Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Tuna Noodle Casserole


Corn Flakes Top this 1950s Classic

Many home cooks in the 1950s were mad for the new convenience foods — canned this or powdered that.  Although many of these items had become available earlier in the 20th century, they reached their zenith of popularity in the 50s. 

The 1950s were also the decade of casseroles.  “One-pot” recipes of the casserole persuasion have been around since mankind first invented cooking utensils, but people rediscovered them in the 1930s.  And eventually people realized that many of those swell convenience foods — condensed soup in particular — worked well in casserole assembly. 

Tuna Noodle Casserole was the quintessential 50s dish.  It required boxed noodles!  Canned soup!  Canned tuna!  Canned peas!  And a topping of boxed cereal!  How wonderful— you could make it without any fresh ingredients!  Convenient, no?

And amazingly enough, it was also a pretty good dish. 



Recipe:  Tuna Noodle Casserole

In a nod to the post-Eisenhower era, my recipe uses frozen rather than canned peas.  (Frozen peas became standard once the freezer sections of home refrigerators became large enough to hold more than two ice cube trays and a half gallon of ice cream.)  Otherwise, my version doesn’t differ much from every other recipe you’ve seen.  I say a bit more on recipe variations in the Notes.

This dish takes about 15 minutes to assemble (including cooking the noodles) and 20 - 30 minutes to bake in the oven.  It serves 8 to 10.  You’ll need a casserole dish that measures about 9 x 13 inches. 

You can easily halve this recipe, although you’ll need to make a decision regarding the quantity of tuna to use (see Notes).  Leftovers keep for a couple of days refrigerated in an airtight container. 

Ingredients
  • 8 ounces dried egg noodles (narrow or wide; you can substitute another pasta shape if you wish, although noodles are traditional)
  • 1 tablespoon salt (for salting the noodle water)
  • 3 cups frozen peas
  • 1 - 4 cups corn flakes (to taste; see Notes)
  • ½ - 1 stick melted butter (½ stick works, but a whole stick has better flavor; isn’t the rule with butter that more is better? See Notes.)
  • 3 five-ounce cans tuna (for best flavor, use oil packed; you can skimp and use only 2 cans, but the flavor isn’t as good)
  • 2 cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (may increase to a teaspoon; optional, but good)
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder (may increase to a teaspoon; optional, but good)
  • 1 cup milk (whole, skim, whatever — doesn’t really matter what kind)
  • additional salt to taste
  • pepper to taste
 Procedure
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Put large pot of water (at least 4 quarts) on to boil.  When it begins to boil, add a tablespoon of salt and the dried egg noodles.  Cook according to package directions (usually 6 - 8 minutes).  It’s better to undercook a bit than overcook (the noodles will continue to cook in the oven).  Two minutes before the pasta is ready, add the frozen peas to the pot so they’ll cook with the pasta.  Drain noodles and peas in a colander or strainer when cooked.
  3. While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in the microwave.
  4. Pour the corn flakes into a bowl and crush until they’re breadcrumb size (it’s easiest to use your hands for this).  Add melted butter and stir well to combine.
  5. Open and drain tuna and add to a bowl.  Add cream of mushroom soup, garlic and onion powder (if using), and milk.  Stir to combine.  Taste, and add salt and pepper to your preference.
  6. By now the noodles and peas should be ready.  Drain in a colander or strainer (if you haven’t already done so) and add to the tuna and soup mixture.  Stir well.
  7. Pour into a casserole dish that’s been greased with butter or cooking spray.  Cover with the corn flakes and butter mixture.  
  8. Bake until the topping is well browned and the tuna mixture is hot and bubbly — about 20 to 30 minutes.

