Growing up, my mom always had a few go-to recipes that she would make on busy weeknights or when we needed some comfort food. One of those recipes was her easy tuna noodle casserole. It was a simple yet delicious dish that always hit the spot. Now, as an adult, I find myself turning to this classic comfort food recipe whenever I need a quick and satisfying meal. Not only does it bring back fond memories of my childhood, but it also never fails to impress my own family and friends. In this article, I will share with you my mom’s recipe for easy tuna noodle casserole and why it deserves a spot on your table.
Why This Recipe Works
There are a few key reasons why this recipe stands out and has become a staple in my kitchen:
- Quick and easy to make: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe can be whipped up in under 30 minutes.
- Budget-friendly: Tuna and noodles are affordable ingredients, making this recipe perfect for those on a budget.
- Comforting and versatile: This casserole is the ultimate comfort food and can be customized with different types of pasta, vegetables, and seasonings.
- Great for leftovers: This dish reheats well and can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe serves 4-6 people and takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook.
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make this easy tuna noodle casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions and drain.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, cream of mushroom soup, milk, frozen peas, drained tuna, and shredded cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- If desired, top with crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs for added crunch.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Pro tip: For a creamier casserole, you can add an extra can of condensed cream of mushroom soup or substitute it with cream of chicken soup.
My Pro Tips for Success
Here are a few tips and variations to make this easy tuna noodle casserole even more delicious:
- Use different types of pasta: While egg noodles are traditional, you can use any type of pasta you have on hand, such as penne, rotini, or even macaroni.
- Add more vegetables: This casserole is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies. You can add diced carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the mixture.
- Make it spicy: If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the mixture.
- Try different cheeses: While cheddar cheese is the classic choice, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, Swiss, or even a blend of cheeses.
What I Serve With This Recipe
This easy tuna noodle casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can also pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a more filling meal. I also like to serve it with some steamed vegetables on the side for a well-rounded and nutritious dinner.
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Here are some common questions I receive about this recipe:
- Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned? Yes, you can use fresh tuna, but it may change the texture and flavor of the casserole.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
- Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven.
- Can I use a different type of condensed soup? Yes, you can use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup instead of cream of mushroom.
Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot on Your Table
This easy tuna noodle casserole is a classic comfort food that is quick, budget-friendly, and customizable. It’s a dish that brings back fond memories of my childhood and has become a staple in my own kitchen. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser and perfect for busy weeknights. Give it a try and see for yourself why it deserves a spot on your table.
Your Turn
I hope you enjoyed learning about my mom’s recipe for easy tuna noodle casserole. Now it’s your turn to give it a try! I would love to hear your thoughts and any variations you try. Share your experience in the comments below. Happy cooking!
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole: A Classic Comfort Food Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 cups egg noodles, cooked
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: breadcrumbs, additional cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, cooked egg noodles, frozen peas, milk, chopped onion, chopped celery, garlic powder, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Stir until all ingredients are well mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs or extra cheese on top for added crunch.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
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