Easy Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic Made Simple
Tuna noodle casserole. The name alone conjures up images of cozy dinners, family gatherings, and that undeniably comforting feeling of a warm, cheesy dish. While it might have a reputation as a retro dish, a well-made tuna noodle casserole is a timeless classic that deserves a place on everyone’s weeknight dinner rotation. This recipe simplifies the process, delivering all the flavor and comfort you crave without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to experience tuna noodle casserole perfection – easy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying!
Why This Recipe Works
There are countless tuna noodle casserole recipes out there, but this one stands out for a few key reasons:
* **Speed and Simplicity:** We’ve streamlined the process, using readily available ingredients and easy-to-follow steps. No complicated techniques or hard-to-find items here!
* **Cheesy Goodness:** We don’t skimp on the cheese! A blend of cheddar and a touch of parmesan creates a rich, flavorful, and perfectly melty topping.
* **Creamy Texture:** A creamy sauce is essential for a great tuna noodle casserole. We achieve this using a combination of cream of mushroom soup (you can substitute cream of celery or chicken if you prefer), milk, and a touch of sour cream for extra richness.
* **Flavor Boosters:** We add a few key ingredients to elevate the flavor profile beyond the typical tuna noodle casserole. These include diced onion, celery, and a hint of garlic powder.
* **Customizable:** This recipe is a fantastic base that you can easily adapt to your preferences. Add your favorite vegetables, switch up the cheese, or experiment with different seasonings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
* **Noodles:** 12 ounces egg noodles (wide or medium)
* **Tuna:** 2 (5-ounce) cans of tuna in water or oil, drained (oil-packed tuna will add richness)
* **Cream of Mushroom Soup:** 1 (10.75-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery or chicken)
* **Milk:** ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
* **Sour Cream:** ¼ cup sour cream (optional, but adds richness)
* **Cheddar Cheese:** 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
* **Parmesan Cheese:** ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
* **Onion:** ½ cup diced onion
* **Celery:** ½ cup diced celery
* **Garlic Powder:** ½ teaspoon garlic powder
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste
* **Optional Toppings:** Bread crumbs, crushed potato chips, French-fried onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your delicious tuna noodle casserole:
**Step 1: Preheat and Prepare**
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make it easier to serve.
**Step 2: Cook the Noodles**
* Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
* Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Overcooked noodles will become mushy in the casserole.
* Drain the noodles well and set aside.
**Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables**
* While the noodles are cooking, heat a tablespoon of oil (olive oil or vegetable oil) in a skillet over medium heat.
* Add the diced onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step helps to release their flavors and create a more complex taste in the casserole.
**Step 4: Prepare the Sauce**
* In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
**Step 5: Combine Ingredients**
* Add the cooked noodles, drained tuna, and sautéed onion and celery to the sauce. Gently stir to combine, making sure all ingredients are evenly coated.
**Step 6: Assemble the Casserole**
* Pour the tuna noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish.
* Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
* Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the cheddar cheese.
**Step 7: Bake the Casserole**
* Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
**Step 8: Add Optional Toppings (Optional)**
* If desired, during the last 5-10 minutes of baking, sprinkle the casserole with your favorite toppings. Options include bread crumbs, crushed potato chips, or French-fried onions. Be careful not to burn the toppings.
**Step 9: Let it Rest**
* Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes it easier to slice.
**Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!**
* Serve the tuna noodle casserole hot. It’s delicious on its own or with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
Tips for the Perfect Tuna Noodle Casserole
* **Don’t Overcook the Noodles:** Al dente noodles are key to preventing a mushy casserole. They will continue to cook in the oven, so err on the side of undercooking them slightly.
* **Drain the Tuna Well:** Excess water from the tuna can make the casserole watery. Drain the tuna thoroughly before adding it to the sauce.
* **Use Good Quality Cheese:** The cheese is a major flavor component of this dish, so choose a good quality cheddar that melts well.
* **Adjust Seasoning to Taste:** Taste the sauce before adding the noodles and tuna and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or garlic powder.
* **Prevent Sticking:** Grease the baking dish thoroughly to prevent the casserole from sticking. You can also use a non-stick baking spray.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking can dry out the casserole. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, but not browned to the point of burning.
* **Reheat Properly:** To reheat leftovers, cover the casserole with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions.
* **Add Some Crunch**: Many enjoy a crunchy topping. Try adding buttered breadcrumbs, crushed potato chips, or French fried onions during the last few minutes of baking.
Variations and Customization
One of the best things about tuna noodle casserole is its versatility. Here are a few ideas for customizing the recipe to your liking:
* **Vegetables:** Add your favorite vegetables to the casserole. Some popular options include peas, carrots, green beans, mushrooms, and bell peppers. You can add them to the skillet with the onion and celery or mix them directly into the sauce.
* **Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack would all be delicious additions or substitutions for the cheddar cheese.
* **Soup:** Substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery, cream of chicken, or even a can of condensed cheese soup for an extra cheesy flavor.
* **Protein:** Add other proteins to the casserole. Cooked chicken, ham, or even leftover turkey would be great additions.
* **Spices:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or try adding some dried herbs like thyme or oregano for extra flavor.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free noodles and a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup to make this casserole gluten-free.
* **Add some Zing**: A dash of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten up the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Tuna noodle casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and delicious accompaniments.
* **Garlic Bread:** Crispy garlic bread is always a welcome addition to any comfort food meal.
* **Coleslaw:** A creamy coleslaw adds a cool and tangy element to the meal.
* **Fruit Salad:** A light and refreshing fruit salad makes a great dessert after a hearty casserole.
Making it Ahead and Storage
Tuna noodle casserole is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 400-500 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 25-30 grams
* Fat: 20-25 grams
* Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
Enjoy Your Easy Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole!
This easy cheesy tuna noodle casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s simple to make, customizable to your preferences, and always a comforting and satisfying meal. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a classic comfort food dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Recipe Card
**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 25 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 12 ounces egg noodles (wide or medium)
* 2 (5-ounce) cans of tuna in water or oil, drained
* 1 (10.75-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery or chicken)
* ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
* ¼ cup sour cream (optional)
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
* ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
* ½ cup diced onion
* ½ cup diced celery
* ½ teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional toppings: Bread crumbs, crushed potato chips, French-fried onions
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
5. Add cooked noodles, drained tuna, and sautéed onion and celery to the sauce. Stir to combine.
6. Pour the tuna noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish.
7. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
8. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the cheddar cheese.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
10. If desired, add optional toppings during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
11. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
12. Serve hot and enjoy!