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I’m excited to share my favorite comfort food recipe with you! This easy tuna noodle casserole is a hit with my family. It’s great for busy weeknights when you need a quick, tasty meal.
You can make this creamy, yummy casserole in just 45 minutes. It serves 6-8 people. It’s a budget-friendly meal with flaky tuna, tender noodles, and a rich mushroom sauce. This dish will be a staple in your home!
This recipe is also very flexible. You can add your favorite veggies or prepare it ahead and freeze it. It’s the perfect comfort food that everyone will love.
Exact Ingredients List (+ Possible Substitutes)
I love how tuna noodle casserole makes a simple meal. It uses pantry staples for a comforting dish. Here’s what you need for this classic dish:
- 3 cups cooked egg noodles
- 1 (5 ounce) can drained tuna
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup peas
- 1 small diced onion
- 2 diced celery stalks
- 1 1/2 cups French fried onions for topping
If you’re missing something, don’t worry. This recipe is easy to adjust! Swap egg noodles for any pasta you have. If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, use cream of chicken or celery.
Frozen peas are fine, but you can use green beans or carrots too. For the topping, try crushed potato chips or panko breadcrumbs instead of French fried onions. Use what you have to make this casserole!
Instructions
Let’s make a tuna casserole step by step. I’ll show you how to bake it for a tasty dish.
First, heat your oven to 425°F. While it warms up, cook the noodles until they’re just right. Then, melt butter in a pan and cook onions and celery until they’re soft.
Now, mix everything fun! In a big bowl, put the cooked noodles, veggies, peas, soup, milk, cheese, and tuna. Stir until it’s all mixed up.
Put this mix in a 2-quart casserole dish. Add breadcrumbs or fried onions on top for crunch.
Put the dish in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. It’s done when it bubbles and looks golden. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before you eat.
“The secret to a perfect tuna casserole is in the timing. Don’t overbake, or you’ll lose that creamy texture!”
Your tuna casserole is now ready to eat. This easy recipe will make your family love it.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
I always cook my noodles al dente for the perfect texture. This simple trick prevents mushiness and keeps your casserole delicious. For casserole storage, I recommend making it ahead and popping it in the fridge or freezer.
Here are my freezing instructions:
- Line a pan with foil
- Assemble your casserole
- Wrap it tightly
- Freeze for up to 6 months
When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking. This method saves time and ensures a tasty meal even on busy days.
My favorite reheating tips include using the oven for that just-baked taste. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too. I like to add a splash of milk when reheating to keep the casserole creamy and prevent dryness.
“A well-stored casserole is like a gift to your future self – a delicious meal ready when you need it most.”
With these storage and reheating tips, your tuna noodle casserole will taste great every time. It’s the perfect make-ahead meal for busy families or anyone who loves having a homemade dinner on hand.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
I love making new tuna casserole recipes. Adding roasted carrots or steamed broccoli gives it more nutrition and taste. For cheese fans, try using Gruyère or Monterey Jack instead of cheddar.
Crushed potato chips on top add a nice crunch before baking.
A Caesar salad is a great side dish for this meal. Or, make homemade buttermilk biscuits for a special touch. These ideas make dinner fun and tasty for everyone.
This tuna casserole is perfect for potlucks. Just double the recipe for big events, and it’s easy to take along. At home, pair it with steamed green beans or a fresh cucumber salad. Leftovers are even better the next day!