Ingredients

• Egg Noodles: 12 oz (340g)
• Canned Tuna: 2 cans (5 oz each), drained
• Frozen Peas: 1 cup
• Onion: 1 small, diced
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 can (10.5 oz)
• Milk: 1 cup
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup
• Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup
• Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
• Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt and Pepper: to taste
• Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup
• Melted Butter: 2 tablespoons
• Chopped Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons (optional, for garnish)

Steps to Prepare the Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Before you start cooking, preheat your oven to 190°C (380°F). This ensures that your casserole will bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden crust.

Step 2: Cook the Egg Noodles

1. Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
2. Cook Noodles: Add the egg noodles to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente (usually about 6-8 minutes).
3. Drain and Set Aside: Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Tuna Mixture

1. Sauté Onions: In a medium skillet, you can sauté the diced onion in a little bit of oil until they become translucent. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. This step adds flavor to the dish, but you can skip this if you prefer a quicker method.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, frozen peas, sautéed onions, cream of mushroom soup, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Noodles and Tuna Mixture

1. Mix Together: Add the drained egg noodles to the tuna mixture, gently folding them in until the noodles are well coated with the sauce.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish

1. Prepare the Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch (or equivalent size) baking dish with a little oil or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Spread the Mixture: Pour the tuna noodle mixture into the baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 6: Prepare the Topping

1. Breadcrumbs and Butter: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter until well combined.
2. Top the Casserole: Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the tuna noodle casserole.

Step 7: Bake

1. In the Oven: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
2. Air Fryer Option: If using an air fryer, preheat it to 180°C (360°F) and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and heated through.

Step 8: Serve

1. Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
2. Scoop and Serve: Scoop the casserole into bowls and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 20 g
• Fat: 20 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugars: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?

• Yes, you can use cooked fresh tuna in this recipe. Just ensure it’s cooked and flaked before adding it to the mixture.

2. What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?

• You can substitute with cream of chicken soup or even a homemade cream sauce if you prefer a healthier option.

3. Can I add more vegetables?

• Absolutely! Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or corn for added nutrition and flavor.

4. Is there a gluten-free version?

• Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta and ensure the cream of mushroom soup and breadcrumbs are also gluten-free.

Tips for Making the Perfect Tuna Noodle Casserole

• Make Ahead: This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil.
• Customize Cheese: While cheddar is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Swiss, or even pepper jack for a bit of heat.
• Texture Variations: For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream to the mixture.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Leftover tuna noodle casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the casserole before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Reheating: To reheat, bake in the oven at 180°C (360°F) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

Conclusion

Tuna Noodle Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that combines simple ingredients to create a satisfying meal. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, it is a dish that never goes out of style. With its creamy texture, cheesy flavor, and crunchy topping, this casserole is sure to please everyone at your table. Enjoy this classic recipe, and feel free to make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients. Happy cooking!