Guilty Pleasures Tuna Noodle Surprise Recipe

Egg noodles: These are the base of the dish, providing a hearty and filling component.

Tuna: Canned tuna adds a savory and protein-rich element to the casserole.

Cream of mushroom soup: This soup serves as the creamy binder that holds the dish together.

Frozen peas: These add a touch of sweetness and a pop of color to the dish.

Cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar melts into the casserole, adding a rich and cheesy flavor.

Milk: This helps to thin out the soup and make the mixture creamy.

Crushed potato chips: Optional, but they add a delightful crunch to the top of the casserole.

When mixing the cooked noodles with the tuna, cream of mushroom soup, peas, cheddar cheese, and milk, ensure that the noodles are still warm. This helps the ingredients blend more smoothly and evenly, creating a cohesive mixture that bakes more uniformly.

• egg noodles - Substitute with whole wheat pasta: Whole wheat pasta provides more fiber and nutrients compared to traditional egg noodles.

• egg noodles - Substitute with gluten-free pasta: For those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, gluten-free pasta is a suitable alternative.

• tuna - Substitute with canned chicken: Canned chicken offers a similar texture and protein content, making it a good alternative to tuna.

• tuna - Substitute with salmon: Canned salmon provides a different flavor profile but is equally nutritious and rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

• cream of mushroom soup - Substitute with cream of chicken soup: Cream of chicken soup offers a similar creamy texture and can be used interchangeably in most recipes.

• cream of mushroom soup - Substitute with homemade white sauce: A homemade white sauce made with butter, flour, and milk can replace canned soups for a fresher taste.

• frozen peas - Substitute with fresh peas: Fresh peas can be used for a more vibrant flavor and texture.

• frozen peas - Substitute with frozen mixed vegetables: Frozen mixed vegetables add variety and additional nutrients to the dish.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese melts well and provides a milder flavor compared to cheddar.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded Swiss cheese: Swiss cheese offers a unique flavor and melts smoothly, making it a good alternative.

• milk - Substitute with heavy cream: Heavy cream adds richness and a creamier texture to the dish.

• milk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk is a good dairy-free alternative that still provides a creamy texture.

• crushed potato chips - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs offer a crunchy texture similar to potato chips without the added salt and fat.

• crushed potato chips - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes provide a similar crunch and can be a healthier option.

• Allow the tuna noodle surprise to cool completely before storing. This helps to prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.

• Transfer the cooled casserole into an airtight container. If you don't have one large enough, you can use multiple smaller containers or even resealable plastic bags.

• For short-term storage, place the container in the refrigerator. The tuna noodle surprise will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

• If you plan to store it for a longer period, consider freezing. Wrap the container tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer. This adds an extra layer of protection against freezer burn.

• When freezing, label the container with the date and contents. This helps you keep track of how long it has been stored and ensures you don't forget what’s inside.

• To reheat from the refrigerator, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the tuna noodle surprise to an oven-safe dish if it isn't already in one. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

• For reheating from frozen, it's best to thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, follow the same reheating instructions as above. If you're in a hurry, you can bake it directly from frozen, but increase the baking time to 45-50 minutes, checking to ensure it's heated through.

• If you prefer using a microwave, transfer a portion to a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent. Heat on medium power in 2-3 minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

• To maintain the crispy texture of the crushed potato chips topping, consider adding fresh chips after reheating. This will give your tuna noodle surprise that delightful crunch as if it were freshly baked.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover tuna noodle surprise in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying out, and bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.

• For a quicker option, use the microwave. Transfer a portion of the casserole to a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (leaving a small vent), and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you prefer a stovetop method, place the leftovers in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of milk or broth to keep it moist, cover, and heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

• For a crispy topping, reheat in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C), place the tuna noodle surprise in an air fryer-safe dish, and cook for 10-12 minutes, checking halfway to ensure it doesn't burn.

• Oven: Used to bake the tuna noodle casserole until it is bubbly and golden brown.

• Large pot: Needed to cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions.

• Colander: Utilized to drain the cooked egg noodles.

• Large bowl: Used to combine the cooked noodles, tuna, cream of mushroom soup, peas, cheddar cheese, and milk.

• Mixing spoon: Helps in mixing all the ingredients together thoroughly.

• Baking dish: The vessel in which the mixture is transferred and baked.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the milk, peas, and cheese.

• Can opener: Required to open the cans of tuna and cream of mushroom soup.

• Potato masher: Optional, but can be used to crush the potato chips if you are using them as a topping.

• Oven mitts: Important for safely handling the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

Pre-cook the noodles: Cook the egg noodles in advance and store them in the fridge. This will save you time when assembling the dish.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheddar cheese to cut down on prep time.

Frozen peas: No need to thaw the frozen peas; just mix them directly into the dish.

One-bowl mixing: Combine all ingredients in one large bowl to minimize cleanup.

Crushed chips: Use pre-crushed potato chips or crush them in a sealed bag to save time and mess.