Hey there, friends! It feels so good to be back in the kitchen and sharing some deliciousness with you all. Life has been a little hectic lately, but as always, cooking and creating in the kitchen brings me right back to my happy place. And what better way to jump back in than with a true comfort food classic? We’re talking about Tuna Casserole, Pioneer Woman style!
Now, I know tuna casserole might have some, shall we say, opinions attached to it. But trust me on this one. This isn’t your grandma’s bland, gloopy casserole (unless your grandma is a secret culinary genius, then maybe it is!). We’re taking this dish to the next level with creamy goodness, flavorful tuna, and a crispy, golden topping that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
This Pioneer Woman inspired tuna casserole recipe is all about simple ingredients and maximum flavor. It’s the kind of dish that just makes you feel good from the inside out. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, a potluck with friends, or just when you’re craving that nostalgic taste of home. My family absolutely devours this, even my pickiest eater! There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole, and this tuna version is no exception.
What makes this tuna casserole extra special? It’s all in the creamy sauce and that irresistible crunchy topping. We’re skipping the canned soup (though no judgment if you love it!) and making a rich, flavorful cream sauce from scratch. And instead of just breadcrumbs, we’re adding crushed potato chips for a salty, crispy crunch that takes this casserole over the top. Trust me, it’s a game changer!
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| Golden brown and bubbly tuna casserole fresh from the oven, a comforting family meal. |
Pioneer Woman Tuna Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Serves: 6-8 people
Ingredients:
- 1 pound egg noodles
- 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna in water, drained
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup crushed potato chips (plain or your favorite flavor!)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cream Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
- Thicken Sauce: Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens and comes to a simmer, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season & Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper, paprika, and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add drained tuna and frozen peas to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine. Gently fold in cooked egg noodles.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour tuna noodle mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Top it Off: Sprinkle crushed potato chips evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Rest & Serve: Let stand for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips and Variations for Your Tuna Casserole:
- Cheese it up!: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a little Parmesan would be delicious in this casserole.
- Veggie Boost: Add other veggies like diced celery, onion, or sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Cream of something? If you’re short on time, you can substitute 2 cans (10.75 ounces each) of cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for the homemade cream sauce. Just whisk the soup with 1 cup of milk to thin it out.
- Topping Tweaks: No potato chips? Breadcrumbs, French fried onions, or even crushed crackers work great as a topping too!
- Make it Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator, unbaked, for up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
This Pioneer Woman Tuna Casserole is truly a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and delivers big on flavor and comfort. Give it a try and let me know what you think! From my kitchen to yours, enjoy!
