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.
Tuna Noodle Dump Dinner Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Tuna Noodle Dump Dinner is the epitome of convenience cooking. Combine simple ingredients like canned tuna, noodles, and a creamy sauce in one dish, then bake to create a comforting, hearty meal that requires minimal prep and clean-up.
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
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the uncooked egg noodles, tuna, cream of mushroom soup, peas, milk, and half of the cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, followed by breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
- Let it sit for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set up for easier serving.
Notes
- Customize by adding different vegetables such as chopped bell peppers or corn.
- For a lighter version, substitute cream of mushroom soup with a low-fat version and use skim milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of the dish
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 710 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Leave a Reply