It's Not Cat Food!

This is what I was yelling as I was opening the can of tuna for the Tuna Casserole. My cats can literally hear the can opener come out of the drawer and they come running. They always seem to think that the tuna is for them. I don't know why, because I don't think they have ever even had tuna!

This recipe reminds me of a 1950's housewife. I think it's the negative connotation that tuna casserole usually gets. This one doesn't have the icky potato chip topping ::shudder::. Instead, it's topped with breadcrumbs. It still gives the casserole a nice crunch without using chips or crackers ::shudders again::.

I found this recipe years ago and have made it several times. It's actually one of my go-to casseroles. I am surprised it hasn't made an appearance in my blog before now. I make it probably around three or four times a year. This doesn't sound like a lot, but considering I only cook on the weekends, it's a lot.

This is very easy to assemble, although it looks like beach sand when it's baked. See the picture below and you will understand. The recipe doesn't say to drain the pimento, but I always do. Please drain the mushrooms as well. You don't want the mushroom juice to overpower everything else in the recipe.

All I can think of when I eat this is my cats. But, it's hard not to think of anything else when they stare at you while you are eating. I swear they think are going to get some tuna, but they never do.

Tuna Casserole

from: Pillsbury Casseroles

1 package (7 oz) elbow macaroni (1.5 cups)

1 cup milk

1 cup (about 4 oz) shredded cheddar cheese

1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup

1 can (6 oz) tuna, drained and flaked

1 can (4 oz) mushrooms, drained
1 jar (2 oz) pimento, drained

2 teaspoons dried minced onion

1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

1/2 cup bread crumbs

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 2-quart casserole dish. In a large saucepan, cook macaroni as directed on package. Drain, return to saucepan.

2. Add all remaining ingredients except bread crumbs; stir to combine. Pour mixture into greased dish. Sprinkle with bread crumbs.

3. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes or until thoroughly heated.