Introduction:
Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving something warm and satisfying. This dish has been a family favorite for generations, offering a delicious blend of tender pasta, creamy sauce, and flaked tuna, topped with a crispy, buttery cracker crust. It’s easy to make and comes together in no time, making it a go-to recipe for home cooks of all skill levels.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just need a cozy dinner for yourself, this casserole is sure to please. The combination of creamy mushroom or celery soup, cheese, and the subtle flavors of garlic and onion makes this casserole both flavorful and filling. Add a side of salad or garlic bread to complete the meal!
Ingredients:
12 oz egg noodles or preferred pasta
2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained and flaked
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery
1 cup milk
1 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs
2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your casserole will bake evenly and achieve that golden, crispy top.
While the oven is warming up, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook.
them according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until they are al dente. Once the noodles are done, drain them and set them aside.
Next, take a large mixing bowl and combine the drained tuna, cream of mushroom (or celery) soup, milk, frozen peas, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese.
garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until all the ingredients are well mixed.
Add the drained noodles into the mixing bowl with the tuna mixture, and gently toss everything together until evenly combined. Be careful not to break up the noodles too much.
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer. This is where the casserole will bake, so ensure it’s spread evenly for a consistent cook.
In a small bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle this buttery crumb mixture
evenly over the top of the casserole. The crumbs will bake into a deliciously crispy topping.
Finally, place the casserole in the oven and bake it for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and the casserole is heated through.
Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to Make:
To create the perfect Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole, begin with selecting your preferred pasta. While egg noodles are traditional.
you can easily swap them for other types of pasta like penne or rotini. Just make sure to cook the pasta until al dente to prevent it from becoming too soft during baking.
The next key element is the tuna. Using canned tuna in water keeps the dish lighter, but you can also use tuna in oil for a richer flavor.
Be sure to drain the tuna well before flaking it into smaller pieces for an even distribution throughout the casserole.
For the creamy sauce, you can opt for cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery, depending on your taste preferences. The cream of mushroom adds a more earthy flavor.
while the celery option provides a milder, slightly sweeter taste. Both work wonderfully to create that signature casserole texture.
Frozen peas are the classic vegetable choice for this dish, but you can get creative with other frozen veggies like carrots, corn, or even spinach
. Just make sure any veggies added are cooked before mixing them into the casserole to ensure they heat properly.
Cheese is essential to giving the casserole that rich, melty texture. A blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan provides both creaminess and a slight tang.
Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties if you prefer a different flavor profile.
The topping of crushed crackers or breadcrumbs is what gives this dish its signature crunch. You can use any buttery crackers, such as Ritz, or even seasoned breadcrumbs for added flavor.
Make sure to mix them with melted butter so the topping bakes into a crispy, golden crust.
For an extra touch, try adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme on top before serving. This can bring an additional layer of freshness and color to the dish, making it even more appealing to the eye.
Tips:
To make this casserole even quicker, you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to add the topping just before baking so it stays crisp.
If you’re looking to make the dish lighter, substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a low-fat or reduced-sodium version.
Additionally, you can use a lighter milk option, such as skim or almond milk, to reduce the fat content.
For extra flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the casserole mixture.
These ingredients can enhance the flavor profile and give your casserole a unique twist.
If you don’t have crackers, breadcrumbs work just as well for the topping, but you can also get creative and use crumbled potato chips for a fun, crunchy twist.
For those who enjoy a bit of spice, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the casserole mixture for some heat. It can add a delicious kick to the comforting dish.
If you have any leftover casserole, it makes for a great lunch the next day. Just cover and refrigerate it, and then reheat it in the oven or microwave.
You can also freeze the casserole for later use, ensuring you always have a comforting meal on hand.
For a more filling meal, serve the casserole with a side of garlic bread, a light salad, or roasted vegetables. This will balance the richness of the casserole and make for a more complete meal.
Conclusion:
Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole is a timeless dish that never goes out of style. With simple ingredients and an easy method, it’s perfect for busy days when you need to prepare something quick.
hearty, and satisfying. Whether you stick to the classic version or customize it to your taste, this casserole will surely become a beloved part of your meal rotation.
Next time you’re looking for a comforting meal to feed your family or guests, look no further than this tried-and-true casserole. Its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and crispy topping are sure to make it a hit every time.