Nutty Tuna-Noodle Bake
Nutty Tuna-Noodle Bake combines tender noodles with creamy mushroom soup, flaked tuna, peas and carrots, and a crunchy peanut topping. This comforting casserole offers a savory, cheesy flavor profile with a delightful crunch, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with a hearty, satisfying appeal.
Ingredients
- 3 cups medium noodles ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 1/3 cups milk ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 3/4 cup shredded American cheese ⓘ
- 1 (12 1/2 oz) can tuna, drained and flaked ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz) can peas and carrots, drained ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped pimiento ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the noodles according to package directions; drain well.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter or margarine; stir in flour.
- Add the milk and condensed cream of mushroom soup all at once.
- Cook until the mixture is thickened and bubbly.
- Remove from heat; stir in shredded American cheese until melted.
- Stir in drained and flaked tuna, drained peas and carrots, and chopped pimiento into the soup mixture.
- Fold in the cooked noodles.
- Pour the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top.
- Bake uncovered in a 350°F oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the American cheese with a sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can use low-fat milk and a reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup. To boost the nutritional value, feel free to add sautéed onions or bell peppers. This dish can also benefit from a sprinkle of garlic powder for extra zest.
Serving Suggestions
This Nutty Tuna-Noodle Bake is a hearty meal on its own but pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete dinner. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside a dish like Sour Cream Salmon Loaf for a seafood-themed meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nutty Tuna-Noodle Bake contains roughly 489 calories, with 17g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (34% of the Daily Value), iron (27% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 952mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While medium noodles work well, you can easily substitute with other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or fusilli. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose, so it remains al dente before mixing it into the casserole.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the entire casserole a day in advance. Just assemble it, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through completely.
Can I add more vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! This recipe is quite versatile. You can add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or corn to enhance its nutritional profile and flavor. Just ensure to cook or steam them slightly before adding them to the mixture so they meld well with the other ingredients.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).