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Comforting Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe with Easy Crunchy Topping

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A cozy and creamy tuna noodle casserole with a crunchy golden topping, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or comforting family meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces egg noodles, cooked al dente
  • 2 cans (5 ounces each) canned tuna, drained (chunk light tuna preferred)
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup, classic or low-sodium
  • 1/2 cup milk, whole or 2%
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, sharp or mild
  • Crunchy topping mix:
  • 1 cup crushed potato chips, breadcrumbs, or cornflakes
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: A splash of hot sauce or a pinch of paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Cook egg noodles in salted boiling water until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, and softened cream cheese until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  4. In a small skillet over medium heat, melt a teaspoon of butter and sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Let cool slightly.
  5. Add cooked noodles, drained tuna, sautéed onion and garlic, thawed peas, and shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce. Gently fold to combine without mashing the tuna.
  6. Transfer mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
  7. In a small bowl, combine crushed potato chips (or breadcrumbs/cornflakes) with melted butter and toss until evenly coated.
  8. Sprinkle the crunchy topping evenly over the casserole.
  9. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until edges bubble and topping is golden brown. If not done after 30 minutes, bake a few more minutes watching carefully to avoid burning.
  10. Let casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook noodles to avoid sogginess. Use softened cream cheese for smooth sauce. For crunchy topping, crushed kettle-cooked potato chips add extra flavor. Bake uncovered to maintain crisp topping. Tent with foil if topping browns too fast. Prep ahead by assembling without topping and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add topping before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: tuna noodle casserole, comfort food, casserole recipe, easy dinner, crunchy topping, creamy casserole, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/comforting-tuna-noodle-casserole-recipe-with-easy-crunchy-topping/