Classic Family Tuna Noodle Bake
This Classic Family Tuna Noodle Bake is a comforting dish that has been passed down through generations. Packed with hearty egg noodles, tender tuna, and a medley of creamy soups, this casserole brings a touch of nostalgia to the dinner table. The addition of peas adds a pop of color and a hint of sweetness, making it a well-rounded meal that everyone will love. Whether served on a chilly evening or as a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to evoke warm memories and satisfy your family's appetite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
egg noodles
8 ounces (cooked according to package instructions)
tuna
2 (6 ounce) cans (drained)
peas
1 (14 ounce) can (drained)
cream of celery soup
1 (10 1/2 ounce) can (no preparation needed)
cream of mushroom soup
1 (10 1/2 ounce) can (no preparation needed)
milk
1/2 cup (no preparation needed)
butter
1/2 cup (melted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, drained tuna, drained peas, cream of celery soup, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and melted butter. Stir until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
3
Transfer the mixture into a 1-quart casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
4
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to keep it moist during baking.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly. Remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of baking for a slightly golden top.
6
Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein used in the Classic Family Tuna Noodle Bake?
The primary protein used in this recipe is tuna, specifically two 6-ounce cans that have been drained.
What type of noodles are required for this casserole?
This recipe requires 8 ounces of egg noodles, which should be cooked according to the package instructions before mixing.
What should I preheat my oven to?
You should preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the tuna noodle bake need to stay in the oven?
The casserole should be baked for 30 to 35 minutes, or until it is hot and bubbly.
Which creamy soups are used as the base for the sauce?
The sauce is made using one 10.5-ounce can of cream of celery soup and one 10.5-ounce can of cream of mushroom soup.
Do I need to drain the peas before adding them?
Yes, the recipe calls for one 14-ounce can of peas that has been drained.
How much milk is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of milk to help create the creamy consistency.
What size casserole dish is recommended?
A 1-quart casserole dish is recommended for this specific recipe amount.
Should I cover the dish while it is baking?
Yes, you should cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture inside while baking.
How can I get a golden top on my tuna bake?
To achieve a slightly golden top, remove the aluminum foil during the last 5 minutes of the baking process.
How much butter is used in the mixture?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of butter, which should be melted before being added to the mix.
Is any specific preparation needed for the soups?
No preparation is needed for the cream of celery or cream of mushroom soups; they are added directly to the mixing bowl.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick weeknight meal and an easy dinner option.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: egg noodles, tuna, peas, cream of celery soup, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and butter.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish is described as a comforting, hearty, and creamy casserole with tender tuna and noodles.
Should I let the casserole rest after taking it out of the oven?
Yes, it is recommended to allow the bake to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Can I use different vegetables besides peas?
While the classic recipe uses canned peas, you could likely substitute other vegetables, though peas provide the traditional sweet pop of color described.
Is this a traditional family recipe?
Yes, the description notes it is a comforting dish that has been passed down through generations.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include casserole, tuna, noodle, comfort food, family recipe, easy dinner, one dish meal, and quick weeknight meal.
Does the tuna need to be cooked beforehand?
No, you use canned tuna that is already processed; you simply need to drain the liquid from the cans.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients, but you will need a larger casserole dish (like a 2-quart or 9x13) to accommodate the extra volume.
How do I mix the ingredients?
Combine all ingredients (noodles, tuna, peas, soups, milk, and butter) in a large mixing bowl and stir until they are evenly mixed.
What if I don't have cream of celery soup?
You can typically substitute cream of celery with an additional can of cream of mushroom or another cream-based soup like cream of chicken.
Is there a specific order for mixing?
There is no strict order, but it is easiest to combine everything in a large bowl before transferring to the baking dish.
What makes this dish nostalgia-inducing?
Its combination of simple, hearty ingredients and creamy textures are characteristic of classic American mid-century family cooking.
How much tuna is required in total?
You will need a total of 12 ounces of canned tuna (two 6-ounce cans).
Does the recipe include any salt or pepper?
The ingredient list does not specify extra salt or pepper, as the canned soups and tuna usually provide significant seasoning.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-dish meal because it contains starch, protein, and vegetables all in one bake.
Can I use frozen peas instead of canned?
Yes, frozen peas can be used as a substitute for canned peas; just ensure they are thawed or adjusted for moisture.
What is the purpose of the melted butter?
The melted butter adds richness to the sauce and helps keep the egg noodles from sticking together or becoming too dry.