My Grandma Made This Almost Every Night in the 1970s

Welcome to a nostalgic journey back to the 1970s, an era when every night at grandma’s house was filled with the warm aroma of home-cooked meals. Today, we’re going to recreate one of those special dishes, a timeless recipe that has been passed down through generations. So, put on your aprons and let’s dive into the world of comfort food!

Unearthing the Past: The Classic 1970s Dish

The 1970s saw a surge in home-cooked meals, with families gathering around the kitchen table every night to enjoy delicious homemade dishes. One such dish, frequently prepared by my grandmother, was the classic tuna casserole. This hearty meal was a staple in many households during this time.

What made this dish so special was its simplicity and versatility. With just a handful of ingredients, you could whip up a filling and nutritious meal in no time. Plus, you could easily modify it to suit your family’s taste. For instance, you could add peas for a touch of green or sprinkle some breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish.

Tip: Always opt for quality canned tuna for the best flavor. Here’s a selection of some of the finest canned tuna available.

Recreating the Magic: The Tuna Casserole Recipe

Now, let’s get down to business and start cooking! This recipe serves four and is perfect for a cozy family dinner. The ingredients are simple, and most of them are probably already in your pantry. Let’s start with the ingredients.

You’ll need canned tuna, cream of mushroom soup, chopped onions, cooked peas, shredded cheddar cheese, and egg noodles. For the topping, we’ll use breadcrumbs and melted butter. Don’t worry about the exact quantities; we’ll get to that in the recipe card below.

Tip: For the best results, opt for a high-quality cream of mushroom soup. It adds a rich and creamy flavor to the casserole.

The Cooking Process: Let’s Get Started!

The cooking process is straightforward and beginner-friendly. You start by cooking the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the canned tuna, cream of mushroom soup, onions, peas, and cheese.

Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and add them to the tuna mixture. Stir well to combine, then transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and drizzle melted butter over the top. Bake until bubbly and golden brown, and voila, your classic 1970s tuna casserole is ready!

Tip: Serve the casserole hot, straight out of the oven. Pair it with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

And there you have it, a nostalgic trip back to the 1970s with a hearty and delightful tuna casserole. This dish is proof that some things never go out of style. So, why not bring a piece of the past into your kitchen tonight and enjoy a delicious, home-cooked dinner with your loved ones?

Classic 1970s Tuna Casserole

Recipe by David WrightCourse: Main CourseCuisine: American

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Calories

350

kcal

A nostalgic trip back to the 1970s with this hearty and delightful tuna casserole.

Ingredients

• 1 can of tuna

• 1 can of cream of mushroom soup

• 1/2 cup of chopped onions

• 1/2 cup of cooked peas

• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

• 2 cups of egg noodles

• 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs

• 2 tablespoons of melted butter

Directions

• Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions.
• In a large bowl, combine the canned tuna, cream of mushroom soup, onions, peas, and cheese.
• Drain the noodles and add them to the tuna mixture. Stir well to combine.
• Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and drizzle melted butter over the top. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

• For a variation, you can add cooked mushrooms or bell peppers to the tuna mixture.
• You can also substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free noodles and breadcrumbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?
A: Yes, you can. However, you’ll need to cook it first before adding it to the casserole.

Q: Can I freeze the tuna casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze the casserole. Just make sure to cover it tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Q: How long does the casserole last in the fridge?
A: The casserole will last for 3-4 days in the fridge if stored properly.

Q: Can I use other types of cheese?
A: Yes, you can use any type of melting cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.