Tex-Mex Tuna Casserole
Thursday, April 14, 2011 One night, I was standing in front of my pantry, hands on hips, thinking, "What am I going to fix for supper?"
It happens all the time. Then my eyes fixed on a can of condensed soup that I'd bought on a whim. It was cream of poblano pepper soup. Now, I'm not usually a big condensed soup user, but this one caught my eye because it was unique. I bought it without any clue as to how I would use it, and it had been gathering dust for a while.
My husband had mentioned earlier in the day that he would like to have some tuna soon so I grabbed a package from the shelf. Then my brain started to squeak and pop and whir. How about a new twist on the old, lame tuna casserole? So I got to work and came up with this.
Tex-Mex Tuna Casserole
1 6 oz. Package tuna
2 cups egg noodles
1 can condensed cream of poblano pepper soup
3/4 cup half and half
1/2 cup mayo
1 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1 4 oz. can sliced mushrooms, drained
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook egg noodles according to package directions.
Combine egg noodles with remaining ingredients reserving 1/2 cup of cheese. Pour into greased casserole dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Bake for 40 minutes.
Since there are no little green peas thrown in, you could serve it with a salad on the side. Or maybe even some fresh sweet corn kernels mixed with peppers, garlic, and a few black beans... The possibilities are endless!
I made it for the second time last night, and we loved it just as much. You sure wouldn't recognize it as tuna casserole. I bet even my brother-in-law, Martin, would like it. He's not a fan of tuna casserole to put it mildly.
And here's a testament to how easy it is to make: I made it tonight with no help. Big deal, right? Well, I fell while heading out to feed the chickens Sunday evening and sprained and fractured my ankle. So not only am I a waddling 7-month pregnant gal, but I'm also on crutches and sporting an air cast. Oh, and dodging an 18-month old with a newly discovered love of cars. They're everywhere! Watch your step or you might suddenly get the feeling that you've strapped on a pair of roller skates.
So look up the soup and try it out. If you can't find it, I'd try substituting a can of something like cream of chicken or mushroom and add a small can of diced green chilies. Should be close!
Keep lovin' and keep cookin'.
