Save to Pinterest Budget Tuna Noodle Casserole with Golden Potato Chip Crust is a warm, comforting classic that brings together tender wide egg noodles and flaky tuna enveloped in a creamy, savory sauce. This easy-to-make casserole is topped with a crunchy, golden layer of crushed potato chips that adds delightful texture and flavor, perfect for weeknight dinners when time and budget are tight.
Save to Pinterest This casserole is a nostalgic dish that satisfies both the palate and the soul. It cleverly uses common canned and frozen items alongside fresh vegetables to create a hearty and delicious dinner. The mild seasoning lets the cheesy and tuna flavors shine, while the potato chip crust adds an irresistible golden crunch that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- Pasta & Fish
- 12 oz (340 g) wide egg noodles
- 2 cans (5 oz/140 g each) tuna in water, drained
- Vegetables
- 1 cup (140 g) frozen peas
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- Sauce & Dairy
- 1 can (10.5 oz/298 g) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- 1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter
- Seasonings
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Topping
- 2 cups (about 60 g) plain potato chips, lightly crushed
- ¼ cup (30 g) shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven and prepare baking dish.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- 2. Cook egg noodles.
- Cook egg noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- 3. Sauté vegetables.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add chopped onion and celery; sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- 4. Combine casserole ingredients.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked noodles, sautéed vegetables, drained tuna, frozen peas, condensed soup, milk, 1 cup shredded cheddar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until evenly combined.
- 5. Transfer to baking dish.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- 6. Add topping.
- Sprinkle the top with crushed potato chips and, if desired, the additional ¼ cup cheddar cheese.
- 7. Bake until golden and bubbly.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- 8. Cool before serving.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To make preparation smoother, have all your ingredients ready before cooking. Use frozen peas straight from the freezer to save time. Ensure the pot of water is well-salted to enhance the pasta’s flavor. When crushing potato chips for the topping, aim for a mix of coarse and fine pieces for the best crunch. Greasing the baking dish well prevents sticking and makes clean-up easier.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of celery or chicken soup based on your preference. For a different protein, use canned salmon or cooked shredded chicken instead of tuna. Adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of paprika to the mix can elevate the flavor with little effort. For a vegetarian version, omit the tuna and consider adding more vegetables or beans.
Serviervorschläge
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a fresh contrast. Steamed green beans or roasted carrots also complement its creamy richness. Consider serving with crusty bread to soak up any flavorful sauce left on the plate for a satisfying, well-rounded meal.
Save to Pinterest Budget Tuna Noodle Casserole with Golden Potato Chip Crust is an unbeatable comfort food classic that combines simplicity, flavor, and texture in every bite. Its humble ingredients deliver satisfying results that make it a go-to weeknight meal for families and anyone looking to stretch their pantry options without sacrificing taste.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute the potato chip topping with something else?
Yes, crushed breadcrumbs or fried onions can be used as an alternative to potato chips for a different crispy texture.
- → What noodles work best in this dish?
Wide egg noodles hold the creamy sauce well, but you can also use other pasta like rotini or penne if preferred.
- → Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the mixture and assembly in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
- → How can I boost the flavor without adding more salt?
Incorporate herbs like parsley or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to deepen the taste naturally.
- → Can frozen peas be replaced with fresh vegetables?
Yes, finely chopped fresh peas or other vegetables like green beans can be substituted to add freshness.