Notes
  • A lot of people prefer to top their tuna noodle casserole with buttered bread crumbs or cracker crumbs rather than corn flakes.  It’s not the One True Way, but do so if you prefer.
  • Many people add cheese to this dish.  I never have, but I’ve read adding a cup or so of shredded cheddar to the tuna mix is good.  Some people dust the top of the casserole with grated Parmesan cheese.
  • A bit of cayenne added in Step 5 is nice, if you like some zing.
  • Likewise a bit of Worchestershire sauce (maybe a teaspoon or so).
  • The original recipe for this dish specified 2 cups of peas rather than three (in part because a can of peas held a bit under 2 cups).  But 3 works better IMO.
  • You can skip the corn flakes, but we like the crunch and flavor they add. Use more if you want a heavy topping of them, less if you prefer a sparse layer. If you use 4 cups of uncrushed corn flakes (which will give you a pretty heavy topping), you'll get about 1 or so cups when you crush them. If you use less than 4 cups corn flakes (uncrushed), use correspondingly less butter in the dish (Step 4). BTW. some people prefer to substitute potato chips for the corn flakes. This Note updated 8/2021.
  • In 1903 — when canned tuna became widely distributed in the US — the “standard” size of a tuna can was 7 ounces.  In the last few decades, it has shrunk to 6 or so, and then 5.  Most older recipes that call for a “can of tuna” are specifying a significantly larger quantity than found in modern cans.  In the 50s the recipe for this dish specified 2 cans of tuna — but I’ve increased it to 3 because of the “downsizing” factor.
  • Which means you have a decision to make if you halve this recipe.  One 5-ounce can of tuna isn’t sufficient.  So I’d go with 2 cans — it’s a bit more tuna than traditional, but good.

Worth a Trip to the Store

Casseroles practically defined the culinary habits of 1950s America.  Most of those recipes have faded away — largely because they just weren’t very good.  And they relied on ingredients that today we regard as less than healthy.

But two casseroles endure:  Green Bean Casserole (still a tradition on many Thanksgiving tables) and Tuna Noodle Casserole — which in my opinion is the best of the casserole class.  Even people who don’t care for fish tend to like it (and it’s convenient for those who observe dietary restrictions during Lent).

Back in the day, casseroles could be made at a moment’s notice.  Most households had all the ingredients on their pantry shelves (that was part of casseroles’ appeal).  Now?  Many of us probably have to make a trip to the store for at least some of the ingredients.

“When was the last time we had this?” Mrs. Kitchen Riffs asked as she polished off her second helping.  “I didn’t even know we had corn flakes and cream of mushroom soup in the house.”

“So long ago I’ve forgotten,” I said.  “The corn flakes are left over from when we made Cherry Winks. In fact, I made this dish because I wanted to use them up. The soup I bought last trip to the store.”

"We should make Cherry Winks more often,” she smiled.

You may also enjoy reading about:
Cherry Winks
Old-School Macaroni and Cheese
Tuna Pasta Salad
White Bean and Tuna Salad
Cheddar Cheese Chicken Curry

102 comments:

Vicki Bensinger said...

We love tuna noodle casserole. I'm fact I'm almost embarrassed to say but I probably make it every week. I add spinach, and pimentos to mind but best of all you have to add French fried onion rings on top. OMG that makes the whole dish. I will definitely try your version. Thanks for sharing.

Alanna Kellogg said...

In my home state of Minnesota -- casseroles aren't casseroles, they're "hot dishes" but they still require canned mushroom soup. I haven't had one of these in years - but yes, "retro good"!

Kitchen Riffs said...

@Vicki, every week! I'm impressed. It's a great dish - and I don't know why I don't make it more. Probably because there's so much else to make. :-) I'll have to try the French fried onion rings - great idea.

@Alanna, oh, I knew about the "hot dish" name - I used to live in Wisconsin, and some people there use that word for casseroles - but had totally forgotten it. Thanks for reminding me! And although totally retro, this is a great dish.

@both, thanks for taking time to comment.

Denise Evans said...

We had tuna noodle casserole every week when I was a kid. This fits into my Lent diet. One thing, and I know it's the food snob coming out, I can't do cream of xxx soup from a can, but homemade white sauce with mushrooms is really pretty easy.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Denise, yup, a mushroom bechamel sauce would be great in this. Actually I thought about doing something along those lines - fresh mushrooms, bechamel, maybe fresh tuna. Of course the flavor wouldn't be quite the same, but then we could call it "gratin" instead of "casserole!" I may do post about that at some point. Thanks for commenting.

Kelly said...

This was one of my favorite dishes! (Still is when I have the energy to re-create it sans you know what). Your version and all the notes make me want to try this for dinner tonight, or soon. My version would take much longer--but yours looks so delish!

Maureen said...

I love retro food and I've got some corn flakes just begging to hop out of the box. This is a great out of the pantry when there's nothing to eat in the house meal.

Kitchen Riffs said...

@Kelly, there's just something about the you-know-what that makes it a very occasional guilty pleasure! It's a fun dish for sure.

@Maureen, corn flakes just love to live life as a topping! And if you've got all the ingredients in your pantry - when I was growing up, my mom always did - instant dinner.

@both, thanks for your comments.

Katherine Martinelli said...

