Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe 🍲

Overview:

Tuna Noodle Casserole is a nostalgic dish that brings back memories of cozy family dinners. This recipe, passed down through generations, is a comforting blend of tender pasta, savory tuna, and creamy sauce, topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust. Perfect for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings, this easy-to-make casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 367.1 kcal

Ingredients:

2 tbsp butter
1/2 cup diced celery
1 cup milk
1 1/4 cup diced pimentos
2 cups small shell pasta
1 can tuna, drained
1 tbsp butter (for breadcrumbs)
1/2 cup diced onion
2 slices bread, crumbled (for breadcrumbs)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Saute Vegetables: In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add diced celery and onion, and sauté for about 3 minutes until they are tender and fragrant.
Prepare Sauce: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and diced pimentos until well combined. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
Combine Pasta and Tuna: In a 2-quart casserole dish, combine the cooked small shell pasta and drained tuna. Mix them together until evenly distributed.
Add Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the pasta and tuna mixture, ensuring that everything is well coated.
Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the crumbled bread and 1 tablespoon of melted butter until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
Top and Bake: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the creamy goodness of this classic Tuna Noodle Casserole!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 367.1 kcal
Fat: 14.5g
- Saturated Fat: 7.2g
Cholesterol: 45.6mg
Sodium: 443.1mg
Carbohydrates: 42.1g
- Fiber: 2.3g
- Sugar: 2.9g
Protein: 16.5g

Recipe Notes:

Customization: Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or cheese to the mix. Broccoli, peas, or mushrooms would be delicious additions.
Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply cover it tightly with foil and bake when needed.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Freezing: You can also freeze this casserole for longer storage. Make sure it’s cooled completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of this Tuna Noodle Casserole, a timeless dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy meal at home, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for comfort food.