Nostalgic Tuna Noodle Bake
This classic tuna casserole brings back cherished memories of family dinners around the table. My sister often made this comforting dish for us, masking the fact that it contained cream of mushroom soup, which I didn't realize I loved until years later. Now, this warm and hearty blend of egg noodles, tender tuna, and sweet peas topped with a crispy layer of potato chips is a go-to recipe in our household. As I introduce this nostalgic favorite to my kids, I hope it creates the same fond memories for them that it did for me!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
egg noodles
12 ounces (Cooked according to package instructions)
condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 can (Not diluted)
milk
1/2 cup (None)
tuna
1 can (7 ounces) (Drained well)
frozen peas or canned peas
1 cup (Cooked and if using canned, drained)
crushed potato chips
1 cup (None)
Instructions
1
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions, typically boiling them for about 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking.
3
In a medium bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup with 1/2 cup of milk, stirring until smooth and well-blended.
4
In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together the cooked noodles, soup mixture, drained tuna, and peas until all ingredients are evenly coated.
5
Transfer the mixture to a generously buttered casserole or baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
6
Top the casserole with a layer of crushed potato chips, sprinkling them evenly to create a crunchy topping.
7
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until it is bubbling and the top is golden and crispy.
8
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Nostalgic Tuna Noodle Bake?
It is a classic, comforting casserole made with egg noodles, tender tuna, and sweet peas, topped with a signature crispy layer of potato chips.
What are the main ingredients required?
The recipe calls for egg noodles, condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, canned tuna, peas, and crushed potato chips.
How do I prepare the egg noodles?
Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions, typically boiling for 7 to 8 minutes until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) before baking the casserole.
How much milk is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of milk to be mixed with the condensed soup.
Do I need to dilute the cream of mushroom soup?
No, the soup should be used in its condensed form and mixed only with the specified 1/2 cup of milk.
What kind of tuna should I use?
Use one 7-ounce can of tuna that has been drained well.
Can I use frozen or canned peas?
Yes, you can use either 1 cup of frozen peas or canned peas; just ensure they are cooked or drained as needed.
What provides the crunchy topping for this casserole?
One cup of crushed potato chips is sprinkled over the top to create a crispy layer.
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake the casserole for approximately 25 minutes until it is bubbling and the top is golden and crispy.
Should I rinse the noodles after boiling?
Yes, rinsing the noodles under cold water after draining helps prevent them from sticking together.
How should I prepare the baking dish?
The casserole or baking dish should be generously buttered before adding the mixture.
Should the casserole rest after coming out of the oven?
Yes, let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 primary ingredients in this recipe.
Is this a quick and easy recipe to make?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick and easy dish that is perfect for a family dinner.
What is the description of the dish's flavor profile?
It is described as a warm, hearty, and nostalgic blend that is a favorite comfort food.
Can I substitute the egg noodles?
While egg noodles are traditional for this nostalgic recipe, you could use other pasta shapes, though the texture may vary.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the author notes that it is a family favorite being introduced to their own kids.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How do I mix the soup and milk?
Combine them in a medium bowl and stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
What order should I fold the ingredients in?
Gently fold the cooked noodles, soup mixture, drained tuna, and peas together in a large mixing bowl until evenly coated.
How do I apply the potato chip topping?
Sprinkle the crushed potato chips evenly over the top of the casserole mixture once it is in the baking dish.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include tuna casserole, comfort food, one dish meal, family recipe, nostalgic, quick and easy, baked dish, and pasta dish.
How many cans of tuna are needed?
The recipe requires one 7-ounce can of tuna.
Can I use different types of chips for the topping?
The nostalgic version uses potato chips, but you could experiment with other crushed salty snacks for different textures.
Does the recipe include salt or pepper?
The listed ingredients do not specify added salt or pepper, as the soup, tuna, and chips often provide sufficient seasoning.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a one-dish meal, making cleanup easier.
How do I ensure the topping is crispy?
Baking for the full 25 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit ensures the potato chip layer becomes golden and crunchy.
Can I prepare the noodles in advance?
Yes, you can cook and rinse the noodles ahead of time to speed up the assembly process.
Who inspired this specific version of the recipe?
The author's sister inspired this recipe, as she often made it for the family during their childhood.