Name: Tuna Noodle Dump Dinner Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz egg noodles; 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup frozen peas; 1 cup milk; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 2 tbsp melted butter; Salt and pepper to taste

In the realm of comfort food, the tuna noodle casserole holds a special place. It's a dish that conjures up memories of family dinners and cozy evenings. The tuna noodle dump dinner takes all the beloved flavors of this classic casserole and simplifies it into an even easier, no-fuss recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights. This one-pot meal combines noodles, tuna, creamy soup, and a crunchy topping for a hearty dish that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

To whip up this delightful dump dinner, you'll need the following ingredients:

Egg Noodles: 12 ounces, uncooked
Canned Tuna: Two 5-ounce cans, drained and flaked
Cream of Mushroom Soup: Two 10.5-ounce cans, undiluted for creamy texture
Frozen Peas: 1 cup, adds a pop of color and sweetness
Milk: 1 cup, to thin the soup for a saucy consistency
Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, shredded for gooey goodness
Breadcrumbs: ½ cup, for a crunchy topping
Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted, to mix with breadcrumbs
Salt and Pepper: To taste

Instructions

Preparation:

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This ensures the oven is ready for your casserole to bake evenly and thoroughly.
Prepare Ingredients: While the oven heats, you can prepare your ingredients. Flake the tuna, measure out and defrost the peas, shred your cheese if it’s not pre-shredded, and melt the butter for the topping.

Assembling the Dump Dinner:

Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked egg noodles, flaked tuna, cream of mushroom soup, frozen peas, shredded cheese, and milk. Stir until everything is well mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spreading the mixture evenly ensures that it cooks uniformly.
Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. This mixture will create a crispy, golden topping that adds a delightful texture contrast to the creamy noodles.
Bake the Casserole: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the noodle mixture. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This resting time helps the ingredients set, making it easier to serve.

Conclusion

The tuna noodle dump dinner is a testament to the joy of simple cooking without sacrificing flavor. This recipe is a perfect solution for anyone looking for a quick, satisfying meal that brings back nostalgic flavors of a home-cooked dinner. Serve this casserole with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad to complete the meal. Enjoy the ease and comfort of this timeless dish, and watch it become a new favorite in your household.