Are you craving a delicious, hassle-free meal that combines classic comfort food with modern convenience? Look no further than this mouthwatering Slow Cooker Tuna Noodle Casserole! Imagine coming home to a warm, creamy, and incredibly satisfying dish that practically cooks itself. This recipe is a game-changer for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this tuna casserole will become your new go-to recipe that's sure to have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 2 cans tuna, drained
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup low-fat milk
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of egg noodles, 2 cans of drained tuna, 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup of frozen peas, 1 cup of low-fat milk, 1/2 cup of shredded cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 6-8 minutes. Drain the noodles and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, frozen peas, low-fat milk, and shredded cheese. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Add the cooked egg noodles to the mixing bowl and gently fold them into the tuna mixture until everything is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the entire mixture into the slow cooker, spreading it out evenly.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through thoroughly.
- After 4 hours, check the casserole for doneness. It should be hot and bubbly. If desired, you can sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top and let it melt for a few minutes before serving.
- Once done, serve the tuna noodle casserole warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Cook noodles al dente: Slightly undercook the egg noodles before adding them to the slow cooker, as they'll continue to absorb moisture during the cooking process.
- Prevent mushiness: Avoid overcooking by checking the casserole at the
- 5-hour mark to ensure the noodles maintain their texture.
- Cheese enhancement: For a golden, crispy top, consider adding extra cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking or broiling for a few minutes before serving.
- Customize your casserole: Feel free to add breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch or mix in additional vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Make it ahead: This casserole can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator before cooking, making meal prep a breeze.
- Storage tip: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 50mg