Speedy Cheesy Tuna Noodle Bake
Recipe Introduction
Craving Comfort?
Remember those nights when only comfort food casserole recipes would do? This easy tuna casserole recipe is like a warm hug in a dish. Honestly, you'll be fighting over the last spoonful!
Cheesy Tuna Noodle Bake: A Classic Reimagined
This ain't your grandma's tuna casserole, unless your grandma was a culinary genius. We're talking about a speedy, cheesy tuna noodle bake that's ready in just 30 minutes.
It’s an budget friendly tuna casserole that feeds four happy souls. Plus, it uses simple ingredients you likely already have.
Why You'll Love This Tuna Casserole
This recipe is all about ease and flavour. It’s a perfect pick for a busy weeknight meal. It’s also packed with protein and calcium! What makes this casserole special? It's the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and comforting, with that optional crunchy potato chip topping! It’s a real winner.
If you are on Keto diet you can just change the ingredient and have a Keto Casserole .
Ready to dive in? First, gather these ingredients. And don't be shy with the cheese! It is totally possible to turn it into Keto Tuna Casserole With Broccoli or Keto Tuna Casserole With Cauliflower by just changing some ingredients,
Ingredients:
- 1 (340g) package egg noodles
- 2 (142g each) cans tuna in water, drained
- 1 (305g) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup (120ml) milk
- 1 cup (115g) frozen peas
- 1 cup (115g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup (30g) crushed potato chips (optional)
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) Melted Butter (optional, mix with potato chips)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Now, let's get this party started! This is really a Quick tuna casserole recipe !
Ingredients & Equipment for Speedy Cheesy Tuna Noodle Bake
Alright, so you wanna try this easy tuna casserole recipe ? Sweet! Let's talk about what you'll need. Trust me, it's nothing too fancy.
This quick tuna casserole recipe relies on ingredients you probably already have.
Main Ingredients: Let's Get Precise
- Egg Noodles: You'll need 1 (12-ounce / 340g) package. Honestly, any shape works, but the classic egg noodles are just, well, classic.
- Tuna: Grab 2 (5-ounce / 142g each) cans of tuna in water. Drain it really well. Nobody likes a soggy casserole, am I right?
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 (10.75-ounce / 305g) can is perfect. Don't judge, it's a shortcut and it's delicious.
- Milk: ½ cup (120ml) . 2% or whole works. Anything goes.
- Frozen Peas: 1 cup (115g) . No need to thaw them! They'll cook right in the casserole.
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup (115g) shredded. Divide it! Use ¾ cup for inside and the last ¼ for the top
- Potato Chips (Optional): 1/4 cup (30g) crushed. Walkers or any crisps work like a charm for that tuna casserole with potato chip topping .
- Melted Butter: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . This is only for the topping with potato chips.
- Seasoning: Salt and pepper to taste. Don't be shy!
Seasoning Notes: Spice it Up
This recipe is pretty simple, but seasoning is key. A little salt and pepper goes a long way. For a little extra something, I sometimes add a pinch of garlic powder.
Trust me, it elevates the flavour. If you're feeling adventurous, a dash of Worcestershire sauce adds a nice depth.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You don't need a ton of fancy gear for this comfort food casserole recipe . Here's what you'll need:
- A large pot for cooking the noodles.
- A colander for draining the noodles. This is essential, seriously.
- A 9x13 inch baking dish (or something similar). If you don't have that exact size, just use what you've got!
- A mixing bowl for combining all the ingredients.
Honestly, that's it! This is designed to be a fuss free budget friendly tuna casserole . It's so good, and super simple to whip up.
I've even made a keto tuna casserole with cauliflower . How? Sub the pasta with riced cauliflower for a keto casserole or other low carb casseroles , It's the perfect meal for a busy weeknight.
Honestly, you can't go wrong! Give it a try. You might even love a Simple tuna noodle casserole with these simple instructions.
Speedy Cheesy Tuna Noodle Bake: Comfort Food in a Flash!
This easy tuna casserole recipe is a modern take on a classic. Forget fancy sauces! We're using cream of mushroom soup and sharp cheddar.
It's comfort food in a dish. Think cheesy, flaky tuna, baked until golden. It’s like a warm hug. Let's get started, shall we?
Prep Steps: Your Secret Weapon
Essential mise en place? Definitely! Get everything measured. Chop your cheese. Open your cans. This simple tuna noodle casserole comes together fast! Having it all ready saves time and stress.
Safety? Just watch out for that hot oven, yeah?
step-by-step: From Zero to Hero
- Preheat oven to 375° F ( 190° C). Get that oven hot!
- Cook 12-ounce (340g) egg noodles according to the package. Drain them. Don't overcook! Soggy noodles? No, thanks!
- Mix noodles with 2 (5-ounce / 142g each) cans drained tuna, 1 (10.75-ounce / 305g) can cream of mushroom soup, ½ cup (120ml) milk, 1 cup (115g) frozen peas, salt, and pepper.
- Pour into a baking dish. I use a 9x13.
- Sprinkle ¾ cup (86g) shredded cheddar over it.
