cheesy gooey twisted tuna casserole
This is not your average tuna casserole dish! My mom made a version of this when I was growing up; it's always been a favorite, and I've been making it and tweaking it for over 30 years. Easy too. Just dump everything in - no chopping! So ooey gooey cheesy, and flavorful. It's comfort food nirvana. The green chiles give it the twist. Potluck perfection and freezes well, too. I've found so many great recipes on Just a Pinch, so it's time to pay it forward by sharing one of my own favorites. I'd love to hear your feedback. Enjoy!
Blue Ribbon Recipe
If you love the classic tuna noodle casserole, you're going to really love this cheesy version. It turns boxed macaroni and cheese upside down. Adding green chiles is different and adds a nice punch of flavor. Sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, and cheddar cheese help to make the casserole super creamy. Peas add pops of sweetness with the savory tuna. We opted to top the casserole with the buttery Panko crumb mixture for a little crunch. An easy tuna casserole recipe your family will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 2 boxes Kraft mac and cheese (7.25 oz each)
- 1 stick butter, divided
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cans light tuna in water, save water (4 oz each)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 can diced green chiles (4 oz)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 2 teaspoons seasoning salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 can peas (8.5 oz)
- 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
- OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL TOPPINGS
- Parmesan cheese
- shredded cheddar cheese
How To Make cheesy gooey twisted tuna casserole
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Step 1Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cook noodles according to package. Drain. Return to the pot and leave on low heat. -
Step 2Add 6 Tbsp of butter, sour cream, tuna with tuna water, and cheese packets to the pot. Stir until butter melts. No milk needed. The sour cream and tuna water take its place.
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Step 3Add soup, cheese, chiles, and seasonings, stir well.
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Step 4Fold in peas.
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Step 5Melt the remaining 2 Tbsp of butter. Toss with 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs.
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Step 6Spread the noodle mixture into a greased 9x13 baking dish. Top with the buttered Panko bread crumbs.
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Step 7Bake at 350 degrees on the top rack, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Crumbs should be nice and crunchy, but ovens vary, so check after 20 mins to make sure crumbs are not burning.
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
