Ultimate Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

Bill’s Fabulous Tuna Noodle Casserole

Description

Make and share this delightful recipe for Bill’s Fabulous Tuna Noodle Casserole from lovewithrecipes.com. This dish is a perfect one-dish meal that’s both hearty and healthy, ideal for a cozy winter dinner or a quick weeknight meal. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and bursting with flavors that will satisfy everyone at the table.

Recipe Category

One Dish Meal

Keywords

• Lunch/Snacks
• Tuna
• Low Cholesterol
• Healthy
• Potluck
• Winter
• Weeknight
• Oven
• < 4 Hours
• Easy
• Inexpensive

Ingredients

• 2 cans of tuna
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 8 stalks of celery, diced
• 1/4 cup of milk
• 1/4 cup of dry sherry
• 1/4 cup of butter
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of sweet Hungarian paprika
• 10 ounces of mushrooms, sliced
• 5 ounces of peas
• 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fried onions for topping

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 757.1
• Fat: 22.9g
• Saturated Fat: 8.4g
• Cholesterol: 104mg
• Sodium: 1170.6mg
• Carbohydrates: 66.8g
• Fiber: 4.2g
• Sugar: 8g
• Protein: 38.8g

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).

2. Prepare the Vegetables:

   • In a large skillet, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium-low heat.
   • Add the chopped onions and diced celery, cooking them until they are tender.
   • Pour in the dry sherry, allowing the alcohol to cook off. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Once done, set the mixture aside.

3. Combine the Base Ingredients:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and drained noodles with condensed soup and 1/4 cup of milk. Mix thoroughly to ensure the noodles are well coated.

4. Incorporate the Vegetables:

   • Add the sautéed onions and celery to the noodle mixture. Stir well to combine.
   • The mixture should be juicy; if it appears too dry, add a bit more milk.

5. Add the Remaining Ingredients:

   • Fold in the sliced mushrooms, peas, canned tuna, garlic powder, sweet Hungarian paprika, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
   • Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Transfer to Casserole Dish:

   • Spread the mixture evenly into a 1 1/2 to 2-quart casserole dish.

7. Bake the Casserole:

   • Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly around the edges.

8. Add the Topping:

   • After 30 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle enough fried onions over the top to cover it evenly. This usually takes a small can of fried onions.
   • Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the onions are nicely browned.

9. Rest Before Serving:

   • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to serve.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole. Steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, also make excellent accompaniments. For a complete meal, you might also want to serve some crusty bread on the side to soak up any extra sauce.

Tips and Variations

• Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables you have on hand. Bell peppers, carrots, or even frozen mixed vegetables can add extra nutrition and flavor.
• Cheese Choices: While Parmesan adds a nice salty bite, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend for a different flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free noodles and ensure that your condensed soup is also gluten-free to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium soup and rinse the canned tuna to reduce the sodium content. You can also skip the fried onions or use a low-sodium variety.
• Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the casserole is cold.

Conclusion

Bill’s Fabulous Tuna Noodle Casserole is a time-tested recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a comforting dish to share with family and friends. Its rich, creamy texture combined with the delightful flavors of tuna and vegetables makes it a hit for all ages. Plus, its easy preparation and budget-friendly ingredients make it a go-to meal for any home cook. Enjoy this fabulous casserole and make it a staple in your recipe repertoire!