Favorites Friday - Tuna Noodle Casserole

I had this recipe ready to post over a month ago, but apparently I never clicked the "publish" button.  Oops.

This is one of our favorite recipes, and comes from the hubby's side of the family.  (Originally from his grandmother, I think.)  It is great for feeding a crowd on a budget, and the crowd loves it!  It also makes good leftovers, reheated with a splash of milk so it's not too dry.  We tend to make an entire casserole for just the two of us, because we know we'll eat it all up within a few days.

This recipe is also easily adjustable for your personal taste, and I have noted some of our optional variations below.  Last time I made it I tried it with some pepper jack cheese, and I thought it added some good flavor.  Note that neither of us like mushrooms, but we don't mind cream of mushroom soup.  If you REALLY don't like mushrooms, you could substitute something like cream of celery instead.  (Or if you're one of those strange people who really loves mushrooms, you could add some.)  

Tuna Noodle Casserole
Makes: 13x9 casserole, ~8 servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb bag extra wide egg noodles
• 1 can cream of chicken
• 1 can cream of mushroom
• 2 cans tuna, well drained
• 1 lb shredded cheddar, 1 or 2 handfuls reserved
• 1/2 can peas (drained)
• 1 can milk

Optional:

• remaining 1/2 can peas
• 1/2 can to 1 can petite diced tomatoes
• swap half the cheddar for pepper jack cheese
• crushed potato chips (cheesy chips are best) or bread crumbs sprinkled on top
• canned chicken instead of tuna

Instructions

Boil the noodles, but do not overcook (they will bake more in the oven).  While noodles are boiling, mix remaining ingredients in a 13x9 casserole dish.  Add cooked noodles and mix again.  (If noodles cannot be mixed, add a little more milk.)  Bake at 425 degrees for about 20-25 minutes.  Sprinkle reserved cheddar cheese evenly over the top and bake for another 5-10 minutes, until cheese is fully melted.

This is about what it should look like before adding the noodles

(I forgot to take a picture once it came out of the oven.  I think I was distracted watching Sherlock at the time.)