I was raised by a woman from Minnesota, as a result my food memories include many, many casseroles. We ate them a couple of times a week. This is one that was part of my children’s upbringing as well. I was fortunate they all liked it. Being a stay at home mom for a very long time, making a couple of cans of tuna feed 5 people was a big deal. I worked very hard on my frugality, but I didn’t want the family to feel totally deprived. This was even requested for birthday dinner on occasion.
This was something my dad liked. Now this is where it gets crazy. He really didn’t like spaghetti even with meatballs, and if you made tuna casserole with spaghetti, he would not look happy. He’d eat it, but only due to upbringing. But, if you made any pasta dish with curly Rigatoni pasta, he’d be happy as a little clam. What childhood memory do you suppose that was hiding?
This recipe is for everyone who over spent on Christmas or you just like tuna.
Bring to a boil enough heavily salted water to cook 12 ounces Rigatoni until al dente.
1/2 yellow pepper, chopped
1/2 red pepper, chopped
1/2 cup celery, sliced
1/2 cup onion, chopped
Saute the vegetables in 2 tablespoons butter until soft, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
In an 8 x 8 pan, add 1 to 2 cans flaked tuna, 1 can Cream of Chicken or Mushroom soup, the sauteed vegetables, 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup peas or mixed vegetables, 1 cup grated cheese, the drained pasta, S & P to taste. I usually put a few slices of American cheese on top for a nice crunchy topping and some dried onions, if I haven’t eaten them all. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 to 40 minutes.
This is a trip down memory lane.
* From the Recipe Box:
There is a wonderful tuna casserole recipe in Chrissy Teigen’s first cookbook Cravings. It might be even better than mine. There’s jalapeno potato chips on top!
Remember, I told you how much we love pepper. Don’t be thinking you need to be a liberal as I am with the pepper grinder.
This might be better warmed up the next day.
Mix up the veggies however you wish.
and remember: The sign of intelligence is that you are constantly wondering. Idiots are always dead sure about every damn thing they are doing in their lives. Big kiss, Lynn
From the Recipe Box 