Name: Cheesy Baked Tuna Casserole
Ingredients: Tuna: (2 cans, 5 ounces each, drained) – The star of the show! Use tuna packed in water for a lighter option or oil for a richer flavor. Flaked tuna works best for even distribution throughout the casserole.; Pasta: (1 pound, elbow macaroni or egg noodles) – The base of our casserole, providing a hearty and satisfying texture. Elbow macaroni is classic, but egg noodles offer a richer, softer bite.; Cream of Mushroom Soup: (2 cans, 10.75 ounces each) – The creamy binder that brings everything together. It adds moisture and a savory, umami depth. You can also experiment with cream of celery or chicken soup for variations.; Milk: (1 cup) – Adds extra creaminess and thins out the soup slightly for the perfect consistency. Whole milk will give the richest flavor, but 2% or even skim milk can be used.; Shredded Cheese: (2 cups, cheddar or a blend) – The cheesy element that makes this casserole irresistible. Cheddar is a classic choice, but Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend also work wonderfully. Reserve some for topping!; Frozen Peas: (1 cup) – Adds a pop of color, sweetness, and a touch of freshness to balance the richness. No need to thaw them beforehand; they’ll cook perfectly in the oven.; Onion: (1 medium, finely chopped) – Provides aromatic depth and savory flavor. Yellow or white onions are great choices.; Celery: (2 stalks, finely chopped) – Adds a subtle crunch and fresh, herbaceous note.; Breadcrumbs: (1/2 cup, panko or regular) – Creates a crispy, golden topping for added texture and visual appeal. Panko breadcrumbs offer extra crunch.; Butter: (2 tablespoons, melted) – Mixed with the breadcrumbs, butter helps create a beautifully browned and flavorful topping.; Salt and Pepper: (To taste) – Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors. Adjust to your preference.; Optional: Garlic Powder: (1 teaspoon) – Adds a subtle garlic flavor that complements the other ingredients.; Optional: Paprika: (1/2 teaspoon) – Sprinkled on top, paprika adds color and a hint of smoky sweetness.

Ingredients

Tuna: (2 cans, 5 ounces each, drained) – The star of the show! Use tuna packed in water for a lighter option or oil for a richer flavor. Flaked tuna works best for even distribution throughout the casserole.
Pasta: (1 pound, elbow macaroni or egg noodles) – The base of our casserole, providing a hearty and satisfying texture. Elbow macaroni is classic, but egg noodles offer a richer, softer bite.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: (2 cans, 10.75 ounces each) – The creamy binder that brings everything together. It adds moisture and a savory, umami depth. You can also experiment with cream of celery or chicken soup for variations.
Milk: (1 cup) – Adds extra creaminess and thins out the soup slightly for the perfect consistency. Whole milk will give the richest flavor, but 2% or even skim milk can be used.
Shredded Cheese: (2 cups, cheddar or a blend) – The cheesy element that makes this casserole irresistible. Cheddar is a classic choice, but Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend also work wonderfully. Reserve some for topping!
Frozen Peas: (1 cup) – Adds a pop of color, sweetness, and a touch of freshness to balance the richness. No need to thaw them beforehand; they’ll cook perfectly in the oven.
Onion: (1 medium, finely chopped) – Provides aromatic depth and savory flavor. Yellow or white onions are great choices.
Celery: (2 stalks, finely chopped) – Adds a subtle crunch and fresh, herbaceous note.
Breadcrumbs: (1/2 cup, panko or regular) – Creates a crispy, golden topping for added texture and visual appeal. Panko breadcrumbs offer extra crunch.
Butter: (2 tablespoons, melted) – Mixed with the breadcrumbs, butter helps create a beautifully browned and flavorful topping.
Salt and Pepper: (To taste) – Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors. Adjust to your preference.
Optional: Garlic Powder: (1 teaspoon) – Adds a subtle garlic flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Optional: Paprika: (1/2 teaspoon) – Sprinkled on top, paprika adds color and a hint of smoky sweetness.

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven & Prepare Baking Dish: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make serving easier.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni or egg noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Don’t overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics (Optional but Recommended): While the pasta is cooking, heat a tablespoon of butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until softened and fragrant. This step enhances the flavor of the casserole significantly, but you can skip it for an even quicker preparation if needed. If using garlic powder, add it during the last minute of sautéing.
Combine Ingredients in a Large Bowl: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, cooked pasta, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sautéed onion and celery (if using), frozen peas, and most of the shredded cheese (reserve about ½ cup for topping). Season generously with salt and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined and creamy.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the tuna mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Toss to coat the breadcrumbs evenly. If using paprika, you can mix it in with the breadcrumbs at this stage.
Add Topping and Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the casserole. Then, sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs over the cheese layer. This will create a golden, crispy crust.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through, bubbly around the edges, and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy. The cheese should be melted and gooey.
Rest Before Serving: Once baked, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly and makes it easier to serve. The resting time also helps to prevent burning your mouth!
Serve and Enjoy! Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of your homemade Cheesy Baked Tuna Casserole!

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 450
Protein: 25g