If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s sure to please everyone at the dinner table, look no further than our Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole recipe. This timeless favorite combines tender egg noodles, creamy sauce, flavorful tuna, and a crispy breadcrumb topping for a comforting and satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy family gathering, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. So, let’s dive in and learn how to make this classic dish step by step!
Ingredients
Seafood:
- 18 oz Canned tuna fish
Produce:
- 1 1/2 cups Peas, canned or frozen
Canned Goods:
- 1 10.5 ounce can Cream of cheddar cheese soup
- 1 10.5 ounce can Cream of mushroom soup
Pasta & Grains:
- 12 oz Egg noodles, cooked
Baking & Spices:
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Bread & Baked Goods:
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
Dairy:
- 4 tbsp Butter
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Milk
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Prepare the Tuna Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned tuna (drained), cream of cheddar cheese soup, cream of mushroom soup, cooked egg noodles, peas, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the tuna mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, melt the butter in the microwave. Add the panko breadcrumbs and shredded cheddar cheese to the melted butter, and mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
- Top the Casserole: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the tuna mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting classic with your favorite side dishes!
Cook Notes and Variations
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add additional vegetables to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrition. Sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or chopped spinach would all be delicious additions.
- Switch up the Soup: If you don’t have cream of cheddar cheese soup on hand, you can use additional cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup instead.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the tuna mixture for a spicy kick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned? A: Yes, you can use fresh tuna in this recipe if you prefer. Simply cook the tuna fillets until they are cooked through and flake easily with a fork, then proceed with the recipe as directed.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to add the breadcrumb topping just before baking to ensure it stays crispy.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole? A: Yes, you can freeze this casserole for longer storage. After baking, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator, then bake it in a preheated oven until heated through.
Keto-Friendly Version
To make a keto-friendly version of this tuna noodle casserole, you can make the following substitutions:
- Noodles: Replace the egg noodles with spiralized zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles to reduce the carb content.
- Soups: Look for keto-friendly cream soups or make your own using low-carb ingredients such as cauliflower, heavy cream, and cheese.
- Breadcrumbs: Omit the breadcrumbs or use crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly topping.
Low-Carb Version
For a low-carb version of this casserole, you can use the same substitutions as the keto-friendly version. Additionally, you can reduce the amount of peas or omit them altogether to further reduce the carb count.
In conclusion, our Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole is a timeless dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture, savory tuna, and crunchy breadcrumb topping, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this casserole is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. So why not give it a try and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dish today?
