quick tuna noodle casserole recipe

quick tuna noodle casserole recipe

The Best quick tuna noodle casserole recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes – quick tuna noodle casserole. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It’s easy to make, delicious, and packed with nutrients.

The best part is that it’s made with just a few simple ingredients, so you can have it on the table in no time. The recipe originated in the United States in the mid-20th century, when canned tuna was becoming a popular protein source. It was likely created as a convenient and affordable way to feed families.

Over time, the recipe has evolved to include various add-ins and spices, but the core ingredients remain the same. When I make this casserole, I love watching my kids dig in and enjoy every bite. They’re always asking for seconds, and I’m happy to oblige.

It’s a great way to get them to eat their veggies and enjoy a healthy meal together as a family. One of the key techniques in making this dish is cooking the noodles al dente before mixing them with the tuna mixture. This helps prevent the noodles from becoming mushy or overcooked.

I also like to add some frozen peas for an extra burst of flavor and color. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday gathering. It’s easy to scale up or down depending on your needs, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

In terms of nutrition, this dish is packed with protein from the tuna and fiber from the noodles. The frozen peas add an extra dose of vitamins and antioxidants.

Quick Tuna Noodle Casserole

Quick Tuna Noodle Casserole

4.9 from 825 votes

A speedy and satisfying dish featuring tender noodles, creamy sauce, and flaky tuna. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

8 oz (225g) egg noodles
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cups milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 cans (5 oz/140g each) tuna in water drained
1 can (10.5 oz/295g) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup frozen peas
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder

For Topping

1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 tbsp olive oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
3Add egg noodles and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
4Drain and set aside.
5In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
6Add flour and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns light brown.
7Gradually whisk in milk, and continue to cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
8Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
9Remove from heat and set aside.
10In a mixing bowl, combine tuna, cream of mushroom soup, peas, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Mix well.
11Add the cooked noodles and the cheese sauce to the tuna mixture.
12Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
13Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
14In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs and olive oil.
15Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
16Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Saucepan
Mixing bowl
Baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add other vegetables like carrots or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.

This tuna noodle casserole recipe is a great dish to serve for any occasion. It is a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for a family gathering or a potluck.

The best part about this dish is that it is so versatile and easy to make. You can make it ahead of time and freeze it, or you can whip it up in a snap when you need a quick and easy meal.

This recipe is also a great way to use up leftovers or to make a hearty and nutritious meal for a large family. It is a dish that everyone will love.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Quick Tuna Noodle Casserole

Q: What type of noodles should I use?

In this recipe, I recommend using medium egg noodles as they hold up well to the tuna mixture. You can also use other types of noodles like wide egg noodles or even ziti pasta if you prefer.

Q: Can I substitute the canned tuna with fresh tuna?

While you can use fresh tuna in this recipe, keep in mind that it will change the flavor profile significantly. Canned tuna has a unique taste that works well with the other ingredients in this dish.

Q: How long does this casserole keep in the fridge?

This casserole will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days without losing its flavor or texture. If you want to store it for longer periods, consider freezing it.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

This recipe is perfect for making ahead of time as you can prepare all the ingredients separately and then assemble them just before baking.

Q: What are some variations on this recipe?

Some ideas include adding diced onions or bell peppers for extra flavor, using different types of cheese like cheddar or mozzarella, or even adding some heat with red pepper flakes.

Q: Can I serve this casserole as a main course or side dish?

This casserole can be served as either a main course or side dish depending on your preferences. If you’re serving it as a main course, consider adding some steamed vegetables on the side.

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