Name: Blue Ribbon Tuna Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked egg noodles; 1 onion, chopped; 2 stalks celery, diced; 1 teaspoon butter; 1 (10 1/2 ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 0.5 (10 1/2 ounce) can evaporated milk (can use regular milk); 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup frozen peas and carrot; 2 (6 ounce) cans tuna, one drained; 2 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, divided; 1/2 cup crushed potato chips

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Are you looking for a recipe that’s both comforting and delicious? Look no further than my Blue Ribbon Tuna Casserole Recipe.

This recipe has been tried and tested to perfection, winning multiple blue ribbons at cooking competitions. It’s the ultimate classic tuna casserole recipe that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

Made with simple ingredients like cheddar cheese, canned tuna, egg noodles, and evaporated milk, this dish is easy to make and perfect for a cozy night in or a dinner party with friends.

Plus, with a prep time of only 20 minutes, it’s the perfect meal option for busy weeknights when you want something that’s both hearty and quick. Trust me when I say that this Blue Ribbon Tuna Casserole Recipe is worth trying out – your taste buds will not be disappointed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Looking for a savory but easy casserole to impress your family or guests? Look no further than the Blue Ribbon Tuna Casserole Recipe! As a scribe for a home chef with an eye for crowd-pleasing dishes, I can unequivocally attest that this recipe features a creamy tuna and noodle base made even heartier with cheddar cheese and other ingredients.

Not only is this recipe relatively simple to prepare, it’s also highly customizable, giving you the flexibility to personalize it based on your own preferences. Whether you’re seeking comfort food for a cozy family dinner or an elegant dish for entertaining guests, this tried-and-true recipe hits all the right notes.

Plus, with tasty ingredients such as canned tuna, egg noodles, and flavorful seasonings like black pepper and onion, it’s hard not to love every bite of the Blue Ribbon Tuna Casserole. So go ahead, give it a try – I guarantee this dish will quickly become a fan favorite in your home as well!

Ingredient List

Dive in to this delicious bowl of comfort

Let’s stock up on the ingredients we’ll need for our Blue Ribbon Tuna Casserole Recipe. You might already have some of these in your pantry, so take a quick inventory before heading to the store.

Here’s what you’ll need:
– 3 cups cooked egg noodles
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 stalks celery, diced
– 1 teaspoon butter
– 1 can (10 1/2 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
– 1 can (10 1/2 ounces) condensed cream of celery soup
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 1 cup evaporated milk
– 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna, drained and flaked
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

This recipe serves around six people, so adjust quantities accordingly if you’re feeding more or less. The measurements are important for the dish to come out perfectly creamy and dense without being too dry or too runny. Keep these measurements on hand as you get started with cooking.

The Recipe How-To

Now that we have gathered all the ingredients, let’s begin the cooking process.

Step 1: Cook the egg noodles

Cook 3 cups of egg noodles according to package instructions until they are al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.

Step 2: Sauté the vegetables

Melt 1 teaspoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and 2 diced stalks of celery, then sauté until the onions become translucent and the veggies are soft.

Step 3: Mix together the sauce ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix 1 can of condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1 can of evaporated milk, and ¼ cup of mayonnaise.

Step 4: Combine cooked noodles, vegetables and sauce

Add cooked egg noodles, sautéed vegetables, and 2 cans of drained tuna fish into a large mixing bowl. Pour in the sauce mixture and stir everything together.

Step 5: Bake it!

Preheat your oven to 375°F/190°C. Grease a large casserole dish with butter or cooking spray, then transfer your tuna noodle mixture into it. Top with 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper if desired.

Bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Allow your Blue Ribbon Tuna Casserole to cool slightly before serving hot, perhaps with a side salad or some homemade garlic bread.

Now you know how to make my famous tuna casserole that will certainly impress your guests. Don’t hesitate to experiment with Substitutions and Variations to find your own unique twist on my classic recipe!

Substitutions and Variations

Creamy and crispy...the perfect combo — Creamy and crispy…the perfect combo

Looking to mix things up? Don’t be afraid to get creative with this Blue Ribbon Tuna Casserole recipe! Here are a few substitution and variation ideas:

– Change up the cheese. Instead of cheddar, try using mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.

– Swap out the canned tuna for poached or grilled fresh tuna for a more upscale twist on this classic recipe.

– Vegetarian or Vegan Twist. You can easily make this into a vegetarian/vegan dish by choosing plant-based protein, such as chickpeas or soy meat, and replacing the mayonnaise with vegan mayonnaise; don’t worry, it will still taste delicious!

– Add some veggies. While celery and onion already add some crunch, you can also experiment with adding other vegetables like peas or chopped carrots for more color and nutrients.

– Go spicy. For those who love spice, adding some chili or cayenne pepper to the mix can give this casserole an added kick.

– Make it smaller. Want to make individual servings? Try using ramekins instead of a large casserole dish.

These are just a few ideas to get your culinary imagination flowing – feel free to get creative and tailor the recipe to your liking!

Serving and Pairing

This Blue Ribbon Tuna Casserole is worthy of serving at your next dinner party. It’s comfort food that feels like a warm hug and is sure to impress your guests. Serve it hot out of the oven or chilled for an unexpected twist. You can even serve it as a meal on its own or as a side dish to complement other flavors on your table.

To add an extra crunch to this creamy tuna noodle casserole, sprinkle crushed potato chips on top before baking it in the oven. The contrast between the creamy casserole and the crispy chips creates a perfect harmony for your taste buds. It’s like the dish has come to visit us from another planet, filled with unknown flavors that are out of this world.