What a great classic dish! I think casseroles are due for a comeback. And I'm as usual impressed with your photography skills, and that you managed to make even something like tuna casserole look so very appealing and photogenic.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Katherine, casseroles are tasty and fun to make, that's for sure. And although they take a bit of time to assemble, they're a complete meal (well, you might want to add salad) so they're convenient -perfect for harried cooks. Thanks for your kind words and your comment.

Beth said...

I used to make tuna noodle casserole all the time when I was in school. It's truly timeless.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Beth, yup, it is timeless. Great meal for when you're in school, too - relatively inexpensive, easy to make, and tastes great. Thanks for your comment.

MyFudo™ said...

Familiar flavors yet presented with a different twist...this is a must try. Thanks for sharing!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi MyFudo, familiar flavors - even prosaic, maybe - when when combined? Stick-your-face-in-the-plate good! Thanks for commenting.

Simply Tia said...

I've always heard of tuna noddle casserole but I have never tried it because a lot of times it looks plain yukky. Yours, though, is selling me on the idea. If and when I do make it, I'm going with your recipe because that surely does look appetizing and well presented! YUM!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Simpy Tia, I agree - a lot of time the dish does turn out looking kinda blah. Having a lot of brightly colored green peas helps pep it up, IMO. Thanks for stopping by.

ChgoJohn said...

I agree with your observation about casseroles, those made with tuna are the best. I'm not a cereal person, so, I rarely have corn flakes around to use them as you did here. I use bread crumbs to top off my casseroles. Still, they do look good in your photos and I think I'll pick up a box the next time tuna casserole is on the menu. And with our weather getting decidedly colder this weekend, casserole season is upon us!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi John, I had leftover corn flakes after making the Chery Winks for Christmas the preceding December. ;-) So the real reason I did the recipe was to use them up! Plus it was an awful lot of fun to do. And yes, casserole season has arrived! Thanks for the comment.

Anonymous said...

Tuna Noodle Casserole has been my very favorite casserole since I first discovered it as a new bride. My mom never made it since she was European and had her own way of cooking. I make mine much the same way as this recipe, but I also add a small can of mushroom stems & pieces to it, and I add some finely diced onion (not onion powder. The recipe which I have calls for seasoned bread crumbs mixed w/parmesan cheese and melted butter as a topping, so I still make it that way... and I then sprinkle a bit of paprika and dried parsley flakes over it all (for eye appeal) before baking it. LONG LIVE THE TUNA CASSEROLE!!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anonymous, isn't this a fun recipe? I like your variations on this classic - they sound good. One of these days I'm going to make a modern version of this with fresh tuna and so forth, though I'm betting I'll still really like the original. ;-) Thanks for your comment.

Anonymous said...

I was raised calling it tuna hotdish & topped with crushed potato chips here in North Dakota. I now like to add a can of muchrooms, some shreeded colby jack & a dollop of sour cream to my sauce.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anonymous, I've heard this called hotdish too, now that you mention it. The crushed potato chips are a popular variation! Thanks for the comment.

Anonymous said...

Families in our town served this often in the 50's Instead of cornflakes & butter, most families crushed potato chips for the topping. We also called it a hot dish. Surprising how many of our go-to recipes have been filed away & not used for years.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anonymous, crushed potato chips are popular, I know (and delish!), but IMHO corn flakes are the one true topping. :D This is one of those cool old recipes that I really need to make more often. Thanks for the comment.

Trisha said...

I have been making the tuna casserole my whole adult life and had it first as a child and then throughout my growing yrs. It is so easy to make and a good wholesome meal.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Trisha, this is a classic, and deservedly so! I had this as a kid too (in the 50s) and obviously still make it every now and again. Thanks for the comment.

Anonymous said...

It would be great if you had a link to print just the recipe....

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anonymous, alas, as far as I know the blogging software I'm using (Blogger) doesn't have an easy way to print recipe. I should look into that, though. Thanks for the comment.

Anonymous said...

We also had this, but I remember my mother cutting up a little celery and also hard boiled egg. This made it go a little further as we had a large family.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anonymous, I like the idea of the celery and egg. I'll have to give that a try! Thanks for the comment.

Anonymous said...

Would it be possible to make this page more printer friendly? I would like to just print the recipes. One page versus 5 or more. Thank you

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anonymous, alas, I haven't found a decent recipe plug-in for Blogger that I like. You can highlight just the recipe and copy, and paste into a text program, and that will work. A bit clunky, I admit. I usually just have a laptop or tablet computer in my kitchen that I use for recipes these days. Sorry I can't be more helpful - I do feel your frustration. I just haven't found a solution that pleases me. Thanks for the question.

