Speedy Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Speedy Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole: Comfort Food in a Flash
Fancy a bit of nostalgia? Remember when your mum whipped up a tuna casserole? This easy tuna noodle casserole is a modern take on that classic.
It brings back all those comforting flavors without the fuss.
Quick Hook: Your New Weeknight Hero
This recipe is about ease and comfort. It’s also a great way to use up those pantry staples. I’m talking about the classic tuna noodle casserole , but supercharged for a busy life.
It’s basically a culinary hug after a long day.
Tuna Casserole Easy: A Modern Classic
This creamy tuna macaroni cheese casserole is pure comfort food. It’s like the British version of mac and cheese but with tuna.
This version is quick! It’s much quicker than your gran's recipe. It's ready in about 35 minutes. The Tuna Casserole is easy to make! It serves about 6 hungry people.
Main Benefits: Healthy ish and Hearty
Okay, it's not kale, but tuna casserole offers decent protein. Plus, it's loaded with cheese and carbs perfect for those days when you need a boost.
The creamy tuna pasta bake is the ideal One-pan tuna noodle casserole for a chilly evening. Or when you just need a bit of comfort.
This recipe is special because it's quick, simple, and oh-so-satisfying. My kids love it! It brings back good memories, you know?
Right, let's get to the ingredients! To make this Campbell’s tuna noodle casserole you'll need elbow macaroni, butter, flour, milk, cheddar, tuna, peas, panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, and garlic powder.
The recipe also uses a little salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Tips for Tuna Casserole Perfection
Don’t overcook the macaroni. Grate your own cheese for a smoother sauce. Drain that tuna like your life depends on it! Add nutmeg for that extra zing.
Variations for the Adventurous Cook
Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of chili flakes for a kick! I once tried adding mushrooms. It was pretty awesome.
You can also swap the tuna for salmon. Feel free to be creative!.
Alright then, let's get cracking on the ingredients for our easy tuna noodle casserole . This quick tuna casserole recipe is all about comfort and ease, and we're keeping it simple.
Honestly, it's so easy, even my mate Dave could make it after a few pints at the pub.
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
- Elbow Macaroni: 1 pound (450g) . Go for good quality pasta. It really makes a difference. It is important not to overcook your macaroni.
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick, 113g) . Real butter, not margarine, yeah?
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup (60g) . Plain flour does the trick.
- Whole Milk: 3 cups (720ml) . The full fat stuff is best for a creamy tuna pasta bake .
- Salt: 1 teaspoon . To season everything properly.
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon . Freshly ground is always better.
- Ground Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon . (Optional, but trust me, it adds warmth).
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 4 cups (400g) , divided. Mature cheddar gives the best flavour.
- Canned Tuna in Water: Two 5-ounce (142g) cans, drained. Flaked tuna is perfect for classic tuna noodle casserole .
- Frozen Peas: 1 cup (150g) . Adds a bit of colour and sweetness.
Seasoning Notes
This easy tuna noodle casserole isn't about complex spices. I feel that keeping the seasonings simple ensures that the Campbell’s tuna noodle casserole shines through without being muddled by too many competing flavors.
The classic tuna noodle casserole gets its magic from perfectly balanced seasonings and high-quality ingredients.
- Essential spice combinations: Salt, pepper, and that tiny bit of nutmeg. It's really good.
- Flavor enhancers and aromatics: A little garlic powder in the breadcrumbs. It takes it up a notch.
- Quick substitution options: White pepper instead of black pepper if you fancy.
Equipment Needed
Honestly, it is a one-pan tuna noodle casserole . Nothing fancy needed for this cheesy tuna noodle bake . The less washing up, the better, right?
- Large Pot: For cooking the macaroni.
- Colander: For draining the macaroni. Don't skip this bit!
- Large Saucepan: To make the cheese sauce.
- 9x13 inch baking dish : The standard size for a tuna macaroni cheese casserole .
- Mixing Spoon: To stir everything together.
That’s it. It's that straightforward. Now, onto the good stuff making this tuna casserole easy ! You can’t go wrong, I promise!
Speedy Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole: Comfort Food in a Flash
Fancy a classic tuna noodle casserole but short on time? Me too! This easy tuna noodle casserole is your answer.
It's basically a hug in a dish, a quick and cheerful meal ready in about 35 minutes . Think of this as the perfect one-pan tuna noodle casserole .
Let's get cracking!
Prep Steps: The Secret to Success
Essential Mise en Place: Honestly, this is key. Get your ingredients out. Pre-measure stuff. Drain the tuna really well. Cook your macaroni . This setup saves a ton of time later.
Time Saving Organization Tips: I like to shred my cheddar cheese while the macaroni cooks. Two birds, one stone! Prepping your ingredients is the biggest favour you can do for yourself when cooking anything .
Unleashing the Casserole Magic: A step-by-step Guide
Preheat & Prep: Crank that oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Get your 9x13 inch baking dish ready with a bit of grease.
Cook Macaroni: Boil 1 pound (450g) of macaroni according to the box instructions until al dente . Then, drain it well.
Make Cheese Sauce: Melt 1/2 cup (1 stick, 113g) butter in a saucepan. Whisk in 1/2 cup (60g) flour and cook for 1 minute.
