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Monday, March 14, 2011

Tuna Noodle Casserole

I never thought I would like Tuna Casserole.  I love canned tuna, but always ate it cold either in a salad or on a sandwich.  I didn't like the sound of HOT, canned tuna.

Taking inventory of our pantry several months ago, I saw we had more than 10 cans of tuna fish.  Probably closer to 20 cans.  I decided to get past my hot tuna issues and make a tuna casserole.  I was very surprised at how much I enjoyed the casserole and have made it several times since.  I love this recipe, it's easy, frugal and tasty! 




Tuna Noodle Casserole

Ingredients:
  • 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 1/2 cups frozen peas, thawed
  • 1 can condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
  • 3/4 cup fat free milk
  • 2 cans (5oz each) albacore tuna, drained
  • 1 cup French's French Fried Onions, divided
Directions:
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Cook macaroni according to package directions, drain
  • In a casserole dish, mix together the cooked macaroni, thawed peas, canned soup, milk, tuna and HALF of the French Fried Onions. 
  • Top the casserole with the remaining half of the French Fried Onions. 
  • Bake 20-30 minutes.
As I was mixing everything together the first time I made this, it reminded me of green bean casserole (must have been the cream of mushroom soup), so instead of using the more common breadcrumbs or potato chips, I decided to use up the French Fried Onions I had leftover from the last time I made green bean casserole!  I'm so glad I did!  They add a lot of flavor to this dish!  I'm not sure I would have enjoyed the casserole as much without those crunchy bits of onion!

This is a true comfort food meal for us.  You could easily make this recipe healthier using your favorite homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup recipe in place of the canned soup.  There are plenty of resources online for homemade "cream of" soups.  Also, if you want to avoid the pre-made, canned French Fried Onions, check out my friend Lisa's recipe for Green Bean Casserole where she features her homemade French Fried Onions! 

Since this is one of our favorite "go-to" meals, I haven't tried either of the healthier options that I mentioned above.  I'm lazy I like to keep it quick and easy and almost always have the ingredients on hand to prepare this meal. 


I'll be sharing this post with the Presto Pasta Nights Round UP that my buddy Debbi from Debbi Does Dinner Healthy and Low Calorie is hosting!  Do you have a pasta recipe to share?  If so, hurry over to Debbi's blog to find out how to add your recipe to the round up.....deadline is Thursday, March 17th. 

You can also find this recipe linked to the following blog carnivals and linky parties:
on

11 comments:

  1. Debbi Does Dinner Healthy14 March, 2011

    I have hot tuna issues too. Thought it's been 100 years since I've actually HAD hot tuna. This looks GOOD! You so need to sumbit this to Presto Pasta Nights, I'm hosting this week, information is on my blog!

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  2. The Single Nester16 March, 2011

    I make this same recipe except with crushed potato chips on top.

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  3. Carol @ There's Always Thyme to Cook16 March, 2011

    Always felt the same way but that picture definitely changed my mind, it looks delicious!

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  4. Miss Kitty16 March, 2011

    Thanks for sharing that...takes me back to my childhood...I don't think I have had it since then. I always cringe when I buy the "cream of...soups" in the grocery store...why do they cost so much? I will definately goggle the homemade kind you mentioned.

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  5. Linda @ Linda's Lunacy16 March, 2011

    I don't believe I have ever make tuna casserole before. I'll have to try it.

    Thanks for linking up to Making a Home

    Linda's Lunacy
    http://www.lindaslunacy.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Alicia17 March, 2011

    Thanks for sharing, Alison!

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  7. Miz Helen17 March, 2011

    Hi Allison,
    We just love a good Tuna Casserole and your recipe looks great. I really like the addition of Onion Rings...yum! Thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and please come back!

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  8. Unknown17 March, 2011

    I really like a good tuna noodle casserole. Always have. Thanks for sharing yours. I would love for you to join me for What's On the Menu Wednesday whenever you can.

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  9. Jamie18 March, 2011

    This does sound good, I am going to add it to my list of recipes to try... Thanks for sharing!

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  10. Finding Joy19 March, 2011

    Hi, first visit.

    I grew up on tuna morney (as we call it in Australia), mum would make a large pot as it was great for filling up my brothers, I have since made it for my sons and they love it and I can imagine them feeding it to their children! I make it a little differently - in particular I make a white sauce and add cheese to it, rather than adding soup, but I might try the soup as it might make a nice differences.

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  11. April @ The 21st Century Housewife20 March, 2011

    I've always been unsure about hot tuna, but whenever I'm served tuna casserole I love it! So I think I will give your recipe, which sounds wonderful, a try. Thank you so much for linking this to Let's Do Brunch.

    ReplyDelete

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