Crispy Tuna Noodle Delight
This Crispy Tuna Noodle Delight transforms the traditional tuna casserole into a mouth-watering meal that every family will love. Inspired by a cherished recipe shared by my daughter-in-law over a decade ago, this dish is a modern twist on a classic favorite. The combination of creamy soups, savory tuna, and the delightful crunch of potato chips creates an irresistible flavor profile that keeps everyone asking for seconds. It's perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend feast! Enjoy the harmonious blend of textures and flavors in this easy-to-make one-dish meal that is sure to become a family staple.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
egg noodles
1 (8 ounce package, cooked according to package instructions)
tuna
2 (6 1/4 ounce cans, drained)
cream of chicken soup
1 (10 1/2 ounce can)
cream of mushroom soup
1 (10 1/2 ounce can)
cheddar cheese
8 (ounces, shredded)
milk
2 (cups)
margarine
1/3 (cup, melted)
onion
1/4 (cup, chopped)
ground thyme
1/4 (teaspoon)
salt
1/4 (teaspoon)
pepper
1/4 (teaspoon)
potato chips
to taste (crushed, for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, melted margarine, chopped onion, ground thyme, salt, and pepper.
4
Stir the tuna mixture thoroughly until well combined.
5
Gently fold the cooked and drained noodles into the tuna mixture until evenly coated.
6
Transfer the combined mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
7
Sprinkle the top generously with crushed potato chips for that delightful crunch.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Tuna Noodle Delight?
It is a modern twist on the traditional tuna casserole, featuring creamy soups, savory tuna, and a crunchy potato chip topping.
What kind of noodles are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 8-ounce package of egg noodles, cooked until al dente.
How much tuna is required?
You will need two 6 1/4 ounce cans of tuna, which should be drained before use.
What types of soup are used for the base?
The base consists of one 10 1/2 ounce can of cream of chicken soup and one 10 1/2 ounce can of cream of mushroom soup.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese.
How much milk should I add?
Add 2 cups of milk to the mixture.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, while the recipe calls for 1/3 cup of melted margarine, butter can be used as a substitute.
Does the recipe include onions?
Yes, it includes 1/4 cup of chopped onion for flavor.
What herbs and spices provide the seasoning?
The casserole is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon each of ground thyme, salt, and pepper.
What gives the dish its 'crispy' texture?
The top is generously sprinkled with crushed potato chips before baking to create a delightful crunch.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake the dish for 45 minutes, or until it is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
What size casserole dish is needed?
A greased 2-quart casserole dish is perfect for this recipe.
How should the noodles be added to the mixture?
Gently fold the cooked and drained noodles into the prepared tuna and soup mixture until evenly coated.
Is this an easy recipe for weeknights?
Yes, it is specifically described as an easy-to-make one-dish meal ideal for busy weeknight dinners.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
It was inspired by a cherished recipe shared by the creator's daughter-in-law over a decade ago.
Can I prepare the ingredients in advance?
Yes, you can cook the noodles and mix the tuna base ahead of time, then combine and bake when ready.
What are the primary tags associated with this dish?
Tags include casserole, tuna, noodle, one dish meal, comfort food, and family dinner.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients used to make this Crispy Tuna Noodle Delight.
Should the noodles be fully cooked before baking?
They should be cooked according to package instructions but kept 'al dente' so they don't become too soft while baking.
Does this recipe use any liquid other than milk?
The liquids come from the milk, melted margarine, and the condensed cream soups.
Is the casserole dish greased?
Yes, the instructions specify transferring the mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole dish.
Can I use different types of potato chips?
The recipe allows for potato chips 'to taste,' so you can use your favorite variety for the topping.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is the onion cooked before being added to the mix?
The instructions imply adding the chopped onion directly into the mixing bowl with the other ingredients before baking.
What should the final texture of the topping look like?
The topping should be golden brown and provide a 'delightful crunch'.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is explicitly tagged as a comfort food and described as a comforting weekend feast.
How is the tuna prepared?
The tuna should be drained from its cans before being combined with the soups and cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a meal every family will love and a dish that is sure to become a family staple.
Can I use a different type of soup?
While cream of chicken and mushroom are traditional, you can experiment with cream of celery or onion for a different flavor profile.