Tuna Casserole Recipe

Egg noodles: These are the base of the casserole, providing a hearty and filling component.

Tuna: Adds protein and a savory flavor to the dish.

Frozen peas: Adds a pop of color and a slight sweetness.

Cream of mushroom soup: Creates a creamy and flavorful base for the casserole.

Cheddar cheese: Adds a rich, cheesy flavor to the dish.

Milk: Helps to thin out the soup and make the casserole creamy.

Breadcrumbs: Optional, but adds a crunchy topping if desired.

To enhance the flavor of your tuna casserole, consider sautéing the frozen peas with a bit of butter and garlic before mixing them into the casserole mixture. This will add a subtle depth of flavor and make the peas more tender. Additionally, to achieve a perfectly golden and crispy breadcrumb topping, you can toss the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter before sprinkling them over the casserole.

• cooked and drained egg noodles - Substitute with whole wheat pasta: Whole wheat pasta provides more fiber and nutrients compared to regular egg noodles.

• cooked and drained egg noodles - Substitute with gluten-free pasta: For those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, gluten-free pasta is a suitable alternative.

• drained tuna - Substitute with canned chicken: Canned chicken has a similar texture and protein content, making it a good alternative to tuna.

• drained tuna - Substitute with canned salmon: Canned salmon offers a different flavor profile but is equally nutritious and rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

• frozen peas - Substitute with frozen green beans: Green beans provide a similar texture and nutritional benefits, adding a slight variation in flavor.

• frozen peas - Substitute with frozen corn: Corn adds a touch of sweetness and a similar texture to the casserole.

• cream of mushroom soup - Substitute with cream of chicken soup: Cream of chicken soup offers a different flavor but maintains the creamy consistency needed for the casserole.

• cream of mushroom soup - Substitute with homemade white sauce: A homemade white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk can replace the canned soup for a fresher taste.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese melts well and provides a milder flavor compared to cheddar.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded Swiss cheese: Swiss cheese adds a nutty flavor and melts smoothly, making it a good alternative.

• milk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that maintains the creamy texture.

• milk - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can add a savory depth of flavor while still providing the necessary liquid.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes provide a crunchy topping and a slight sweetness.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed potato chips: Crushed potato chips add a salty, crispy texture to the casserole topping.

• Allow the tuna casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the cooled casserole to an airtight container. If you prefer, you can also use a baking dish with a tight-fitting lid.
• For short-term storage, place the container in the refrigerator. The tuna casserole will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• If you plan to store the casserole for a longer period, consider freezing it. Wrap the entire baking dish tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the frozen tuna casserole in the refrigerator overnight.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the thawed casserole for about 20-25 minutes, or until it is heated through and bubbly.
• If reheating from the refrigerator, you can bake it directly for about 15-20 minutes at the same temperature.
• For an extra crispy topping, add a fresh layer of breadcrumbs before reheating.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Transfer the leftover tuna casserole to an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the breadcrumbs from burning.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and bubbly.
  5. For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a portion of the tuna casserole in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Add a splash of milk or cream of mushroom soup to keep it moist.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
  4. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  5. Continue heating in 1-minute intervals until the casserole is warmed through.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Add the leftover tuna casserole to the skillet.
  4. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, adding a splash of milk if it seems dry.
  5. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the casserole is thoroughly warmed.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover tuna casserole in an air fryer-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the breadcrumbs from burning.
  4. Heat for 10-15 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 3-5 minutes of heating.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining the cooked egg noodles, tuna, peas, cream of mushroom soup, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk.

• Baking dish: Used to transfer and bake the mixed ingredients, ensuring even cooking.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the milk and other ingredients.

• Can opener: Required to open the can of tuna and the can of cream of mushroom soup.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for mixing the ingredients together in the large mixing bowl.

• Colander: Used to drain the cooked egg noodles and the can of tuna.

• Cheese grater: Handy if you need to shred the cheddar cheese yourself.

• Oven mitts: Important for safely handling the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

• Spatula: Useful for spreading the mixture evenly in the baking dish and serving the casserole.

Use pre-cooked noodles: Save time by using pre-cooked egg noodles from the store. This eliminates the need to boil and drain them.

Frozen vegetables: Opt for frozen peas which are already prepped and ready to use, cutting down on prep time.

Pre-shredded cheese: Buy pre-shredded cheddar cheese to avoid the extra step of grating it yourself.

One-bowl mixing: Mix all ingredients in one large bowl to reduce the number of dishes you need to wash later.

Quick topping: Use store-bought breadcrumbs for the topping instead of making your own.