Not just another Tuna Noodle Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that elevates the classic recipe with a delightful blend of ingredients and a modern twist. This recipe, carefully crafted to perfection, combines the richness of tuna with a medley of vegetables, cheeses, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping, all baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests, this casserole is sure to impress with its robust flavors and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Let’s delve into the key ingredients that make this Not just another Tuna Noodle Casserole a standout:
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Tuna: Utilizing high-quality canned tuna, such as Starkist tuna, ensures a delicious and protein-packed base for the casserole.
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Vegetables: French style green beans, fresh mushrooms, onion, green pepper, and celery contribute a medley of textures and flavors. These veggies are sautéed to perfection before being incorporated into the casserole.
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Cheeses: American cheese and Swiss cheese add a creamy and indulgent element to the dish, enhancing the overall richness and ensuring every bite is wonderfully cheesy.
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Breadcrumbs: A crispy topping made with breadcrumbs tossed in margarine or butter adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal to the casserole.
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Seasonings and Sauces: Garlic, instant chicken bouillon granules, mustard, and a blend of nonfat milk with cornstarch create a savory sauce that binds all the ingredients together while adding depth of flavor.
Nutritional Information
This recipe is not only delicious but also provides essential nutritional benefits:
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Calories: Each serving contains approximately 251.3 calories, making it a satisfying yet moderate-calorie dish.
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Protein: With 35.2 grams of protein per serving, this casserole is a great way to incorporate lean protein into your diet.
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Carbohydrates: Balanced with 18.2 grams of carbohydrates per serving, it provides sustained energy.
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Fiber: A good source of fiber, with 2.7 grams per serving, aiding in digestion and satiety.
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Fats: Contains 3.8 grams of fat, primarily from healthy sources like cheese and tuna.
Cooking Instructions
Now, let’s walk through the steps to prepare this delectable Not just another Tuna Noodle Casserole:
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Cook Noodles: Begin by cooking the noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: Toss breadcrumbs with margarine or butter until well-coated. Set aside.
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Prepare Vegetables: In a large saucepan, combine frozen green beans, mushrooms, green pepper, onion, celery, water, instant chicken bouillon granules, and garlic. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
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Prepare Sauce: While the vegetables simmer, stir together nonfat milk, cornstarch, and mustard until smooth. Stir this mixture into the vegetable mixture. Cook and stir until slightly thickened and bubbly.
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Add Cheeses and Tuna: Remove from heat and stir in American cheese and Swiss cheese until melted and smooth. Add in the cooked noodles and canned tuna, mixing gently until well combined.
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Assemble and Bake: Spoon the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish. Sprinkle the prepared breadcrumb mixture evenly around the outside edge of the casserole.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes or until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
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Serve: Once baked to perfection, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
This Not just another Tuna Noodle Casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. It’s ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress with a comforting and delicious dish.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this recipe for Not just another Tuna Noodle Casserole from lovewithrecipes.com is a true crowd-pleaser that combines convenience with gourmet flavors. With its balanced nutritional profile and easy-to-follow instructions, it’s perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs looking to add a touch of creativity to a classic dish. Whether you’re craving a hearty weeknight meal or planning a special gathering, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