Anonymous said...

would canned salmon work OK instead of tuna

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anonymous, I haven't tried canned salmon, but I see no reason why it wouldn't work. In fact, I'll bet it would be delish! Let me know if you try it and like it. ;-)

Anonymous said...

Wow this recipe brings back memories from the 60's. I like tuna noodle but my wife doesn't. so I have to scale down all the recipes to make it for one. Thanks for the memories

Kitchen Riffs said...

HI Anonymous, this is really a classic recipe, isn't it? You might be able to make it in bulk, but store it (unbaked) in little baking dishes in the freezer (wrap them well with foil). That way you could bake one at a time. I haven't done this so I don't know if it works, but worth a try. Thanks for the comment.

Anonymous said...

Mom made "Tuna, Noodle and Tomato" weekly, which included only a can of tuna, a bag of noodles and a 28 oz. can of whole tomatoes she crushed. It was one of my favorite meals, I still make it but now add, the soup, peas, and a handful or two of grated cheddar cheese and call it TNT. I never add a topping because I don't like it but may try the canned onions, also liked the suggestion of mushrooms and celery. I may even try it your way but I think I would miss the tomatoes.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anonymous, the tomatoes sound like a great idea! If you're happy with it, I wouldn't change a thing. Thanks for the comment.

Ancestor_Hunter said...

My favorite way to make Tuna Noodle Casserole is with boxed Macaroni and Cheese. Make the mac and cheese according to box directions, then add 1 can cream of mushroom soup and 1 13 oz can tuna, drained. Bake for 20-30 minutes. Any crumbs on the top are optional, as are any added veggies. I think the recipe was on the mac and cheese box in the late '60s or early '70s. Love it made your way, too.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ancestor Hunter, that sure sounds easy and fun! Thanks for the comment.

Anonymous said...

can you replace the cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or something? I have two family members who have allergic reactions to mushrooms.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anonymous, I think cream of celery soup (or another canned cream soup) would make a great substitution! It's always fun to experiment, isn't it? Thanks for the question.

Anonymous said...

what a great dish, so many different ways to make the same basic recipe. Too bad only my daughter and myself are the only ones who eat this - I love it. I need to make it more.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anonymous, I guess that means more for you and your daughter. ;-) And it's really interesting how many different riffs there are on this recipe -- and all of them good! Thanks for the comment.

Sherry Cull, Ontario, Canada said...

Tuna Noodle Casserole was a favorite in our house in the fifties & beyond! We topped ours with crushed potato chips! It is still my favorite but not for my spouse! I had forgotten the ingredients though! Could never seem to get right even though I cooked all the meals at home! A big thanks for sharing!

Sherry Cull, Ontario, Canada said...

I really like that idea! I am a lover of cheese & sour cream!
Thanks so much for sharing!

Sherry Cull, Ontario, Canada said...

It really is great to see home cooked recipes of the earlier days come back into use!
The one that my mom always made & I can't seem to find my copy is stuffed flank steak done in the slow cooker! Would appreciate it if there is someone out there that has this recipe I would surely appreciate a copy of it!
Thanks Sherry Cull, Campbellford, ON Canada!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Sherry, great dish, isn't it? Happy to have the recipe to share with you. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Sherry, alas, I don't know that recipe. But I read loads of blogs, so I'll keep my eyes peeled. :-)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Sherry, isn't the sour cream a fun idea? I need to try that.

lynne said...

My gram made this for me forever ago just like you make it. Back in the day (50's), this was a cheaper meal and it went a long way. She used to warm it back up by adding a little milk to soften it up. It is a wonderful and comforting meal.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Lynne, isn't this a great dish? My mom would sometimes add milk to leftovers too! Thanks for the comment.

Jamie said...

omg I cannot believe you posted this recipe! I loved this when I was growing up! Loved it (who didn't?)... and it would be so much fun to make it for my 3 Frenchmen (though seriously I wonder if they would eat it). And they actually now sell Cambell's Cream of Mushroom soup in France! I have to share this on my facebook LaF page!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jamie, isn't this a great oldie? I don't make it often, but love it when I do. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Lizzy (Good Things) said...

Love it! This is one of those golden oldies... who cares if it uses canned goods! It's too yummy to say no.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Lizzy, isn't this a fun dish! One of my childhood favorites! Thanks for the comment.

