Budget Tuna Noodle Casserole Crust (Printable)

Tender noodles with creamy tuna sauce topped by a golden crispy potato chip crust, ideal for weeknight dinners.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta & Fish

01 - 12 oz wide egg noodles
02 - 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 cup frozen peas
04 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 celery stalks, finely diced

→ Sauce & Dairy

06 - 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
07 - 1 cup whole milk
08 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
09 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter

→ Seasonings

10 - ½ tsp salt
11 - ¼ tsp black pepper
12 - ½ tsp garlic powder

→ Topping

13 - 2 cups plain potato chips, lightly crushed
14 - ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Boil the egg noodles in salted water until tender according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
03 - Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and celery, cooking until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
04 - In a large bowl, mix cooked noodles, sautéed vegetables, drained tuna, frozen peas, cream of mushroom soup, milk, 1 cup cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until fully blended.
05 - Transfer mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
06 - Sprinkle crushed potato chips over the surface, then optionally top with the remaining ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese.
07 - Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and the topping turns golden brown.
08 - Allow the dish to cool for 5 minutes prior to serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Combines pantry staples into a creamy and flavorful meal.
  • Budget-friendly and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.
  • Comforting texture contrast with soft noodles and crispy potato chip topping.
  • Perfect for feeding a family or meal prepping for the week.
02 -
  • Drain tuna thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
  • Sautéing onions and celery brings out deeper flavor and improves the casserole's texture.
  • Use whole milk for the creamiest sauce, but 2% milk can be used as a lighter option.
  • Letting the casserole rest before serving helps it set and improves slicing.
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