Hey everyone! It’s been a while, but I’m back in the kitchen and ready to share some deliciousness with you. Life gets busy, doesn’t it? But there’s always time for good food, especially when it’s comfort food that brings everyone to the table. Speaking of comfort, let’s talk about a classic that’s close to my heart: Tuna Casserole. And today, we’re making it Pioneer Woman style – hearty, flavorful, and absolutely satisfying.
My family, like many others, has always loved a good casserole. There’s something so wonderfully nostalgic and comforting about a warm, bubbly dish filled with creamy goodness and familiar flavors. Tuna casserole, in particular, is a dish that brings back memories of childhood dinners and cozy evenings. It’s simple, it’s easy, and it’s always a hit.
Now, you might think tuna casserole is just tuna casserole, but trust me, there are levels to this game. And we’re aiming for the top tier, Pioneer Woman style. Think generous portions, rich flavors, and that homemade touch that makes all the difference. This isn’t just throwing cans together; we’re building layers of flavor and texture to create a tuna casserole that’s truly special. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for a weeknight meal or a potluck gathering.
Classic Tuna Casserole Ingredients
What makes this Tuna Casserole Pioneer Woman style? It’s all about the details. We’re talking a creamy, flavorful sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and a generous topping of crispy, golden breadcrumbs. We’re not skimping on flavor or texture here. This is a tuna casserole that’s elevated, yet still retains all the comforting simplicity of the classic dish. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel good about feeding your family, knowing they’re getting a meal that’s both delicious and satisfying.
One of the things I love most about casseroles is their versatility. You can easily adapt them to your family’s tastes and what you have on hand. Feel free to add different vegetables, cheeses, or toppings to make it your own. But for this Pioneer Woman-inspired version, we’re sticking to the essentials, done exceptionally well. We’re focusing on creating a balance of creamy, savory, and crunchy elements that come together in perfect harmony.
 Pioneer Woman Style Tuna Casserole Baking Dish |
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| Golden brown tuna casserole ready to serve. |
Let’s get cooking! This recipe is a little longer than some quick weeknight meals, but trust me, the extra few minutes are worth it. Part of the reason for the deliciousness is taking the time to build flavor in each step. We’re making a creamy sauce from scratch, ensuring every bite is packed with taste. And just like with baked spaghetti, baking the casserole transforms it into something truly special, perfect for sharing with family and friends. It elevates the humble tuna casserole to a dish you’d be proud to serve to company.
You could even prep this ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to eat. It’s a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy days. Think of it as a comforting hug in casserole form, ready whenever you need it.
Creamy Tuna Casserole Close Up
Pioneer Woman Tuna Casserole Recipe
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour (30 minutes prep, 30 minutes bake)
Serves: 6-8 people
This recipe is inspired by classic comfort food and elevated with a homemade touch, perfect for a Pioneer Woman style meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup frozen carrots, diced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 pound egg noodles
- Two 5-ounce cans tuna, drained
- 1 cup crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs for topping
Tuna Casserole Ingredients and Preparation
Directions:
- Sauté Vegetables: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in frozen peas and carrots and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Make Cream Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Stir in Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and paprika. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Tuna: Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth. Gently fold in drained tuna.
- Cook Noodles: While making the sauce, cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
- Assemble Casserole: Add cooked noodles to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let casserole stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly and makes it easier to serve.
Enjoy every comforting bite of this Pioneer Woman style tuna casserole! It’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
From my kitchen to yours, enjoy!