- Optional: Mix 2 tablespoons (30ml) melted butter with 1/4 cup (30g) crushed potato chips. Sprinkle this on top.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Cheese should be bubbly and golden.
- Let it rest for a bit, then add the remaining cheese and serve.
Pro Tips: Unlock the Casserole Magic
Drain the tuna REALLY well. I mean it. Nobody wants a watery budget friendly tuna casserole . For a flavour boost, add a pinch of garlic powder.
Want a Keto tuna casserole low carb version? Use cauliflower rice instead of noodles for a keto casserole . You can adapt this classic.
You can make this casserole ahead! Assemble it, cover it, and pop it in the fridge. Bake it the next day! It is perfect comfort food casserole recipes .
My friend tried a Keto Tuna Casserole With Broccoli , and loved it. Another tried it with cauliflower for a Keto Tuna Casserole With Cauliflower , and liked it.
Honestly, this quick tuna casserole recipe saved me when I had nothing in the fridge. It tastes amazing. What are you waiting for? Give it a go!
Recipe Notes
Alright, so you're gonna give this easy tuna casserole recipe a go? Great! Here are a few extra bits and bobs to make sure it's a smashing success.
Honestly, this is the kind of comfort food casserole recipes that brings back childhood memories!
Serving it Up Nicely
Wanna make your Speedy Cheesy Tuna Noodle Bake look a bit posh? Here's what I do. Scoop a generous portion onto a plate and sprinkle a little extra cheddar on top because, why not? A side of steamed broccoli adds a pop of colour.
And a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette? It cuts through the richness perfectly. As for drinks? A nice cold pint or a glass of dry white wine goes down a treat.
Storing for Later
Right, so you've got leftovers of this simple tuna noodle casserole (lucky you!). Just pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge.
It'll keep for 3-4 days . If you're thinking long term, you can freeze it, but the noodles might get a bit soft when you reheat it.
To reheat, either microwave it (easy peasy!) or bake it in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until it's heated through.
Mixing Things Up: Variations on a Theme
Want a keto tuna casserole low carb option? Swap out the regular noodles for cauliflower rice. You can still enjoy keto tuna casserole with cauliflower or keto tuna casserole with broccoli .
Instead of cream of mushroom soup, use a cheese sauce made with cream cheese and heavy cream. Boom! You've got yourself a keto casserole .
Making it budget friendly? Tinned peas are your best friend. Fancy a bit of spice? A dash of hot sauce works wonders.
You can even make it as quick tuna casserole recipe !
The Good Stuff: Nutrition Bits
Okay, so here's the lowdown. This budget friendly tuna casserole is a decent source of protein, thanks to the tuna. It's also got some carbs from the noodles, which give you energy.
Of course, there's also some fat from the cheese and soup. I wouldn't call it a health food, but hey, everything in moderation, right? Let's not forget, fish is good for you! Who can go wrong with Low Carb Casseroles ?
So there you have it! Now go forth and conquer that casserole! I reckon you'll do a right proper job, and you'll have an easy tuna casserole recipe that will make you think twice about what to cook next time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this easy tuna casserole recipe really that easy? I'm a bit of a novice in the kitchen.
Absolutely! This easy tuna casserole recipe is designed for beginners. It's basically a case of cooking the noodles, mixing everything together, and baking. If you can manage a cuppa, you can manage this. Think of it like building Lego, but with food!
Can I prep this easy tuna casserole recipe ahead of time? Like, can I make it the night before?
You sure can! Assemble the casserole as instructed, but don't bake it. Cover it tightly with cling film and store it in the fridge overnight. Add the cheese and potato chip topping just before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time, as it will be starting from cold.
What if I don't have cream of mushroom soup? Is there something else I can use in this easy tuna casserole recipe?
No problem! You can substitute cream of celery soup or even cream of chicken soup. Alternatively, you can make a simple white sauce a roux (butter and flour) whisked with milk until thickened. Season it well and you're good to go. Think of it as channeling your inner Gordon Ramsay, but without the yelling.
How long does tuna casserole last in the fridge, and is it okay to freeze it?
Tuna casserole will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure it's stored in an airtight container. For freezing, it's best to freeze it before baking. Thaw it in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed. Freezing can sometimes affect the texture a little, but it's still perfectly edible.
I'm trying to eat a bit healthier. Any tips for making this easy tuna casserole recipe a bit lighter?
Definitely! Use light cream of mushroom soup, tuna packed in water instead of oil, and a reduced fat cheddar cheese. You can also add extra vegetables like broccoli florets or chopped bell peppers for added nutrients and bulk.
Consider skipping the potato chip topping or using whole wheat breadcrumbs instead for a fibre boost. Remember, even comfort food can be healthy ish!
My kids are picky eaters. How can I customize this easy tuna casserole recipe to make sure they'll actually eat it?
Ah, the age-old challenge! Try using smaller pasta shapes, like macaroni or shells. Add some extra cheddar cheese kids love cheese! You can also sneak in finely chopped vegetables that they might not normally eat, like carrots or zucchini. Presentation is key too - cut it into fun shapes!
If all else fails, tell them it's 'undersea macaroni and cheese' that might just do the trick!
Speedy Cheesy Tuna Noodle Bake
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 0g |
