Best Tuna Casserole Recipe

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Tuna casserole is the epitome of nostalgic comfort food, a dish that brings back memories of family dinners and cozy evenings. This budget-friendly meal combines simple ingredients like tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, and a creamy mushroom soup base, baked to perfection with a crunchy breadcrumb topping.

Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a one-dish wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The addition of vibrant peas adds a pop of color and nutrition, making it a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for an easy meal prep option, this tuna casserole delivers on flavor, affordability, and simplicity.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the ultimate tuna casserole recipe, share tips for customizing it, and provide nutritional facts to help you make informed choices. Plus, I’ve included a list of essential kitchen equipment and answers to common questions about this classic dish. Let’s dive in.

Why You’ll Love This Tuna Casserole

This tuna casserole is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons:

Quick and Easy: From prep to plate in 35 minutes, it’s ideal for busy schedules.
Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples like tuna and egg noodles, keeping costs low.
Family-Friendly: Mild flavors and creamy texture appeal to picky eaters.
Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite veggies or toppings.
Comforting: Warm, creamy, and satisfying, it’s the ultimate comfort food.

For those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle while enjoying comfort food, consider pairing this meal with supplements like NuviaLab Sugar Control to help stabilize blood sugar levels or Fibre Select to support digestion and overall wellness.

Ingredients

To make this delicious tuna casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients. Each item is linked to an Amazon affiliate link for easy shopping:

Egg Noodles – 8 oz, wide or medium, for that classic casserole texture.
Canned Tuna – 2 cans (5 oz each), packed in water, drained.
Cream of Mushroom Soup – 1 can (10.5 oz), for the creamy base.
Milk – ½ cup, to thin the soup and add creaminess.
Frozen Peas – 1 cup, for color and nutrition.
Cheddar Cheese – 1 cup, shredded, for a cheesy layer.
Breadcrumbs – ½ cup, for a crunchy topping.
Butter – 2 tbsp, melted, to mix with breadcrumbs.
Salt – ½ tsp, to taste.
Black Pepper – ¼ tsp, for seasoning.
Garlic Powder – ½ tsp, for extra flavor (optional).

See also: Easy Pie Crust Recipe

Kitchen Equipment/Appliances Needed

To prepare this tuna casserole, you’ll need the following kitchen tools, each linked to an Amazon affiliate link:

Large Pot – For boiling the egg noodles.
Colander – To drain the cooked noodles.
Mixing Bowl – For combining the casserole ingredients.
Mixing Spoon – To blend the ingredients evenly.
Casserole Dish – A 2-quart dish for baking.
Oven – For baking the casserole.
Measuring Cups – For precise ingredient measurements.
Measuring Spoons – For small quantities like spices.

Having the right tools makes preparation a breeze, ensuring your casserole comes together effortlessly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.

Step 2: Cook the Egg Noodles

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt, then cook the egg noodles according to package instructions, usually 6-8 minutes, until al dente. Drain using a colander and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Base

In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Use a mixing spoon to blend until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

In the same mixing bowl, add the cooked egg noodles, drained tuna, frozen peas, and half of the cheddar cheese. Stir gently to coat all ingredients evenly with the creamy base.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.

Step 6: Add the Breadcrumb Topping

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole for a golden, crunchy topping.

Step 7: Bake

Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.

Step 8: Serve

Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy this warm, comforting dish with a side salad or on its own.

See also: Easy Nachos Recipe

Tips for the Perfect Tuna Casserole

Use High-Quality Tuna: Opt for tuna packed in water for a cleaner flavor. Drain well to avoid a watery casserole.
Don’t Overcook Noodles: Cook egg noodles to al dente, as they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
Customize Veggies: Swap peas for corn, carrots, or green beans for variety.
Add Crunch: Experiment with toppings like crushed potato chips or French-fried onions instead of breadcrumbs.
Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole (without the topping) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add breadcrumbs and bake when ready.

For those aiming to support their wellness goals, supplements like Moringa Actives can help reduce hunger, while Keto Actives supports weight management, making it easier to enjoy comfort foods in moderation.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings. Below is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving, based on standard ingredient sizes:

Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 20g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 4g
Sodium: 800mg
Cholesterol: 50mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and ingredient substitutions. For a lighter version, use low-fat cream of mushroom soup or reduce the cheddar cheese.

To support overall health while enjoying hearty meals, consider Lipid Control Plus to maintain healthy cholesterol levels or Probiosin Plus for digestive support.

See also: Easy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Customizing Your Tuna Casserole

This recipe is highly adaptable to suit different tastes and dietary needs:

Vegetarian Option: Replace tuna with chickpeas or mushrooms and use cream of celery soup.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free egg noodles and breadcrumbs.
Low-Carb: Substitute egg noodles with zucchini noodles and skip the breadcrumbs.
Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the creamy base.

For those on a ketogenic diet, NuviaLab Keto can support fat metabolism, making low-carb versions of this casserole even more effective for weight management.

Storing and Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Assemble the casserole (without baking) in a freezer-safe casserole dish, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, covered with foil.

See also: Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions About Tuna Casserole

1. Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?

Yes, but canned tuna is more convenient and budget-friendly. If using fresh tuna, cook and flake it before adding to the casserole.

2. How can I make tuna casserole healthier?

Use alacsony-fat cream of mushroom soup, reduce cheddar cheese, and add more veggies like broccoli or spinach. Supplements like Green Coffee 5K can also support weight loss efforts.

3. Can I make tuna casserole without soup?

Yes, make a homemade white sauce with butter, flour, and milk, seasoned with mushrooms or herbs.

4. What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?

Try crushed potato chips, crackers, or French-fried onions for a crunchy topping.

5. Is tuna casserole freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! Freeze the unbaked casserole in a casserole dish for up to 3 months. Thaw and bake as directed.

See also: Best BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

Conclusion

This tuna casserole recipe is a timeless classic that combines affordability, simplicity, and comfort in every bite. With pantry staples like egg noodles, tuna, and cream of mushroom soup, you can whip up a satisfying meal in just 35 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers on flavor and convenience.

To complement your healthy eating habits, explore supplements like Cappuccino MCT for a metabolism boost or Collagen Select to support skin and overall wellness. For more recipe inspiration or to stock up on kitchen essentials, check out the linked products above and start cooking with confidence.

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