Anniesazi said...

I used to make this all the time when my kids were young, but I'd use ramen noodles. We now don't eat grains or pasta, also hate to cook (like to read recipes though!), so I'm experimenting with doing this in the crockpot as we speak. I just left out the noodles, and used dried onion bits, (I was out of fresh, or I'd have used them) about triple the amount, and triple the amount of garlic.I added parsley, and no salt seasoning salt as well. I'll put cheese to melt on top just before serving, as I didn't have corn flakes, crackers or bread crumbs. I never topped it when making it for my kids though, and they always loved it!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anniesazi, ramen noodles are a good idea! And the dish you're making sounds really interesting -- I'll bet it'll be delish! Thanks for the comment.

Anonymous said...

I'm from MN and I'd call it a hot dish..we never would add onion or garlic powder or use corn flakes! We always used potato chips-much better than corn flakes (ick!).

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anonymous, I know the Minnesota version of this! Really good, and potato chips are a great idea. Although the onion/garlic powder does add a nice touch -- worth trying sometime. Thanks for the comment.

Anonymous said...

Grew up with this dish in the '50s but mother added sliced hard boiled eggs. With 6 mouths to feed and a limited budget it made the meal stretch. Still love it 60 years later

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anonymous, love the idea of the hard-boiled eggs! Definitely need to try that. Thanks for the comment.

Anonymous said...

Hi, Kitchen Riffs! I saved this recipe quite a while ago I prepared it for our Friday evening Lenten dinner yesterday evening. I followed the recipe to a "T". I used 2 cans of soup and 1 C. of milk. I expected the casserole to come out moist and creamy, but the pasta seemed to absorb most of the liquid, and the casserole was kind of dry. The flavor was phenomenal, but what can I do in order to make this casserole 'creamy', not dry, in the future? I'm thinking that (perhaps) 'lightly coating' the cooked noodles with a bit of butter might work, since... the noodles won't absorb most of the liquid. Please advise! The flavor of your "Tuna Noodle Casserole" is much better than any other "Tuna Casserole" which I've ever tried, but I'm ONLY having a problem with the lack of 'creaminess'.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anonymous, this version of tuna casserole isn't as creamy as some. Coating the noodles with butter is a great idea. You could also add another 1/2 cup or so of milk (I'd start with a half cup; then add more if that's not enough). Do let us know if either of those ideas works! And thanks for the comment.

Msdkay49 said...

My husband would love using the French fried onion rings. He will use them in anything.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Msdkay49, those onion rings are a neat idea with this, aren't they? Thanks for the comment.

Anonymous said...

I have two changes my mom would put butter bread on top of the of the casserole.My hubbie did not like hot tuna so I change it to chicken and cream of chicken soup and he like it.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anonymous, those sound like great changes! The butter bread is inspired. Thanks for the comment.

Anonymous said...

Do you mind sharing your version TNT of your recipe?

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anonymous, I doubt if the other "Anonymous" will see your request, but it looks to me like her recipe skips the topping, adds tomatoes and grated cheddar cheese. Sounds like you get to experiment if her recipes appeals to you (and it does sound good -- I have yet to try making it myself). Thanks for the comment.

Unknown said...

We made this all the time growing up in the 50's and 60's. One version that we used in home-ec added mushroom stems and pieces and also minced black olives it was topped with grated cheddar cheese.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Unknown, the mushrooms sounds good! And I bet that cheddar cheese is dynamite. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Unknown said...

Another great church recipe book was the mushroom soup and pork chop hot dish - we never called these recipes casseroles up there in NoDak or Minnesota. Potatoes/chops/mushroom soup. Cook in the oven until the chops are fall apart tender.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Bob, I've always loved the "hot dish" name! More inviiting than a "casserole," I think. Anyway, that sounds like a terrific recipe! Thanks for the comment.

Anonymous said...

This was the first casserole I ever made in 1959. I used broken up potato chips on the top instead of corn flakes or crumbs. i'm going to make it again!

Anonymous said...

I used to make that with golden cheddar cheese soup. Delicious!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anonymous, that sounds like a wonderful idea! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anonymous, the potato chip idea sounds delicious! Thanks for the comment.

Linda said...

