Tuna Noodle Casserole the Ultimate Comfort Food Revival

Recipe Introduction: Tuna Noodle Casserole, Elevated!

Fancy a bit of nostalgia? Ever wondered how to make the ultimate tuna casserole recipe with cream ? This dish takes me right back to my childhood, but we're giving it a chefy glow-up.

Think Tuna Noodles And Peas , all grown up.

This creamy tuna casserole recipe isn't just about comfort, it's about flavour. Originating from the US, its a dish born out of simplicity.

A classic way to make a cheap meal shine! This recipe is easy, taking about 50 minutes. It feeds 6 hungry bellies.

What Makes This Tuna Cassarole Special?

Beyond the deliciousness, this recipe is surprisingly good for you! The tuna is packed with protein and omega-3s. This classic tuna casserole recipe is perfect for a cosy night in.

It's a dish that is made with love. And a secret ingredient: Cheese and Onion Crisps! It gives it that je ne sais quoi - that perfect crunch!

The Flavour Powerhouse: From Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe To A Mouthful

The key to a really cracking tuna noodle casserole from scratch is good quality ingredients. We're talking decent tuna, tasty cheese and that all important cream of mushroom soup .

Don’t scrimp here!

A Grown Up Tuna Casserole with Potato Chip Topping

We are using egg noodles because these are the best for sopping up that delicious, creamy sauce! Here’s what else you'll need for this adult tuna casserole : Olive oil, onion, garlic, tinned tuna, peas, cheddar, milk, sour cream, dried thyme and pepper.

Sounds simple, right?

Old Fashioned Tuna Casserole Recipe Made Easy

Honestly? It's simpler than it sounds. Trust me ! Now, lets dive into the step-by-step. Lets get cooking!

Alright, let's get down to the nitty gritty. Here's what you'll need to whip up this champion tuna noodle casserole with peas .

Don't worry; it's all stuff you can probably find in your local Tesco, or at least a decent corner shop!

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

• Egg Noodles: You'll need 1 pound (450g) . Seriously, don't skimp.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Go for extra virgin if you're feeling fancy, but any will do.
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium , chopped. It needs to be firm, not mushy, and smell oniony you know, like an onion should!
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is best, but the jarred stuff works in a pinch.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: 2 cans (10.75 ounce/305g each) . Brands like Campbells are the usual suspects.
• Milk: ½ cup (120ml) . Anything goes!
• Sour Cream: ½ cup (120ml) . Full fat is best for flavour. I swear!
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon . Adds that je ne sais quoi .
• Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon . Freshly ground is always better.
• Tuna: 2 cans (5 ounce/142g each) in water , drained. Quality tuna has a light colour and a firm texture, not all crumbly. I feel like adult tuna casserole needs the good stuff, right?
• Frozen Peas: 1 cup (100g) . They should be bright green, not icy or freezer burnt.
• Potato Chips: 1 cup (100g) crushed . Cheese and Onion flavour, like Walkers, or maybe ready salted, if you are boring like my mother. This tuna casserole with potato chip topping is so good!
• Cheddar Cheese: ½ cup (50g) shredded . Mature cheddar packs the best punch.

Seasoning Notes

Honestly, the seasoning in this creamy tuna casserole recipe is pretty straightforward. The thyme is essential, trust me! It adds a herby background note.

For a flavour boost, chuck in a pinch of nutmeg. It complements the creaminess beautifully.

If you're out of thyme, Italian seasoning is a decent sub. A dash of Worcestershire sauce in the sauce really bumps up the umami too.

It is that classic tuna casserole recipe !

Equipment Needed

• Large Pot: For boiling those noodles!
• Colander: To drain the noodles. Obvs.
• Large Skillet: For sautéing the onions and garlic.
• 9x13 inch Baking Dish: The cornerstone of this operation!
• Mixing Bowls: For getting everything mixed properly.

Don't have a skillet? A large frying pan will do. No 9x13 dish? Any oven safe dish of a similar size will work just fine! I once used a roasting tin; it was a bit shallow, but it still worked.

This easy tuna noodle casserole recipe is quite forgiving.

Cooking Up Comfort: The Tuna Casserole Revival

Alright, let's talk tuna casserole . It's that dish your mum or nan probably made! Honestly, mine did. Loads. It's pure comfort food.

But we're gonna jazz it up! Think of it as a glow-up for your taste buds. This is an easy tuna noodle casserole recipe that brings back memories.

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission

First, the essentials. Get your ingredients sorted. Chopping the onion and mincing the garlic now saves time later. Essential mise en place in fact! Preheat the oven to 175° C .

Also, drain the tuna really well. Soggy casserole? No, thank you!

step-by-step: Casserole Creation in 8 Steps

1. Cook your noodles: Boil 450g egg noodles till al dente . Drain those bad boys.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Sauté the onion in 30ml olive oil until it’s soft. Toss in the minced garlic for a minute. Ooh, smells good, right?
3. Make the magic sauce: Mix 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup, 120ml milk, 120ml sour cream, 1 tsp thyme, and 0.5 tsp pepper in a bowl.
4. Combine it all: Add noodles, onions and garlic, drained tuna, and 100g frozen peas to the soup. Give it a proper stir.
5. Dish it out: Pour the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
6. Crunchy time: Sprinkle 100g of crushed potato chips and 50g shredded cheddar cheese on top.
7. Bake, baby, bake! Bake for 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
8. Cool it down: Let it cool for a bit. Patience! This is a great tuna noodle casserole with peas .

