Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole

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Tuna noodle casserole is a tasty, budget-friendly meal you can whip up in no time. This classic comfort food takes just 20 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and filling dinner.

You’ll love how easy it is to make this dish. Just cook some egg noodles, mix them with cream of mushroom soup, milk, and tuna, then top with cheese and crushed potato chips. Pop it in the oven, and soon you’ll have a warm, creamy casserole that’s sure to please the whole family.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this classic tuna noodle casserole:

• 4 ounces wide egg noodles (about 2 cups)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained and flaked
• 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup potato chips, crushed

Optional ingredients:

• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

You’ll also need some salt and pepper to taste. The recipe serves 3 people and takes about 45 minutes total to make.

For equipment, grab a 1.5-quart casserole dish and a large pot for boiling the noodles. A Dutch oven works great for cooking the pasta if you have one.

This comfort food classic comes together quickly. You’ll have it ready for the oven in just 20 minutes! Then it bakes for 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 1.5-quart casserole dish and set it aside.

Boil a large pot of salted water. Add 4 ounces of wide egg noodles and cook for 5-6 minutes until al dente. Drain the noodles in a colander.

In a big bowl, mix 1 can of cream of mushroom soup with 1/2 cup milk. Gently stir in the cooked noodles and 2 cans of drained, flaked tuna. Add 1/2 cup frozen peas if you like.

Taste the mixture and add salt and pepper if needed. Pour it into your greased dish.

Top with 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese. Sprinkle 1 cup of crushed potato chips over the cheese.

Bake for 20-25 minutes. The top should be golden brown and the inside hot and bubbly.

Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can garnish with chopped parsley if you want.

This easy meal serves 3 and takes about 45 minutes total. Enjoy your comforting tuna noodle casserole!

Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations

You can easily change up this classic tuna noodle casserole recipe to suit your tastes or pantry items. Here are some tasty swaps:

Pasta Options:

• Rotini
• Penne
• Fusilli
• Farfalle (bow-tie)

Protein Swaps:

• Canned chicken
• Cooked, diced ham
• Cooked, crumbled bacon

Veggie Add-ins:

• Diced celery
• Sliced mushrooms
• Chopped bell peppers

Try using cream of celery or cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom. For a cheesier dish, mix in some grated Parmesan with the cheddar.

Want a crunchier topping? Use crushed crackers or breadcrumbs instead of potato chips. You can also add a dash of hot sauce or dried herbs for extra flavor.

For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese. You can also swap in whole wheat pasta for more fiber.

Remember, these changes might affect cooking time slightly. Keep an eye on your casserole as it bakes.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Make this tuna noodle casserole your own by trying different mix-ins. Add diced celery or carrots for extra crunch. Swap the peas for broccoli florets if you prefer.

Don’t overcook the noodles. They’ll continue cooking in the oven, so aim for al dente when boiling. This prevents mushy pasta in your final dish.

For a crunchier topping, add the crushed potato chips in the last 5 minutes of baking. This keeps them crisp and golden.

Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

You can freeze this casserole too. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To make ahead, assemble the casserole but don’t add the potato chips. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the chips and pop it in the oven.