Hi, Kitchen Riffs, I'm 69 years old, in AUGUST 2018, I'll be 70. Have not had a Bit of Tuna Casserole since just the early 60's. I am a school bus driver off for the summer, and was looking for a recipe that sound good(want something that would take time). I want to make this right now, But don't have the corn flakes on hand. Was going to wait to write a reply-after I made it..BUT, said to myself, it would be more FUN, to talk about it 1st. SO.. Right after I write and send this I'm going to (Walmart)to get the corn flakes. My heart can't wait to make this. I'm making it of course the 50's way. I'll be back on here. later. I'm hoping it takes me back to, YES... the Good Old Days, when all I had to worry about, was doing my homework, what Dress to wear to school(back in those days girls HAD to ware dress. Could NOT wear jeans or pants to school). And YES,, I called it...The Good Old Days. so Bye for NOW. Linda in Tucson.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Linda, we're of a similar generation. :-) This will take you back -- enjoy. And thanks for the comment.

Unknown said...

Made this tonight. Added sour cream, cheese and sauteed onion in butter. Soooooo good

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Unknown, sounds like a wonderful version of this! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Unknown said...

my mom used to use crushed potato chips on the top. i do as well. its a change. thanks for the great recipes.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Unknown, crushed potato chips sound awesome. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Lilybets said...

It's in the oven right now and smells so good! Can't wait to try it.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Lilybets, enjoy! And thanks for the comment.

Unknown said...

I need a way to print the recipe - just the recipe-and not pages and pages and pages of commentary

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Unknown, we just use a phone or Chrome book in the kitchen -- much easier that way. :-) Don't have a recipe app, alas -- haven't found one that we like and that would fit the way we like to format recipes. So if you want to print, I suggest you copy the recipe, then paste it to a text editor (Word, whatever) and then print from that. Sorry I can't be more helpful -- and I do appreciate your inquiry.

Anonymous said...

I am 75. My mom fixed tuna noodle casserole frequently for as long as I can remember. I gave her recipe box to my daughter a couple of years ago and failed to write down my favorites. Daughter moved a couple of times and now lives 5 miles from me, and doesn't know where it is. Hint - Never give something as precious as your mom's recipe box away while you are still active and cooking every day, without copying everything you want to keep!
A few weeks ago I bought tuna and started looking for "her" recipe. Nothing. I found your tuna noodle casserole recipe tonight, and it was "oh, wow, here it is!" Looking forward to cooking it this weekend. Enough for a yum meal and leftovers.
Oh, I use 8-1/2 by 11 paper, cut in thirds cross wise, to hand write recipes that take too much ink and paper to print. Make all kinds of notes from comments. Yours is covered front and back with tips from others.
Thank you so much.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anonymous, glad you found this, and that's it's close to your mom's recipe! One of the reasons we started this blog is so we wouldn't forget recipes. It's all to easy to happen, alas. Thanks for the comment.

Heidi | The Frugal Girls said...

Not only have you made this casserole so crazy fast and easy to make, but the flavors are totally scrumptious. This really is the ideal cozy winter dinner idea!!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Heidi, there's a reason this is such a classic! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Unknown said...

My Mom used to make tuna noodle casserole many times during the winter months. The difference in what she did was that she used crushed up potato chips on top instead of corn flakes. It was very nummy. I may add a bit of cheese to mine. It'a a wonderful classic casserole. I use crushed up corn flakes for making my baked pork chops. After I dip the pork chops in a beaten egg, I then put them in the crushed pork chops and then bake.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Unknown, potato chips are good on this! Cheese, too. :-) Good idea to used crushed corn flakes for baked pork chops -- sounds really good! Thanks for the comment.

ThunderHeartWoman said...

I want to try this dish but I only have carnation evaporated milk. Can I use it ,and would the recipe still be good If I use It? Thanks.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi ThunderHeartWoman, I haven't made this with evaporated milk, and wonder whether it'd be as good as fresh milk in this dish. You could try it, bu because I just don't know if it would work, I don't recommend it. Love your name!

Unknown said...

To those of you who are wanting to print this recipe do as I did>>Hi-lite the part that you want to print & then right click on print & you will have it.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Unknown, good tip! Thanks. :-)

Anonymous said...

This looks like the old fashioned recipe that my mother used. But why is there no way to print it!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anonymous, alas, we don't have a recipe plugin -- really don't like any that we've seen. So you'll have to print the old-fashioned way -- copy, paste, and print. Sorry about that. But glad this reminds you of your mother's recipe! Thanks for the comment.

Anonymous said...

Whatever you call it, hot dish or casserole, it is really good. I prefer frozen peas however.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anonymous, definitely frozen peas these days! :-) Thanks for the comment.