Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Tuna Noodle Casserole is a creamy and classic recipe, which is made with tender egg noodles, sweet peas, and a crunchy potato chip topping. It’s the ultimate comfort food, a crowd-pleasing one-dish meal perfect for a busy weeknight.
Pioneer Woman Tuna Noodle Casserole Ingredients
A classic combination for a satisfying, family-friendly dinner.
- 12 oz. wide egg noodles
- 1 (12-oz.) can solid white tuna in water, drained and flaked
- 1 (10.5-oz.) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup frozen sweet peas
- 1 small red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups crushed potato chips
How To Make Pioneer Woman Tuna Noodle Casserole
A step-by-step guide to this incredibly easy and flavorful one-dish meal.
- Prep Oven and Cook Noodles: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles for 2 minutes less than the package directions, so they are still slightly firm (al dente). Drain the noodles and rinse them under cool water.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a large bowl, stir together the drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and heavy cream.
- Combine the Casserole: To the sauce, add the frozen peas, chopped red bell pepper, celery, onion, 1 cup of the shredded cheese, and the 2 tablespoons of parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste and stir until everything is combined. Gently stir in the undercooked noodles.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the mixture into a lightly greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Top the casserole evenly with the remaining 1 cup of cheese, followed by the crushed potato chips.
- Bake and Serve: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the casserole is hot, bubbly around the edges, and the topping is golden brown. Sprinkle with additional fresh parsley before serving.
Recipe Tips
For the creamiest, most delicious tuna casserole.
- Why undercook the noodles? This is a crucial step! The noodles will continue to cook in the oven as the casserole bakes. By undercooking them initially, you ensure they will be perfectly tender in the finished dish, not mushy and overcooked.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, this is a fantastic make-ahead meal. You can assemble the entire casserole (but wait to add the potato chip topping), cover it with foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the foil, add the potato chips, and you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- What’s the best kind of potato chip to use? A classic, plain, sturdy potato chip (like Lay’s or Ruffles) is the best choice. Their simple, salty flavor and crunch are the perfect contrast to the creamy casserole.
- Can I use a different kind of pasta? Yes. If you don’t have wide egg noodles, other medium-sized pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or bow ties would also work well. Just remember to undercook them slightly.
What To Serve With Tuna Noodle Casserole
Simple sides to complete this hearty one-dish dinner.
This hearty casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing
- Steamed green beans or broccoli
- Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread
How To Store Tuna Noodle Casserole
Keeping your leftovers delicious.
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: The potato chip topping will soften upon storage. For the best texture, reheat individual portions in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the topping is crispy again. You can also use the microwave for a quicker, softer result.
Pioneer Woman Tuna Noodle Casserole Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per serving.
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 38 g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I freeze this casserole?
It’s generally not recommended to freeze dairy-heavy casseroles like this one, as the sauce can sometimes separate and the texture of the noodles can become mushy upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Can I use a different kind of soup?
Yes. If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom, you can substitute it with cream of celery or cream of chicken soup for a different, but still delicious, savory flavor base.
How do I get the topping extra crispy?
For an even crunchier topping, you can toss the crushed potato chips with a tablespoon or two of melted butter before sprinkling them over the cheese.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Ham and Egg Casserole Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Cowboy Casserole Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Hash Brown Egg Casserole Recipe
Pioneer Woman Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe
Description
The ultimate comfort food classic, this Tuna Noodle Casserole is incredibly creamy and cheesy, packed with egg noodles, peas, and celery, and finished with a crunchy, salty potato chip topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook the egg noodles for 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain.
- In a large bowl, stir together the drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, heavy cream, peas, chopped vegetables, 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
- Gently stir the undercooked noodles into the sauce mixture.
- Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top evenly with the remaining 1 cup of cheese, and then the crushed potato chips.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving, garnished with more parsley.
Notes
- u003cliu003eUndercooking the noodles is the key to preventing a mushy casserole. They will finish cooking in the oven.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis casserole is a perfect make-ahead meal. Assemble without the chip topping, refrigerate, then add the chips just before baking.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eA sturdy, plain potato chip works best for the topping to provide the ultimate salty crunch.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFeel free to substitute the tuna with canned chicken or salmon for a different variation.u003c/liu003e