Slowly whisk in 3 cups (720ml) milk until smooth.
Season & Thicken: Add 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional). Simmer for 5 minutes until it thickens a bit.
Add Cheese: Take the pan off the heat! Stir in 3 cups (300g) of cheddar cheese until smooth. It should be super creamy.
Combine Ingredients: Add the drained tuna and 1 cup (150g) frozen peas and that lovely macaroni to your cheese sauce. Mix it all gently.
Transfer to Dish: Pour the whole delicious mess into your prepared baking dish.
Make Topping: Mix 1/2 cup (50g) panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.
Top & Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese, then breadcrumb mixture evenly. Bake for 20- 25 minutes , until golden and bubbly.
Cool Briefly: Wait about 5- 10 minutes before serving. This lets it set up a bit.
Pro Tips for Tuna Casserole Easy Wins
Don’t overcook the pasta. Slightly undercook it because it will continue to cook in the oven. Honestly, mushy pasta is the enemy.
Grate your own cheese . Pre-shredded cheese can mess with that melty goodness. Plus, you get a little arm workout.
To make this Campbell’s tuna noodle casserole recipe faster, you could even make the cheese sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a day or two.
And there you have it, a creamy and delicious cheesy tuna noodle bake that's sure to be a hit. Enjoy your quick tuna casserole recipe .
Recipe Notes: Making Your Speedy Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole Sing!
Right then, you've got the recipe for my easy tuna noodle casserole . Now, let's talk about making it your own, yeah? This isn't just about following instructions; it's about tweaking things to your taste and using what you've got in the cupboard.
Plating and Presentation Ideas
Honestly, presentation isn't everything , but a little effort goes a long way! I like to let my cheesy tuna noodle bake cool slightly before serving, so it holds its shape a bit better.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley, if you're feeling fancy, makes it look extra inviting. A side of pickled beetroot brightens up the plate, and it tastes amazing.
For drinks, I love serving mine with ice-cold, fizzy lemonade or ginger beer to cut the richness of the cheesy casserole.
A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a great side too!
Storage Tips: Keeping the Comfort Going
If you've got leftovers (unlikely, but possible!), refrigerate them in an airtight container. It'll keep for up to 3 days .
When reheating, you can microwave it, but I prefer popping it back in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until it's warmed through.
It helps keep the top crispy. This is not a candidate for the freezer.
Variations: Making it "You"
Fancy a change? Here's where you can get creative. For a dairy-free version, try using a plant based milk alternative. Just make sure it's unsweetened.
For a gluten-free option, simply swap the macaroni for gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Seasonal swaps? Add some roasted butternut squash in the autumn or some asparagus tips in the spring. It’s all about what you’ve got and what's looking good at the market!
If you prefer to replace the noodles with potatoes, for another Easy Casserole Recipes , you can replace the noodles with sliced potato or cubed potatoes to add another dimention.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl
Okay, let's keep it real. This Tuna Casserole Easy isn't exactly a health food, but it's got its perks. You're getting protein from the tuna, calcium from the cheese, and some vitamins from the peas.
For the Campbell’s Tuna Noodle Casserole recipe above, a serving clocks in around 450-500 calories. It has a hearty amount of protein, and it is rich in vitamins and nutrients.
The key health benefit? It's comfort food that can lift your spirits after a long day!
So there you have it! My take on the classic tuna noodle casserole . Don't be afraid to experiment. After all, cooking should be fun.
You'll have a delicious one-pan tuna noodle casserole on your table in no time. Now, go on, get cooking and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this easy tuna noodle casserole really that easy? I'm no Jamie Oliver!
Absolutely! This recipe is designed to be super straightforward. It uses readily available ingredients and simple steps, so even if you're more of a "beans on toast" kind of cook, you'll be able to whip this up without breaking a sweat. Think of it as comfort food for even the most kitchen shy!
Can I make easy tuna noodle casserole ahead of time? Like, Mary Berry levels of organised?
You certainly can! Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, add a few minutes to the baking time, ensuring it's heated through. This is a lifesaver for busy weeknights!
What can I add to my easy tuna noodle casserole to jazz it up a bit? Make it a bit more Gordon Ramsay?
Loads of things! Sautéed mushrooms or onions add depth, a pinch of red pepper flakes brings a little heat, and swapping the cheddar for Gruyere gives it a sophisticated twist. You could even stir in some cooked broccoli florets for extra goodness. Don't be afraid to experiment!
How should I store leftover easy tuna noodle casserole? And how long will it last?
Let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the whole casserole in the oven until heated through.
Is tuna noodle casserole healthy? What's the nutritional info?
While this easy tuna noodle casserole is comforting and satisfying, it's important to consider the nutritional content. It contains protein from the tuna and dairy, but also has a fair amount of fat and carbohydrates. A single serving is roughly 450-500 calories.
For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and cheese, and increase the amount of vegetables.
My family isn't keen on tuna. What else could I use in this casserole?
No problem! Canned salmon or shredded cooked chicken make excellent substitutes for tuna in this easy noodle casserole. If you're veggie, you could also try using some canned chickpeas or white beans to add some protein and fiber! This allows you to tailor the recipe to your family's taste preferences.
Speedy Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 475 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 27.5g |
| Fiber | 2.5g |
