How to Make Classic Tuna Casserole: A Simple and Tasty Recipe
If you’re looking for an easy and comforting meal to make for your family, you can’t go wrong with classic tuna casserole. It’s a creamy, cheesy dish that’s been a favorite for generations. Not only is it simple to prepare, but it also uses pantry staples, making it budget-friendly and perfect for weeknight dinners. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps to make delicious tuna casserole, breaking it down into easy-to-follow instructions. Let’s get cooking!
What Is Tuna Casserole?
Tuna casserole is a baked dish made with tuna, noodles, a creamy sauce, and a crunchy topping. It’s filling, flavorful, and customizable, which is why so many people love it. The dish gained popularity during the mid-1900s because it uses affordable ingredients and is quick to prepare. Today, it remains a go-to comfort food for families.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we start cooking, gather all your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Noodles: 12 ounces (about 3-4 cups) of egg noodles or your favorite pasta shape.
- Canned tuna: 2 cans (5-6 ounces each), drained.
- Cream of mushroom soup: 2 cans (10.5 ounces each). You can also use cream of celery or homemade white sauce.
- Milk: 1 cup.
- Shredded cheese: 1 ½ cups (cheddar works well, but feel free to use your favorite kind).
- Frozen peas: 1 cup, thawed. You can substitute with other vegetables like corn or carrots.
- Breadcrumbs or crushed crackers: 1 cup for topping. Panko works great for extra crunch.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons for mixing with breadcrumbs or crackers.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Optional: Garlic powder, onion powder, or other spices to enhance the flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your tuna casserole:
1. Cook the Noodles
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water, then cook the noodles according to the package instructions. You want them to be al dente (firm to the bite), as they’ll continue cooking in the oven later. Once done, drain the noodles and set them aside.
2. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
3. Make the Creamy Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Stir until smooth. Add a pinch of salt, pepper, and any optional spices you like, such as garlic or onion powder. This mixture will form the base of the casserole’s creamy sauce.
4. Combine the Ingredients
Next, add the cooked noodles into the bowl with the creamy mixture. Stir until the noodles are fully coated with the sauce. Then, gently fold in the drained tuna. Be careful not to break the tuna into tiny pieces; it’s nice to have larger chunks. Add the thawed peas (or your preferred vegetables) and half of the shredded cheese. Mix everything together.
5. Assemble the Casserole
Pour the noodle and tuna mixture into your greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it cooks uniformly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top for a gooey, cheesy finish.
6. Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with melted butter. This helps create a crunchy, golden topping. Sprinkle the buttery crumbs evenly over the casserole.
7. Bake the Casserole
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The casserole is ready when the topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. If you want extra browning, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes—but watch it closely to avoid burning!
8. Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. Scoop portions onto plates and enjoy! Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Tips for the Perfect Tuna Casserole
- Use good-quality tuna: Choose tuna packed in water or oil, depending on your preference.
- Customize your veggies: Add spinach, mushrooms, or chopped broccoli for variety.
- Make it healthier: Use whole-grain pasta and low-fat cheese for a lighter dish.
- Add extra flavor: Mix in a splash of hot sauce or a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for a day before baking.
Why We Love Tuna Casserole
Tuna casserole is the ultimate comfort food—it’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. It’s also incredibly versatile, so you can adjust it to suit your taste or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Plus, it’s easy to make, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen.
So the next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, try this classic recipe. It’s sure to become a family favorite!
Let us know in the comments if you tried this recipe or added your unique twist. Happy cooking!
