You might want to get a napkin ready. This mouth-watering casserole will quickly have you drooling on your favorite blouse. Gosh when I was a little girl, my mom made this dish for me each year for my birthday. It was always a staple for me. When she passed down the recipe, I was so excited because that meant I could eat this dish whenever I want.
Now that I have my own family, I make it for them. It’s nearly full circle because my son will request this meal quite often. This tuna fish casserole dish has quickly become a staple in my house as well and there’s no doubt in my mind it’ll be yours as well. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also an easy meal that will have your family asking for more.
What noodles go best in tuna fish casserole?
There are so many noodles to choose from it can be a bit confusing. There are some noodles that are a bit tougher than others. Penne pasta is typically a bit denser and my least favorite out of all of the pasta choices. Long spaghetti can be pretty messy if you have little ones who aren’t well coordinated with a fork, however, it could be fun.
Honestly, I prefer to use bowtie or elbow noodles. However, you can use whatever you have on hand.
Which tuna makes the best casserole?
So I am not picky about the brand of tuna I use just as long as it is in water. Tuna fish can get quite expensive and sometimes you just gotta use what is the best fit for your budget. Whether the tuna is white or not doesn’t matter to me because I season everything to my liking. Yes, there’s a little texture difference, but nothing that will sway you either way. The solid white albacore tuna has a more coarse texture and is a little less fishy than the chunk lite tuna, but both make for a tasty meal.
Is there a proper method to make tuna fish casserole?
When my mom originally taught me to make this dish, she layered it like I would bake Mac N Cheese: noodles, tuna mix, repeat then top with cheese. But there was another way she taught me when she was pushed for time or didn’t feel like doing the layering process she mixed everything together, spread out in a pan, and then top with cheese. She called it the “lazy” way.
Sometimes you have to do the quicker method. As a homemaker with children, it’s not a guarantee that you’ll have enough time to layer your pan so don’t feel bad about skipping this step. Trust me, you’re family is going to be too ready to eat it to notice the method you use.
Personally, I use the mix it all in approach every time I make this meal. Maybe one day, I’ll layer it. Maybe. I find this method better because all of the noodles get covered in deliciousness.
How long does tuna casserole last?
This casserole recipe can last anywhere from a night to an entire week. It really just depends on how delicious you’ve made it! LOL. With a family of 4, this meal lasts just under 5 days. This is mainly due to us going back for seconds and thirds. While it’s hard to give a definitive answer, I suspect if you’re a family of 4 like me, this should last you around the same timeframe.
Tuna Fish Casserole Recipe
Conclusion:
Once you make this tuna casserole recipe, you’ll quickly fall in love with it and understand why this dish is a staple in my household. The savory smells that whisk throughout the house will have your family walking to the kitchen table like a zombie. Everyone will love the ooey-gooey texture and beg for more. Once you try this recipe, feel free to share your results on Instagram and tag me (@ahappy_homemaker) so I can see your smiling faces. And please, if you have any questions about this recipe, ask them here on this post and I can help you.