Are you looking for a quick and easy comfort food recipe that can feed the whole family? Look no further than this delicious tuna noodle casserole recipe! Packed with protein and flavor, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. In this article, we'll cover all the ingredients, marinade, kitchen tools, and cooking steps you need to make this scrumptious casserole. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients Needed to Make Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe
Before we dive into the cooking process, let's gather all the ingredients you'll need to make this tuna noodle casserole:
- 1 pound egg noodles
- 2 cans of tuna, drained
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Now that you have all the ingredients, it's time to start cooking!
For the Marinade Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe
There is no need for marinade in this recipe, but if you want to add more flavor to the tuna, you can marinate it in lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper for about 30 minutes before adding it to the casserole.
Kitchen Tools Needed for Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe
Before we start cooking, let's make sure we have all the necessary kitchen tools:
- A large pot for boiling noodles
- A strainer for draining noodles and tuna
- A large skillet for sautéing vegetables
- A whisk for making the sauce
- A baking dish for baking the casserole
Now that we have all the ingredients and tools, let's start cooking!
How to Make Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe
Follow these steps to make this delicious tuna noodle casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cook the egg noodles according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, sauté the onion, celery, mushrooms, and garlic over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the tuna and frozen peas to the skillet, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add the milk to the saucepan, and whisk until the sauce thickens and bubbles, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the tuna and vegetables, and mix well.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the noodle mixture, and stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, and sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to Cook Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe
This tuna noodle casserole can be cooked in the oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes! You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as macaroni, penne, or fusilli.
2. Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh peas instead of frozen. Just make sure to blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the casserole.
3. Can I use canned mushrooms instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned mushrooms instead of fresh. Just drain them before adding them to the skillet.
4. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use any type of cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella, Gouda, or Swiss.
5. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just bake it when you're ready to serve.
6. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it in the oven.
7. Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, you can add any other vegetables you like, such as carrots, broccoli, or bell peppers.
8. Can I use canned salmon instead of tuna?
Yes, you can use canned salmon instead of tuna.
9. Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour to make the sauce.
10. Can I omit the breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can omit the breadcrumbs if you prefer.
11. Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?
Yes, you can use almond milk instead of regular milk.
12. Can I add herbs and spices?
Yes, you can add any herbs and spices you like, such as thyme, basil, or paprika.
13. Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
Yes, you can use olive oil instead of butter to sauté the vegetables.
14. Can I use vegetable broth instead of milk?
No, you need to use milk to make the cheese sauce.
15. Can I use canned peas instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use canned peas instead of frozen. Just drain them before adding them to the skillet.
16. Can I use a different type of protein?
Yes, you can use any type of protein you like, such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
17. Can I use whole wheat noodles?
Yes, you can use whole wheat noodles instead of egg noodles.
18. Can I add bacon?
Yes, you can add cooked bacon to the casserole for extra flavor.
19. Can I use a different type of breadcrumb?
Yes, you can use any type of breadcrumb you like, such as panko or Italian seasoned breadcrumbs.
20. Can I add hot sauce?
Yes, you can add hot sauce to the casserole for extra spice.