Tuna Casserole: 10 Minute Comfort Meal

Okay, let’s talk about comfort food, the kind of meal that just wraps you up in a warm hug. If that sounds like your jam, then you are going to *adore* this Easy Tuna Casserole. Seriously, this isn’t just food; it’s a little bowl of happiness! I know this might sound a bit dramatic, but finding my way back to the kitchen really changed things for me. Years ago, I thought I was totally hopeless – work was crazy, and cooking felt like just another chore. But then, I learned to bake bread, and that first perfect loaf? Pure joy! It made me realize that cooking, even simple things like a classic tuna casserole, is where you find creativity and connection. That’s exactly what Pure Cooking Joy is all about: making amazing, flavorful food totally approachable for everyone. This tuna noodle casserole is proof that you don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients or hours of work to create something truly special that your whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Tuna Casserole

Seriously, there are so many reasons this tuna casserole is a winner:

• Super Quick: You can whip this up in about 10 minutes flat. Perfect for those busy weeknights when dinner needs to happen NOW!
• So Simple: You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. No fancy stuff here!
• Classic Comfort: It’s got that creamy, savory taste that just feels like home. Pure nostalgia in a dish!
• Family Approved: This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Even the pickiest eaters usually gobble this up!

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Gather Your Ingredients for Classic Tuna Casserole

Alright, let’s get down to what you’ll need to make this dream dinner happen. The beauty of this classic tuna casserole is that it uses simple, everyday stuff that most of us have on hand. No need to run to a specialty store for this one!

• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup: This is the magic maker, giving us that super creamy base. Make sure it’s condensed!
• 1 (5 ounce) can tuna, drained and flaked: I always go for tuna packed in water, but oil-packed works too if that’s what you have. Just drain it really well and flake it with a fork.
• 1 cup cooked egg noodles: You can cook these up just before you start assembling, or even cook them ahead of time. Just make sure they’re not mushy – al dente is perfect!
• 1/2 cup milk: This helps thin out the soup just enough to make everything nice and creamy. Whole milk gives the best flavor, but any kind will do.
• 1/4 cup chopped onion: A little bit of onion adds a nice subtle flavor. If you’re not a fan of raw onion, you can sauté it for a minute or two first to soften the bite.
• 1/4 cup chopped celery: This adds a nice little crunch and freshness. Again, if you’re not a celery person, no worries!
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Oh, hello melty, gooey goodness! Shred your own for the best melt, but the pre-shredded stuff is totally fine too.
• 1/4 cup crushed potato chips: This is my favorite part for the topping! It gives it this fantastic salty crunch that you just can’t beat. Classic plain potato chips work best.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Tuna Casserole

Alright, let’s get this easy tuna casserole party started! It really couldn’t be simpler. We’re talking minimal fuss for maximum flavor. First things first, let’s get that oven warmed up. You’ll want to preheat it to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (that’s 190 Celsius for anyone keeping track).

Now, grab a big ol’ mixing bowl. This is where all the magic happens. Toss in your condensed cream of mushroom soup – dump the whole can in, no need to mix it with anything first. Then add your nicely drained and flaked tuna. Give it a quick fluff with a fork to make sure there aren’t any big clumps. Next, add in those cooked egg noodles, followed by the milk, your chopped onion, celery, and that lovely shredded cheddar cheese. Stir it all up really well until everything is gorgeously combined and you can’t see any dry spots. Make sure all those noodles and the tuna are coated in all that creamy goodness!

Once it’s all mixed, carefully pour this yummy mixture into your baking dish. I usually use a standard 9×13 inch one. Now for the best part – the topping! Grab those crushed potato chips and sprinkle them evenly all over the top of the casserole. This gives us that irresistible crunchy texture that I just can’t get enough of. Pop that dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for it to get nice and bubbly around the edges and for that potato chip topping to turn a beautiful golden brown. Once it’s out, let it sit for just a few minutes – it’ll be super hot right out of the oven, but trust me, it’s worth the wait before you dig in!

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Tips for the Best Tuna Casserole

Okay, so we’ve got the basic recipe down, but here are a few little tricks that I swear by to make this tuna casserole absolutely perfect every single time. First off, if you can’t find cream of mushroom soup or just want a little change-up, cream of celery soup is a fantastic substitute. It gives it a slightly different, but equally delicious, creamy vibe.

Want to sneak in some extra goodness? Frozen peas or corn are amaazing additions! Just toss about half a cup in with the rest of the ingredients. They add a pop of color and a little extra sweetness. And for a touch of extra richness? Stirring in just a tablespoon of butter along with the noodles and soup makes a world of difference. It just gives that creamy base an extra luxurious feel. These little tweaks really elevate your classic tuna casserole to something truly special!

Ingredient Spotlight: The Creamy Base of Tuna Casserole

You know, the unsung hero of this entire tuna casserole operation has got to be that condensed cream of mushroom soup. It’s honestly the secret sauce that makes everything so wonderfully creamy and brings all those flavors together. It’s like the ultimate binder, making sure the tuna, noodles, and veggies hug each other perfectly. Plus, it’s just so convenient! You can usually stick to the exact amount called for in the recipe, but if you’re feeling extra fancy, a tiny splash more milk can make it even more luscious. It’s this base that really gives our tuna noodle casserole that classic, comforting vibe we all love.

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Serving Suggestions for Your Tuna Noodle Casserole

Now that you’ve got this amazing tuna casserole fresh out of the oven, what should you serve alongside it? Honestly, it’s so hearty on its own, but I love a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette – it just cuts through that creamy richness so nicely. Steamed peas or green beans are also fantastic, adding a little bit of fresh flavor and color to the plate. And of course, you can never go wrong with some warm, crusty bread for soaking up any extra little bits of that delicious sauce!

Storage and Reheating Your Delicious Tuna Casserole

Got some amazing leftover tuna casserole? Lucky you! To keep it tasting its best, pop those leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should stay good in there for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready for a second helping, you’ve got a couple of options. You can gently reheat it in the microwave – just cover it loosely with a paper towel and zap it in 30-second bursts until it’s heated through, giving it a stir in between. Or, if you prefer, pop individual servings into a small oven-safe dish and warm it up in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and hot. Either way, it’s still super yummy!

Frequently Asked Questions about Tuna Casserole

Nutritional Estimate for Tuna Casserole

Just a friendly heads-up, this is an educated guess! Nutritional info can really change depending on the brands you use, but for a serving of this scrumptious tuna casserole, you’re looking at roughly 450 calories. You’ll get about 25g of fat, 25g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. It’s a good, hearty meal for sure!

Check out this tuna pasta bake recipe.

Here is another tuna pasta bake recipe.

Here is a tuna noodle casserole recipe.

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

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A simple and creamy tuna noodle casserole recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight family dinner. This classic comfort food is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

• Author: purejoyalex
• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 25 min
• Total Time: 35 min
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (5 ounce) can tuna, drained and flaked
• 1 cup cooked egg noodles
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup crushed potato chips

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, flaked tuna, cooked egg noodles, milk, chopped onion, chopped celery, and shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Top the casserole evenly with the crushed potato chips.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
7. Let it stand for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of butter to the noodle mixture.
• If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup also works well.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or corn for extra flavor and texture.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg