Ultimate Creamy No-Bake Tuna Noodle Casserole
This Ultimate Creamy No-Bake Tuna Noodle Casserole is a delightful twist on a childhood classic that brings nostalgic flavors to your table with minimal effort. Inspired by my mom's original recipe, this quick comfort food captures the heart of Midwest cookery. The stars of this dish are the rich, extra-sharp cheddar cheese and hearty tuna, combined with tender noodles and crisp celery to create a satisfying texture. You can easily customize it to your preferences, whether you love tuna or prefer chicken, and you can add a healthy twist by tossing in veggies like broccoli or peas. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy gathering, this casserole is a blast of flavor that only takes minutes to prepare, making it the ultimate go-to meal for anyone seeking a quick and delicious dish.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
tuna in water
1 (6 ounce) can (drained)
cream of mushroom soup
1 (10 ounce) can (undiluted)
extra-sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups (shredded (can add more or less))
celery ribs
3 large (sliced into 1/4 chunks)
button mushrooms
4 cups (sliced thick)
onion
1 large (chopped)
extra wide egg noodles
16 ounces (cooked and drained)
salt
to taste (n/a)
pepper
to taste (n/a)
Instructions
1
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the extra wide egg noodles and cook for about 10 minutes or until al dente. Drain the noodles and set aside.
2
In a large pot, heat over medium heat. Add the sliced button mushrooms and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Next, add the chopped onion and continue to sauté for another 1-2 minutes, ensuring that the onions retain a bit of crunch.
3
Once the mushrooms and onions are cooked, drain any excess liquid. Stir in the undiluted cream of mushroom soup, mixing thoroughly. Allow the soup to heat up for a minute.
4
Gradually add in the shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese while continuously stirring, until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
5
Gently fold in the drained tuna and the chopped celery, stirring just until combined. The celery will provide a nice crunch in contrast to the creaminess of the dish.
6
Take the pot off the heat and then add the drained noodles into the mixture. Mix all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
7
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of your homemade casserole!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Creamy No-Bake Tuna Noodle Casserole?
It is a stovetop version of a classic comfort dish that features tuna, extra-sharp cheddar, and egg noodles.
Does this casserole require an oven?
No, this is a no-bake recipe that is prepared entirely on the stovetop for a quick and easy meal.
What type of tuna is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 6-ounce can of tuna in water, which should be drained before use.
What is the base of the creamy sauce?
The sauce is made using one 10-ounce can of undiluted cream of mushroom soup and shredded cheddar cheese.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
Extra-sharp cheddar cheese is recommended to provide a rich and bold flavor to the dish.
How much cheese should I use?
You will need 2 cups of shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese, though you can add more or less to taste.
What type of noodles are best for this casserole?
Extra wide egg noodles are used to provide a hearty and satisfying texture.
How long should I cook the egg noodles?
Boil the noodles in salted water for about 10 minutes or until they reach an al dente consistency.
What kind of mushrooms are included?
The recipe uses 4 cups of thick-sliced button mushrooms.
How do I prepare the mushrooms?
Sauté the sliced button mushrooms in a large pot for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
What type of onion is needed?
One large onion, chopped, is required for the base of the casserole.
How long should the onions be sautéed?
Sauté the onions for 1-2 minutes to ensure they retain a slight crunch.
How much celery is used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 3 large celery ribs, sliced into 1/4 inch chunks.
Can I substitute the tuna with another meat?
Yes, you can easily customize the recipe by using chicken instead of tuna.
What other vegetables can be added?
You can add a healthy twist by tossing in vegetables like broccoli or peas.
Should the cream of mushroom soup be diluted?
No, use the cream of mushroom soup undiluted to maintain a thick and creamy consistency.
When do I add the cheese to the mixture?
Gradually add the cheese to the heated soup while continuously stirring until it is fully melted.
When should the tuna be incorporated?
Gently fold in the drained tuna after the cheese has melted into the soup.
At what point is the celery added?
Add the chopped celery at the same time as the tuna, just before mixing in the noodles.
Why is the celery added at the end of the process?
Adding it late ensures it remains crisp, providing a nice contrast to the creamy sauce.
Should I drain the liquid after sautéing the vegetables?
Yes, once the mushrooms and onions are cooked, drain any excess liquid before adding the soup.
How are the noodles combined with the sauce?
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the drained noodles until they are evenly coated.
How should I season the casserole?
Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a busy weeknight?
Yes, it is designed to be a quick comfort food that takes only minutes to prepare.
What is the inspiration for this recipe?
The dish is inspired by Midwest cookery and a childhood classic from the creator's mother.
What is the overall texture of the dish?
The texture is a combination of rich, creamy sauce, tender noodles, and crisp celery.
Can I use different types of pasta?
While extra wide egg noodles are traditional, you can substitute with your favorite pasta shape.
Is the cheese added all at once?
It is best to add the cheese gradually while stirring to ensure it melts smoothly.
Should the pasta water be salted?
Yes, boiling the noodles in salted water is recommended to enhance the flavor of the pasta.
How should the final dish be served?
Serve the casserole immediately while it is warm for the best taste and texture.