Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole: The Best Weeknight Dinner Recipe

We can all agree that the Tuna Noodle Casserole is the type of dish that would be ideal for weeknights when you're short on time but yet want a delicious meal. A timeless favorite, this dish is sure to impress with its velvety noodles, salty tuna, and creamy texture. No matter how big or little your family is, this dish will quickly become a go-to!

Why Make Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe? 

This Tuna Noodle Casserole is a real winner because of how simple it is to cook. In less than an hour, you can whip up a satisfying dinner with only a handful of basic ingredients and very little preparation work. If you want to take it to the next level, you may add extra toppings like bell pepper, garlic, and cheddar cheese to the already delicious base of flaky tuna, creamy mushroom broth, and delicate egg noodles. The crispy golden-brown breadcrumb covering is the ideal complement to the creamy interior, elevating the taste of every bite!

Ingredients

• 2 (10.75-ounce) Cans Campbell's Condensed Mushroom Soup
• 3/4 Cup milk
• 2 Cups frozen peas
• 2 Cans tuna, drained
• 4 Cups egg noodles, cooked
• 4 Tablespoons dry bread crumbs
• 4 Tablespoon melted butter
• 2 Tablespoons chopped bell pepper (optional)
• 3 Cloves crushed garlic (optional)
• 1 Cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)

How to Make This Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole? 

Step. 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C). This guarantees that the casserole will cook uniformly and be ready to savor in no time.

Step 2: Mix the Casserole Ingredients

Combine the Campbell's Condensed Mushroom Soup, milk, frozen peas, drained tuna, and cooked egg noodles in a large saucepan. At this stage, it's a good idea to incorporate bell pepper and garlic into your recipe. Add salt and pepper to the mixture according to your preference. Mix all the ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined. The mixture should have a smooth and well-blended consistency, ensuring that all the ingredients are evenly spread throughout.

Step 3: Bake the Casserole

Place the tuna mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly. Put the dish in the oven that has been preheated and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and starts to bubble. This step enhances the flavours, resulting in a rich and comforting dish.

Step 4: Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping

While the casserole is in the oven, get started on the breadcrumb topping. Combine the dry bread crumbs and melted butter in a small bowl, and make sure that the crumbs are evenly coated. If you're using cheddar cheese, you can mix it into the breadcrumb mixture or sprinkle it separately on top of the casserole.

Step 5: Add the Topping and Finish Baking

Once the casserole has baked for 20 minutes, it's time to take it out of the oven. Evenly distribute the breadcrumb mixture on top of the casserole. If you still need to add the cheddar cheese, go ahead and sprinkle it on top of the bread crumbs now. Put the casserole back in the oven and cook for another 5-10 minutes, until the breadcrumb topping turns a delicious golden brown and becomes crispy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the breadcrumb topping has turned a beautiful golden color and the cheese has melted (if you've decided to use it), carefully take the casserole out of the oven. Let it cool a bit before serving. This Tuna Noodle Casserole is absolutely delightful when served piping hot, allowing you to savor its luscious filling and crispy topping that create a pleasing contrast of textures!

Serving Suggestions for Tuna Noodle Casserole

1. Side Salad: A crisp, refreshing side salad complements the rich and creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Make a simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a mild vinaigrette. For added taste, top with croutons or feta cheese!
2. Garlic Bread: Serve the dish with warm, buttery garlic bread. The crispy, garlicky bread compliments the casserole's creamy creaminess and creates a crunch.
3. Pickled Vegetables: Adding a sour side dish like pickled beets, cucumbers, or onions may cut through the casserole's richness and give a welcome contrast. The acidity and crunch of pickled veggies perfectly complement the taste of the meal.
4. Coleslaw: A creamy or tangy coleslaw cooked with cabbage, carrots, and vinegar-based or mayonnaise dressing makes an excellent side dish. Its crisp texture and fresh taste complement the dish well.
5. Fruit Salad: To provide a light and sweet contrast, serve a fresh fruit salad with your casserole. Various seasonal fruits, such as apples, berries, grapes, and citrus, may cleanse the palate and offer a pleasant end to any meal.
6. Mashed Potatoes: Tuna Noodle Casserole served with creamy mashed potatoes, is the ultimate comfort food experience. The softness and creaminess of the potatoes complement the dish, giving it a substantial and fulfilling supper.

Zulay's Final Thoughts

Tuna Noodle Casserole is a comforting reminder of the simple pleasures in life. With its creamy texture, savoury flavours, and easy preparation, this classic dish is perfect for bringing families together around the dinner table. 

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, and enjoy the warmth and comfort of a homemade Tuna Noodle Casserole. Your family will thank you for it, and you'll love how effortless it is to create such a satisfying meal!

Let Us Know What You Think!

We hope you enjoy this classic Tuna Noodle Casserole recipe as much as we do! It's a dish that will bring comfort and satisfaction to your table. We'd love to hear your thoughts if you've tried this recipe! Did you make any modifications? What did your family think? Leave a comment down below and let us know how it turned out.

Explore More Delicious Recipes

Looking for more easy and delicious recipes to add to your repertoire? Be sure to check out our other family-friendly dishes that are perfect for any occasion. From quick weeknight dinners to comforting classics, we've got you covered!

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