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Casserole

• Don’t overcook the noodles . Slightly underdone is better. They'll finish cooking in the oven.
• Get creative with toppings! Crispy fried onions will add great flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid : A watery casserole is sad. Drain that tuna well. Avoid tuna noodle casserole from scratch made with bad ingredients! This classic is a fantastic adult tuna casserole .

• Tip for make-ahead: Prepare everything except the topping. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add topping just before baking. Enjoy your creamy tuna casserole recipe ! I hope you liked the tuna casserole recipe with cream . Try our classic tuna casserole recipe version, it is so good!

Recipe Notes for Your Tuna Noodle Casserole Adventure

Right, so you're about to tackle this awesome tuna casserole recipe with cream , and I'm buzzing for you. A bit like the taste when you make it from scratch! But before you dive in headfirst, let's chat about a few extra bits and bobs to make your life easier and your casserole even tastier.

I'm telling you this stuff from experience, yeah? I’ve had my share of casserole mishaps, and I want you to learn from my, ahem , culinary adventures!

Plating and Presentation: Make It Look Fancy (Even If It's Not!)

Okay, so tuna noodles and peas might not sound like the fanciest dish in the world. That classic tuna cassarole is all about comfort, innit? But honestly, a little effort goes a long way.

Think about garnishing your creamy tuna casserole recipe with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives. It's the little things that make it, trust me.

Serve it in individual bowls for a posh, bistro vibe or keep it casual and serve straight from the dish.

If you're going all-out, try a swirl of sriracha mayo on top for a spicy kick.

Storage Sorted: Keep That Goodness Fresh

So you have some of this easy tuna noodle casserole recipe left over? Lucky you!. Let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in cling film or transferring it to an airtight container.

Pop it in the fridge. It'll keep happily for up to 3 days . Don't risk it after that, yeah? I once tried to stretch it to day four, and honestly, it wasn't worth it.

Reheat in the microwave or oven until piping hot remember to check the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) for safety.

Freezing isn't ideal with creamy sauces, but if you must, be aware the texture might change.

Twists and Turns: Let's Get Creative

Want to jazz things up? This classic tuna casserole recipe is like a blank canvas. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free noodles and check your cream of mushroom soup is also gluten-free.

You could swap out the cheddar cheese for a mature cheddar for a sharper flavour. Come autumn, butternut squash chunks would be yummy in there!

Got fussy eaters? Try using tuna noodle casserole with peas as inspiration, but add some breadcrumbs. They’ll love it!

Nutrition Nuggets: Fueling Your Body

Alright, so this isn't exactly health food, let's be honest! But it's got some good stuff in there too. You're getting protein from the tuna and dairy, and some fibre from the peas.

The calories and fat are higher, but hey, everything in moderation, right? Enjoy it as a comforting treat.

So that's it! You're armed with everything you need to make this old fashioned tuna casserole recipe a total triumph.

Don't be afraid to experiment, have fun, and most importantly, enjoy the process. It’s time to make the tuna casserole with potato chip topping !.

You got this! And remember, even if it doesn't turn out perfect, it'll still taste delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this tuna casserole recipe with cream ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the tuna casserole up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with foil and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, add the potato chip and cheese topping right before putting it in the oven.

You might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.

What's the best way to store leftover tuna casserole?

Leftover tuna casserole should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It's best consumed within 3-4 days. Keep in mind that the potato chip topping might lose some of its crispness as it sits, but it will still taste great.

You can reheat it in the microwave or oven, but for best results, try to reheat only what you plan to eat to prevent further loss of texture.

My tuna casserole is watery! What did I do wrong and how can I fix it?

A watery tuna casserole is often caused by not draining the tuna well enough, or by overcooking the noodles. Be sure to drain the tuna thoroughly before adding it to the mixture. Next time, slightly undercook the noodles since they’ll continue to cook in the oven.

You can also try adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to the sauce mixture before baking to help thicken it up.

I don’t have potato chips. What else can I use for the topping on this tuna casserole recipe with cream?

No potato chips? No worries! You can use crushed Ritz crackers, buttered breadcrumbs, or even crispy fried onions as a topping. For the breadcrumb option, simply toss some breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle them over the casserole before baking.

Crispy fried onions from a jar are also a good shout and will add a lovely savory flavour.

Can I make this tuna casserole healthier? I'm watching my waistline, you know!

Of course! You can use whole wheat noodles for added fiber and opt for low-fat cream of mushroom soup. Substituting sour cream with plain Greek yogurt will also reduce the fat content. You could even sneak in some extra veggies like chopped broccoli or spinach.

Also, go easy on the cheese and perhaps skip the potato chips altogether in favour of a lighter topping like wholewheat breadcrumbs.

Can I use different types of cheese in my tuna casserole with cream?

Absolutely! While cheddar provides a classic flavour, feel free to experiment. Gruyere adds a nutty, sophisticated touch, while Monterey Jack will give it a milder, meltier quality. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top can also add a salty, savory element that complements the other ingredients beautifully.

Just make sure it melts well for the best result.