Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole
Table of Contents
There’s something beautifully reassuring about an old-fashioned tuna noodle casserole. The scent of creamy goodness wafting through the kitchen, the simple joy of stirring ingredients together, and the warm, bubbling dish emerging from the oven — it’s like a comforting hug from the past. For me, this dish is more than just a recipe; it’s a cherished memory of family dinners where laughter was the main course and this casserole was always the star. It’s a reminder that home-cooked meals, no matter how simple, can bring us closer together and warm our hearts.
This recipe is special because it embodies the beauty of tradition, with a modern twist of ease. It’s the kind of meal that welcomes you home after a long day, with its creamy textures and savory flavors. Plus, it’s incredibly practical for those busy weeknights when you need something delicious without the fuss. The ingredients are accessible, making it perfect for cooks of all levels, and it’s a dish that encourages even the most novice home chef to embrace the joy of cooking. So, let’s gather around the kitchen table and dive into the delightful world of Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole.
Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table
This Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole is a delightful blend of tradition and convenience, perfect for bringing comfort and joy to your home-cooked meals. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your table:
Nostalgic Comfort: This casserole brings back memories of cozy family meals, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a touch of nostalgia in their dining experience. The simple act of sharing a familiar dish can evoke fond memories and create new ones, making each meal a special occasion.
Simple Ingredients: With pantry staples like canned tuna and egg noodles, this dish is easy to prepare without requiring a trip to the specialty store. These ingredients are not only readily available but also budget-friendly, allowing you to create a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
Versatile Meal: Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck, this casserole fits the bill, offering a hearty and satisfying option for any occasion. Its adaptability means you can dress it up with additional ingredients or keep it straightforward for a quick meal solution.
Crowd-Pleaser: Its creamy, savory profile appeals to both kids and adults, making it a reliable choice for gathering everyone around the table. The combination of textures and flavors — from the creamy sauce to the crunchy topping — ensures there’s something in every bite to please all palates.
Easy Preparation: This dish is designed for simplicity, ensuring that even the busiest of home cooks can whip it up without stress. The straightforward steps mean you can spend more time enjoying the meal and less time worrying about complicated cooking techniques.
Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
To whip up this comforting casserole, you’ll need just a few trusty kitchen tools, much like the ones my grandma used when teaching me the joy of homemade meals:
Large Pot: Essential for boiling the egg noodles to perfection. A good pot with ample room ensures the noodles cook evenly and don’t stick together. For added flavor, consider adding a dash of salt or a teaspoon of chicken bouillon powder to the boiling water.
Mixing Bowl: Perfect for blending the creamy base and folding in the noodles. A spacious mixing bowl allows you to combine ingredients thoroughly, ensuring that every bite of casserole is rich with flavor.
Baking Dish (9×13-inch): Ideal for baking and serving this delightful casserole. A ceramic or glass dish retains heat well and evenly distributes it during baking, contributing to the perfect bubbly finish.
Wooden Spoon: Handy for stirring and combining ingredients smoothly. A wooden spoon is gentle on your cookware and provides excellent control when mixing the casserole components.
Oven Mitts: To safely handle the hot baking dish as it emerges from the oven. A reliable pair of oven mitts protects your hands from burns and allows you to safely transfer the dish from oven to table.
How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
Ingredients
- 5 cups dry egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder (optional, for boiling water)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of celery soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 (4 oz) cans tuna, drained
- 1 tablespoon Mrs. Dash Garlic & Herb Seasoning (or your favorite salt-free blend)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and stir in the bouillon powder. Boil the egg noodles for about 4 minutes — they should be slightly undercooked since they’ll finish baking in the oven. Drain and set aside. Undercooking the noodles ensures they absorb the sauce without becoming mushy.
Make the creamy base: In a large mixing bowl, combine both soups, sour cream, milk, peas, tuna, garlic powder, Mrs. Dash seasoning, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and evenly blended. This mixture will coat the noodles in a rich, savory sauce that defines the casserole.
Combine: Add the cooked noodles to the mixture and fold gently until well coated. Be careful not to break the noodles as you mix them, maintaining their texture.
Assemble the casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, ensuring even coverage for a delicious cheesy layer.
Add the topping: Mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter, then scatter the buttery crumbs evenly over the casserole. This topping adds a delightful crunch and buttery flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
Bake: Place in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes, until hot, bubbling, and the topping is golden brown. Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving, letting the flavors meld together.
Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: American • Preparation Time: 15 minutes • Cooking Time: 25 minutes • Total Time: 40 minutes • Calories: 450 per serving • Servings: 6
Note: For an extra touch of flavor, try adding a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the creamy base. This can elevate the dish with a hint of spice, balancing the creaminess with a bit of heat.
Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients
This dish not only promises delightful flavors but also comes with some surprising benefits:
Tuna: Rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, supporting heart health. Tuna is a lean protein source that helps maintain muscle mass and contributes to a balanced diet.
Egg Noodles: Provide a comforting carb base, perfect for a cozy meal. The carbohydrates offer a quick energy boost, making the dish satisfying and filling.
Peas: Add a pop of color and nutrients like fiber and vitamins. Peas contribute to the overall nutritional profile, providing essential vitamins like C and K.
Colby Jack Cheese: Offers a creamy, savory flavor, along with calcium and protein. Cheese adds richness and depth to the dish, and its melting properties create that luscious, gooey texture.
Garlic & Herb Seasoning: Enhances taste without added salt, keeping the dish flavorful and heart-friendly. This seasoning blend brings aromatic herbs and spices to the dish, enriching its flavor profile.
Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish
This casserole pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and drinks, making it a versatile option for any meal:
Green Salad: A fresh, crisp salad complements the rich flavors of the casserole. Consider a simple mix of greens, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes drizzled with a light vinaigrette to add a refreshing contrast.
Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up every bit of the creamy sauce. The robust flavor of garlic bread enhances the meal and provides an additional layer of warmth and comfort.
Iced Tea: A refreshing drink that balances the savory notes of the dish. Opt for a lemon or peach iced tea to add a hint of sweetness and brightness to the meal.
White Wine: A light, crisp wine pairs well with the creamy and cheesy elements. A Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay can highlight the dish’s flavors without overwhelming the palate.
Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way
Storing and enjoying leftovers is a breeze with this casserole. After cooling, cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual servings for a quick meal. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making leftovers even more delicious!
If you plan to freeze your casserole, it’s best to do so before baking. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. This method ensures that you have a ready-to-cook meal on hand for those busy nights.
As we gather around the table and savor each bite of this Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole, we’re reminded of the power of food to bring us closer and create cherished memories. So, let’s embrace the joy of homemade cooking, one comforting dish at a time.
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Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and stir in the bouillon powder. Boil the egg noodles for about 4 minutes — they should be slightly undercooked since they’ll finish baking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
- Make the creamy base: In a large mixing bowl, combine both soups, sour cream, milk, peas, tuna, garlic powder, Mrs. Dash seasoning, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and evenly blended.
- Combine: Add the cooked noodles to the mixture and fold gently until well coated.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top.
- Add the topping: Mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter, then scatter the buttery crumbs evenly over the casserole.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes, until hot, bubbling, and the topping is golden brown.
