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Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that brings back nostalgic memories of home-cooked meals. Made with simple ingredients like egg noodles, canned tuna, cream of mushroom soup, and topped with crunchy potato chips, this casserole is a hearty and flavorful option for any mealtime. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to feed a crowd, this timeless classic is sure to please.
Why Make Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole
Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole is the epitome of comfort food. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. With its creamy texture, savory flavors, and satisfying crunch from the potato chip topping, this casserole is a beloved favorite for families everywhere. Plus, it’s a great way to use pantry staples like canned tuna and cream of mushroom soup for a delicious and hearty meal.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Prepare Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions, but slightly undercook them by about 2 minutes for a bit of firmness. Drain well.
- Saute Onions: In a skillet over medium to medium-high heat, melt the butter and add the diced onions. Cook until the onions are tender and translucent.
- Mix Casserole Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, salt, pepper, and the cooked onions and butter from the skillet. Mix well. Then, add the drained tuna, peas, and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until well combined. Finally, fold in the prepared egg noodles gently until thoroughly blended.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Top the casserole evenly with the crushed potato chips.
- Bake: Place the casserole on the middle rack of the oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, uncovered, until the casserole is heated through completely and the potato chip topping is golden and crispy.
- Serve: Serve this comforting classic hot and enjoy its delicious flavors!
Serving Suggestions
Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It’s also delicious on its own as a hearty main course.
Storage Information
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place individual servings in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven until warmed through.
Some Techniques or Tips
- Be sure to slightly undercook the egg noodles, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Drain the canned tuna well to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
- Customize the casserole by adding your favorite vegetables or spices for extra flavor.
Variation
For a twist on the classic recipe, try using different types of cheese such as Swiss or Gruyere, or experiment with alternative toppings like breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for added texture.
FAQs about Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole
- Can I use canned tuna in oil instead of water? While you can use canned tuna in oil, draining it well is crucial to prevent the casserole from becoming too oily.
- Can I omit the peas or substitute them with another vegetable? Yes, feel free to customize the casserole by omitting the peas or substituting them with your preferred vegetable, such as diced carrots or sliced mushrooms.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, until ready to bake. Just be sure to add the potato chip topping just before baking to maintain its crispiness.
Recipe Card
Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 ounces wide egg noodles
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 12 ounces solid white albacore tuna in water, well drained
- 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup crushed potato chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Cook the egg noodles, ensuring they are slightly undercooked by about 2 minutes for a slight firmness, then drain well.
- In a skillet over medium to medium-high heat, melt the butter and add the diced onions. Cook until the onions are tender and translucent.
- In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, salt, pepper, and the cooked onions and butter from the skillet. Mix well. Then, add the tuna, peas, and cheddar cheese, stirring until well combined. Finally, fold in the prepared egg noodles gently until thoroughly blended.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Top the casserole evenly with the crushed potato chips.
- Place the casserole on the middle rack of the oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, uncovered, until the casserole is heated through completely.
- Serve and enjoy this comforting classic!
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