient.
Ingredients and Preparation
To make this delicious casserole, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cans (5 oz each) of tuna in water, drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) of condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup of frozen peas
- ½ cup of milk
- 2 cups of cooked egg noodles
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup of crushed potato chips or bread crumbs (for topping)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Here’s how to put it together:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures that the oven is ready by the time you finish assembling the casserole.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, frozen peas, and milk. Stir in the cooked egg noodles and half of the shredded cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x9 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, followed by the crushed potato chips or bread crumbs for a crunchy finish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Serving and Enjoyment
This Tuna Casserole is best served hot, right out of the oven. It pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to round out the meal. The creamy, savory flavors of the casserole are comforting and satisfying, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
Why This Recipe Works
This Tuna Casserole recipe stands out for several reasons:
- Speed and Simplicity: The recipe is incredibly straightforward, using pre-cooked noodles and canned ingredients to reduce preparation time.
- Versatility: You can easily modify the recipe based on what you have on hand. For example, swap the peas for corn or carrots, or use cream of celery soup instead of mushroom.
- Budget-Friendly: Utilizing pantry staples like canned tuna and soup, this dish is cost-effective, making it ideal for budget-conscious families.
- Comfort Food Appeal: Tuna Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, with its creamy texture and hearty ingredients.
In conclusion, this Quick and Easy Tuna Casserole is a practical, delicious choice for anyone looking for a comforting meal without the hassle. It's perfect for those evenings when time is short but the desire for a home-cooked dinner is strong. Whether you're serving it to your family on a busy weeknight or preparing a meal for a friend in need, this casserole is sure to satisfy. Give it a try and rediscover why this classic dish has remained a beloved staple in kitchens across the country.
Quick and Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Quick and Easy Tuna Casserole recipe is the perfect solution for a busy weeknight dinner. Featuring tender noodles, creamy sauce, and chunks of tuna, this dish is a comforting classic that comes together in no time.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Cook noodles according to package directions; drain.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked noodles, tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and peas.
- Transfer to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
- Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until topping is golden and casserole is bubbling.
Notes
- Add a crunchy topping with fried onions or crushed crackers.
- Customize by adding mushrooms or swapping peas for other vegetables like corn or carrots.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 690 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
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