For pairing, I recommend serving this tuna casserole with a light and refreshing salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The acidity in the vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the casserole, creating a balanced meal that is sure to satisfy even the most demanding palates. You can also pair it with garlic bread for that extra layering of flavors.

Not only is this tuna casserole recipe easy to make in large quantities, but it also pairs well with a variety of wines, having found many wine enthusiasts gravitating towards crisp whites such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay which compliments and balances the flavors of creamy tuna and sharp cheddar cheese quite well. When it comes to reds, lighter-bodied options such as Pinot Noir or Beaujolais make for excellent partners with this dish.

Overall, this Blue Ribbon Tuna Casserole is versatile and can be served in any way you choose; Just listen to your cravings and let them guide you towards enjoyment!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Blue Ribbon Tuna Casserole is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day, making it easy to prepare in advance for parties or dinners. To make ahead, simply follow the recipe instructions but do not bake the dish.

To store, transfer the prepared casserole into an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Alternatively, you can freeze the tuna casserole for up to three months. When you’re ready to serve, bring the casserole out of the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating this creamy tuna noodle casserole is easy and convenient. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave. To reheat in the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the casserole (covered with foil) until heated through – about 25-30 minutes.

For a quick fix, use a microwave-safe dish to cook individual portions of the reheated tuna casserole on high for around 2-3 minutes, or until hot all the way through. But be careful not to overdo it; if you reheat it too much, it may dry out.

To ensure that your leftover tuna casserole tastes just as good as when you first made it, add a splash of evaporated milk or cream before reheating to keep it moist and prevent it from becoming dry. With these simple steps, your creamy Blue Ribbon Tuna Casserole will taste as newfangled as ever!

Tips for Perfect Results

When it comes to making a Blue Ribbon Tuna Casserole, there are some tips you can follow to ensure perfect results every time. Here are some of my favorite tricks for making the creamiest, most delectable tuna casserole.

First and foremost, always use high-quality ingredients. It can be tempting to skimp on canned tuna, but using the best quality tuna you can afford will make all the difference in the final dish. Look for canned tuna packed in water, which has a mild flavor that won’t overpower the other ingredients in the casserole.

Another important tip is to not overcook the egg noodles. When boiling the noodles, keep a close eye on them and take them off the heat as soon as they become tender. Overcooked noodles tend to fall apart and turn mushy when baked in a casserole, which can ruin your dish.

When making the creamy sauce, don’t substitute evaporated milk or mayonnaise with any other ingredient. These two ingredients are crucial for achieving the velvety texture and rich flavor of a classic tuna casserole. If you’re lactose intolerant, you can substitute evaporated milk with soy or almond milk.

My next tip is all about seasoning. Be generous with black pepper as it adds depth and balance to this dish. Don’t be afraid to add more cheddar cheese; it makes for an extra gooey and cheesy casserole that’s sure to please any crowd.

Lastly, bake the casserole uncovered so that it turns golden brown on top. And once it’s out of the oven, give it some time to cool down before serving – this will allow those flavors to meld beautifully together.

Follow these tips and your Blue Ribbon Tuna Casserole will turn out just as delicious as mine!

FAQ

Before we conclude this article, let me address some frequently asked questions about the Blue Ribbon Tuna Casserole Recipe. These queries can range from the best canned tuna brand to use or how to prevent a dry casserole dish. Let’s dive into these questions and provide you with answers to help you make the best tuna casserole recipe possible.

Why is my tuna casserole so dry?

When preparing a tuna casserole, it can often turn out excessively dry, leaving you disappointed with your final product. This can be as a result of various factors such as insufficient liquid in the mix, causing the noodles to absorb all the liquid. Additionally, using a baking dish that is too large may lead to uneven cooking, resulting in dry and overcooked noodles. Lastly, not covering the baking dish with foil for the first 35-45 minutes of baking may cause the casserole to lose moisture, making it dry.

How many days is tuna casserole good for?

It’s essential to keep in mind that even with proper storage, the clock is ticking on the shelf life of your tuna casserole. Once cooked, a tuna casserole can typically be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for around four days, as suggested by Project Meal Plan.

Do you eat tuna casserole hot or cold?

Looking for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s both easy to make and delicious? My creamy tuna noodle casserole recipe is perfect for you! Unlike the typical and outdated tuna casserole recipes, this will not only leave your family looking forward to dinner, but it’s also great to serve when entertaining guests. Whether you prefer to serve it hot or cold, it will be a hit no matter what. So, let’s get started on this modernized tuna noodle casserole recipe that will impress even the pickiest eaters.

Can you freeze tuna casserole before baking?

A useful tip to save time when preparing a casserole is to freeze it instead of cooking it. The process involves following the recipe instructions and then covering the uncooked casserole with plastic wrap, foil or a lid, and placing it in the freezer. To serve, move the dish to the refrigerator the night before and let it thaw completely.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, the Blue Ribbon Tuna Casserole recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is sure to impress anyone who tries it. With its creamy tuna and egg noodles, this casserole is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to bring to your next potluck, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily substitute different ingredients or add your own personal touch to create a unique twist on this classic dish. Plus, with its make-ahead and reheating options, this casserole is perfect for busy families and those who like to plan ahead.

From its homemade tuna and creamy mushroom soup to its crunchy potato chip topping, everything about this dish is down-home delicious. So why not give it a try? Whip up a batch of this amazing Blue Ribbon Tuna Casserole and see for yourself why it’s a favorite among home chefs and party-goers alike!

In the end, whether you’re hosting a big event or simply cooking for yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests. So go ahead — try something new today and discover the wonder of this unforgettable tuna casserole!

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Anna

Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!

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