Delightful Summer Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

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There’s something magical about a Summer Tuna Noodle Casserole that warms the heart and fills the belly. Picture this: creamy noodles embracing tender chunks of tuna, all topped with crispy breadcrumbs. It’s a dish that whispers comfort while simultaneously shouting “I’m here for a good time”

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This casserole isn’t just a meal it’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Imagine summer picnics, potlucks with friends, or lazy Sunday dinners, where this delightful dish steals the show. With every bite, you’re promised an explosion of flavors that dance together harmoniously, creating a symphony of textures and aromas that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Summer Tuna Noodle Casserole is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weekdays
  • The creamy texture combined with savory flavors creates a delightful harmony in every bite
  • Visually appealing with a golden topping, it’s sure to impress your family and friends
  • This dish is versatile enough for any occasion and can easily be customized based on your pantry staples

I still remember the first time I served this at a family gathering the smiles and compliments kept coming long after dinner was over.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Egg Noodles: I recommend using wide egg noodles for their perfect balance of softness and chewiness.
  • Canned Tuna: Opt for quality tuna packed in water or olive oil for enhanced flavor.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: A key ingredient that adds creaminess without extra effort convenient and delicious
  • Frozen Peas: These add a pop of color and sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory elements.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar provides wonderful flavor and melts perfectly into the casserole.
  • Breadcrumbs: Use seasoned breadcrumbs for an added crunch on top trust me, you won’t regret it.

For the Sauce:

  • Milk: Whole milk works best for richness, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
  • Onion Powder: A sprinkle will enhance the overall flavor profile without overwhelming the dish.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds depth the more garlic, the merrier

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Cook the Noodles: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add egg noodles and cook them until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside while you prepare the sauce.

Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, frozen peas, and half of your cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is well mixed and feels like family.

Add Noodles to Mixture: Gently fold in your cooked egg noodles with the tuna mixture until they are evenly coated. Take care not to break those precious noodles

Transfer to Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour everything into a greased baking dish (around 9×13 inches) and spread evenly like icing on a cake

Topping Time: Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over the top followed by an even layer of breadcrumbs. This is where it gets exciting That crunchy topping is what dreams are made of.

Bake Until Golden: Place casserole in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell heavenly

Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly before serving if you can resist that long

And there you have it: your very own Summer Tuna Noodle Casserole ready to bring joy to your table Whether you’re serving it at a picnic or enjoying it alone while binge-watching your favorite show (no judgment here), each bite promises to deliver comfort food bliss wrapped in nostalgia. Enjoy

You Must Know

  • This delightful Summer Tuna Noodle Casserole is not only easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser
  • The blend of creamy sauce, tender noodles, and flavorful tuna creates a dish that’s perfect for warm weather gatherings
  • Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the pasta while preparing the creamy sauce and sautéing any vegetables you choose. This multitasking ensures everything finishes at the same time, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies like peas or bell peppers. You can also use different types of cheese or even add some breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F until hot throughout, about 20 minutes.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Ensure you’re using good quality tuna it makes all the difference in flavor
  • Don’t overcook the pasta it should be al dente as it will cook further in the oven
  • Adding a sprinkle of lemon juice brightens up the entire dish beautifully

Memories of sharing this casserole with friends during summer picnics always bring a smile. Their delighted faces as they dug into seconds made all the effort worthwhile

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use fresh tuna for this Summer Tuna Noodle Casserole?

Absolutely Just ensure it’s cooked and flaked before adding it to your casserole.

What type of noodles work best for this recipe?

Egg noodles are traditional, but you can use any pasta shape you prefer

Can I freeze leftovers of my Summer Tuna Noodle Casserole?

Yes, just store them in an airtight container reheat when ready to enjoy again

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Summer Tuna Noodle Casserole


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  • Author: Jennifer
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 8

Description

Experience the joy of summer with this comforting Summer Tuna Noodle Casserole. Creamy egg noodles, tender tuna, and vibrant peas come together in perfect harmony, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust. This nostalgic dish is not only quick to make but also a delightful crowd-pleaser for picnics or family dinners. Each bite offers a flavorful escape, ensuring everyone will come back for seconds!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz wide egg noodles
  • 2 cans (5 oz each) quality canned tuna in water
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
  • 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the egg noodles in boiling water according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, combine drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, frozen peas, and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix well.
  4. Gently fold in the cooked noodles until evenly coated.
  5. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
  6. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs on top.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (200g)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 560mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

 

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