Creamy Tuna Noodle Delight
This Creamy Tuna Noodle Delight is a heartwarming weeknight meal that brings nostalgia to the dinner table. With its rich and creamy texture from melted cheddar cheese and a delightful blend of vegetables, this casserole is bound to become a favorite in your household. Easy to prepare and perfect for busy evenings, this dish is not only filling but also customizable – feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the ingredients according to your pantry. Ideal for feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to please with its comforting flavors and satisfying creaminess.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cream of celery soup
1 can (10 1/4 ounces) (not needed)
Tuna
1 can (6 ounces) (drained)
Mixed vegetables (Veg-All or similar)
1 can (15 ounces) (drained)
Milk
1/2 cup (not needed)
Cheddar cheese
1 cup (cubed)
Celery
1/2 stalk (chopped finely)
Onion
1 small (finely chopped or use onion powder)
Mayonnaise
1/2 cup (not needed)
Egg noodles
1 package (8 ounces) (cooked (macaroni may be used))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of celery soup, drained tuna, drained mixed vegetables, and chopped celery.
3
Stir in the milk and mayonnaise until well blended.
4
Add the cubed cheddar cheese and finely chopped onion (or onion powder) to the mixture and fold gently to combine.
5
Finally, gently mix in the cooked egg noodles until everything is evenly coated.
6
Transfer the tuna mixture into a covered casserole dish and place it in the preheated oven.
7
Bake for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and heated through.
8
For a crunchy topping, consider sprinkling buttered breadcrumbs on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Tuna Noodle Delight?
It is a heartwarming, comforting casserole made with egg noodles, tuna, and vegetables in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long does this casserole need to bake?
The dish should bake for 30 to 45 minutes until it is bubbly and heated through.
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes, while egg noodles are recommended, macaroni can also be used as a substitute.
What kind of soup is used in the base?
The recipe calls for one 10.25-ounce can of cream of celery soup.
Do I need to drain the tuna?
Yes, the tuna should be drained before being added to the mixing bowl.
What type of cheese is recommended?
The recipe specifies 1 cup of cubed cheddar cheese.
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of canned?
Yes, though the recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of drained mixed vegetables, you can substitute with your favorite vegetables.
Why is mayonnaise used in this recipe?
Mayonnaise helps create a rich and creamy texture for the casserole sauce.
How can I add a crunchy topping?
Consider sprinkling buttered breadcrumbs on top of the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Can I use onion powder instead of fresh onion?
Yes, you can use one small finely chopped onion or substitute with onion powder to taste.
Do the egg noodles need to be cooked before baking?
Yes, ensure the 8-ounce package of egg noodles is cooked before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Is this recipe good for meal prepping?
Yes, this dish is ideal for meal prepping for the week or feeding a large family.
Can I customize the vegetable ingredients?
Absolutely, feel free to adjust the vegetables according to what you have in your pantry.
Should the casserole dish be covered?
Yes, the instructions suggest transferring the mixture into a covered casserole dish for baking.
How much milk is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of milk.
Can I substitute the cream of celery soup?
While cream of celery is standard, you could try cream of mushroom or chicken if you prefer those flavors.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is finished when it is bubbly and thoroughly heated through, usually after 30 to 45 minutes.
What size can of tuna is needed?
Use one 6-ounce can of tuna.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the mixture in the dish and refrigerate it before baking later.
How do I avoid mushy noodles?
Cook the egg noodles until they are just al dente before adding them to the casserole mixture.
Is this a family-friendly meal?
Yes, it is a nostalgia-filled dish designed to be a favorite for the whole household.
Can I use shredded cheese instead of cubes?
Yes, shredded cheddar will work just as well as cubed cheese for melting into the sauce.
What is the preparation for the celery?
The half stalk of celery should be finely chopped before mixing.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'quick and easy' weeknight meal.
What can I serve with this casserole?
It is a complete one-dish meal, but it pairs well with a side salad or steamed greens.
Can I use different types of canned fish?
While tuna is traditional, you could potentially use canned salmon for a different variation.
How much mayo is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of mayonnaise.
What is the texture of the dish?
It has a rich, creamy, and satisfying texture from the melted cheese and soup base.
Does this recipe store well?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated easily for lunch or dinner.