Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or a similar sized casserole dish.
- Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by a couple of minutes since they will continue to cook in the oven. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the onion until it’s translucent and slightly golden. This step is optional but adds a nice flavor.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, sautéed onion, condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, tuna, thawed peas, and half of the shredded cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the casserole. Then, evenly distribute the bread crumbs or crushed potato chips over the cheese layer. This will give your casserole a nice, crunchy topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the casserole to set a bit and make it easier to serve.
Tips:
- For a healthier version, you can use whole wheat noodles and low-fat cream of mushroom soup.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like diced carrots or celery for extra nutrition and flavor.
- If you prefer a crunchier topping, you can broil the casserole for the last few minutes of baking. Just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
This Old Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole is a nostalgic dish that brings back memories of family dinners. It’s warm, comforting, and satisfying. Enjoy!
