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Note: A classic American dish, tuna noodle casserole is a favorite family meal.  This simple recipe is a great way to switch up your weeknight dinner routine and make good use of a few pantry staples.  Not only is it quick and delicious, but it's easy on the budget, too.
This tuna noodle casserole is a nostalgic recipe that many adults remember from their childhood.  It's a tasty one-dish pantry meal, and you can probably find a substitute for any ingredients you don't have.  For instance, you can make egg noodles or use shells, macaroni, spaghetti, or almost any pasta instead.  It works with different types of condensed cream soup or canned or frozen mixed vegetables as well.  Serve it with bread, and dinner is on the table in less than an hour.

Time:

Total: 40 minutes
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: ?? minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients:

12 ounces medium egg noodles (cooked and drained)
2 cups green peas (cooked) Or any vegetable chopped
2 (10.75-ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 (6-ounce) cans tuna (drained and flaked)
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup soft breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons butter (melted)

Preparation:

Heat oven to 350°F.
Spray a 2 1/2- to 3-quart casserole dish with cooking spray.
Combine the noodles, peas, soup, milk, cheese, and tuna.
Add salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Spoon into the prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, toss the breadcrumbs with the melted butter and sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until hot and bubbly and crumbs are browned.
Serve and enjoy.

Variations:

Top the casserole with French fried onions, crumbled cheese crackers, or crumbled potato chips.  Omit the soft breadcrumbs and melted butter.
Instead of peas, use 2 cups of cooked peas and carrots or mixed vegetables.
Jazz up the flavor by adding an Italian seasoning blend or a combination of dried oregano, basil, and garlic.
Paprika is an excellent addition as well.
Add some sliced sautéed mushrooms or onions to the casserole mixture.
Add a few tablespoons of diced drained pimientos to the casserole.
Use cream of celery soup instead of cream of mushroom soup.
If you prefer a homemade sauce, omit the soup and milk, replacing them with about 2 1/2 to 3 cups of thickened white sauce.
No tuna? This recipe is also a good use for canned chicken and cream of chicken soup.  Or, cook and flake a couple of boneless chicken breasts.