Tuna Casserole

One plated serving of my Tuna Casserole.

The Best Tuna Casserole

This is better than a basic recipe for a Tuna Casserole but it is easy and it’s delicious. Last week, I made a very simple and basic recipe, which was descent, but it didn’t strike me as a yeah I want more kind of a dish so, I decided to step it up. The end result turned out great and I really think you’re going to be pleased because I stuck with all of the basics and through in some ingredients to give this dish more bite.

Frying pan on the stove half full of chopped Holy Trinity ingredients, garlic and peas.

The Holy Trinity with Peas

Many basic Tuna Casserole recipes call for frozen peas but I decided to take it a step further and add the Holy Trinity. As you may or may not know, the Holy Trinity is just 3 simple ingredients made famous in in French and Cajun Cuisine; chopped onion, celery and bell pepper. These three ingredients are a fundamental start to many recipes and I decided that this dish shouldn’t be any different so, I added them.

Mixed Tuna Casserole ingredients, in a large bowl, before baking.

Creamy and Crunchy

One of my favorite things about a casserole is the top layer. I like the crunchy flavor of salty Potato chips and/or fried French Onions. In this case, I decided to add both for more flavor. I crush the potato chips and add them to the mix and add the french onions as a topping with cheddar cheese. That’s not the only cheese I add to this recipe, however. Again, I’m going for flavor and I like anything creamy to be rich so, I added grated Parmesan cheese to the mix along with some cream of mushroom soup and a little milk.

You have to be careful with the mixture of all of these ingredients because you can, very easily, do one of two things; either make it runny, with too much liquid or dry it out with not enough. Those potato chips and the “Al dente” noodles like to suck up that moisture with the casserole is baking so, be sure you’ve added the right amounts that I’ve listed below. And, if by some chance you’re tastes are different than mine, just adjust the liquid, milk, accordingly.

Oh, I almost forgot… I usually salt the boiling water before I cook my noodles to add more flavor but, in this case, I chose Chicken Bouillon. Just think of it like adding the seasoning packet to your ramen and flavoring the noodles. It isn’t weird, it’s pretty much the same frickin’ thing!

Tuna Casserole video tutorial by PoorMansGourmet.

Tuna Casserole Ingredients:

1 12 oz bag Egg Noodles
Cook the Noodles in Chicken Broth or use Bouillon. Approximately 4 quarts of water and 1/3 cup of Knorr Chicken Bouillon.

1 tbsp Olive oil
1 tbsp Butter
2 Cloves Garlic, chopped
1 bunch Fresh Parsley, chopped
1 stick Cellery, diced
1 Bell Pepper, diced
1 cup Peas, frozen
1/2 Onion, diced
2 cans Mushroom Soup
3/4 cup Milk
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
1 cup Cheddar Cheese, grated
1/2 cup French Onions
1/2 cup Potato Chips, crushed
3 cans tuna, Solid White Albacore
1 tbsp Worcestorshire

Salt and Pepper to taste

Bake at 400° Fahrenheit for 20 minutes then add the Cheddar cheese and French onions and bake for another 5 minutes, then serve.

P.S. You can easily turn this dish into a Chicken Noodle Casserole by swapping out the canned Tuna for Chicken and the canned Cream of Mushroom Soup for Cream of Chicken Soup, instead.

Sweet Potato Casserole – Southern Style with Marshmallow and Walnuts

Sweet Potato Casserole main pic

The Best Sweet Potato Casserole

This is, hands down, the absolute best Sweet Potato Casserole I have ever had, I swear!  And if that’s not enough of a selling point, I’m talking about Butter, Sugar, Cinnamon, Marshmallows and an awesome Walnut Crisp Crunch on top.  This is a classic Southern recipe that can be served for any dinner; especially Thanksgiving.  But this dish is so fresh and sweet you could top this off with some Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and serve it for dessert, it’s that good.

Youtube Sweet Potato Casserole main pic

How I like my Sweet Potato Casserole

I’ve mixed the ideas of several different Sweet Potato recipes to develop this dish.  I love the traditional way my Grandmother always made it; sliced with toasted marshmallows over the top.  But, I also love the Southern style with a Walnut Apple pie style crisp or with Pecans, if you prefer.  Either way is delicious but when you combine the two, you end up with a symphony of flavors that just dance around your mouth with every bite.

If you’re interested in more great Thanksgiving recipes, give these a try:
Garlic Mashed Potatoes, The Ultimate Green Bean Casserole, Pumpkin Pie Turnovers, Acorn Squash, Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts, Croissant Stuffing!

Sweet Potato Casserole Ingredients:

4 Sweet Potatoes, peeled and sliced

Sugar Butter Sauce
1 stick Butter, melted
1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
1/2 tsp Nutmeg, ground
1 tsp Cinnamon, ground
3/4 tsp Salt
1 tbsp Vanilla

Topping
1 Cup Dark Brown Sugar
1/3 Cup Flour
1/4 Cup Melted Unsalted Butter
1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt
1 Cup Chopped Pecans
2 cups Marshmallows, small

Bake Sliced Sweet Potatoes in the Melted Sugar Butter Sauce, covered, for 1 hour at 350 degrees f.  Mix The topping ingredients, minus the Marshmallows, in a bowl and add it with the Marshmallows to the top of the cooked Sweet Potatoes.  Cook the Sweet Potato Casserole, uncovered, for 30 more minutes at 350 degrees f.

Jalapeno Popper Dip

Jalapeno Popper Dip Main pic

I Love Jalapeno Popper Dip

This Jalapeno Popper Dip is a fun way to kick off any meal.  It’s also great for parties and barbecues.  I mean, who doesn’t love Poppers?  The great thing is you don’t have to fight over who gets the last one.  When you’ve got a dip like this one, the only thing you have to watch for is those sneaky double dippers!

Jalapeno Popper Dip with Chips

If you’ve ever had bacon wrapped Jalapeno Poppers, you know they rock.  So I made sure to add some bacon to this recipe as well.  In the video recipe, I dip with Corn Chips but, truth be told, I honestly think it’s better with a Ritz or House Cracker.  I’ve even seen some people go for the toasted baguette but that’s entirely up to you.  This Jalapeno Popper Dip Rocks either way.  Just be sure to tell your friends where you got this recipe.

Also, check out my actual Jalapeno Poppers recipe and my Chili Con Queso Dip!

Jalapeno Popper Dip Ingredients:

5 Large Jalapenos, de-seeded & chopped
5 pcs Bacon, chopped
1 Green Onion, chopped
1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro, Chopped
2 pkg Cream Cheese
1 cup Colby Jack Cheese, grated
1 cup Sour Cream
1 cup Seasoned Bread Crumbs
1 Cup Parmesan Cheese
2 tbsp butter
Salt and Pepper to taste

Bake the Jalapeno Popper Dip at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes.