Tuna Casserole III Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe yields 4 servings.

• 2 (10 ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 2 (5 ounce) cans tuna, drained and flaked
• 7 ounces crushed potato chips

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Lightly grease a 9-inch glass pie dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the mushroom soup, tuna, and 1/4 of the crushed potato chips. Stir well until fully incorporated.
3. Transfer the mixture into the prepared pie dish, spreading it evenly.
4. Top the casserole with the remaining crushed potato chips.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the top layer of potato chips turns golden brown.
6. Remove from the oven and allow the dish to cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	465
Total Fat	28g
Saturated Fat	8g
Cholesterol	19mg
Sodium	1208mg
Total Carbohydrate	34g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Total Sugars	2g
Protein	22g
Vitamin C	9mg
Calcium	36mg
Iron	3mg
Potassium	1052mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Origin and History:

The origin of the Tuna Casserole, including the "Tuna Casserole III" variation, can be traced back to the mid-20th century. It became popular in the United States during the 1950s when home cooking shifted towards simplicity and convenience. With the rise of canned foods such as tuna, cream of mushroom soup, and potato chips, this dish became an affordable, easy-to-prepare meal for families, especially during economic downturns or busy schedules. While the exact origins of the "Tuna Casserole III" recipe are unclear, it draws upon classic American comfort food traditions that utilize pantry staples to create a hearty, satisfying meal. Over the decades, this casserole has evolved with regional adaptations, adding various vegetables or seasonings based on individual preferences.

Regional Variations:

While the Tuna Casserole is a widely enjoyed dish across the United States, different regions put their unique spin on it. In the Midwest, for example, it's common to add ingredients like peas or corn, while on the West Coast, some cooks may include a sprinkle of cheese or even top it with crispy fried onions for added texture. In some Southern states, casseroles are often prepared with different types of chips, such as BBQ-flavored, adding a smoky kick to the dish. The simplicity of the ingredients also allows for regional creativitysome families might add other canned vegetables like green beans or carrots, while others stick to the traditional potato chip topping.

Distinguishing Features:

What sets Tuna Casserole III apart from other similar dishes, like the more traditional "tuna noodle casserole," is its use of crushed potato chips as both a binder and a crunchy topping. Unlike the more common noodle-based casseroles, which typically feature a rich, creamy sauce and layers of pasta, Tuna Casserole III skips the noodles and relies on the texture and saltiness of the chips to complement the creamy tuna and soup base. This makes it a unique take on the classic casserole concept, offering a different flavor profile while maintaining the essence of comfort food. The absence of noodles makes it feel less like a pasta dish and more like a casserole, with a delightful contrast of creamy and crispy textures.

Where It's Served:

Tuna Casserole III is a beloved dish that is often served as a quick and affordable weeknight dinner, especially in households with children or in situations where time and budget are limited. It can also be found in school cafeterias, potlucks, and church dinners, where it serves as a crowd-pleasing dish that's both filling and easy to prepare in large quantities. Due to its simplicity and affordability, this casserole has become a staple in American comfort food culture, evoking nostalgia for many who grew up with it on the dinner table. It is also a popular choice for families looking for an inexpensive meal that can be made with pantry staples like canned tuna and soup.

Interesting Facts:

• In the 1950s, casseroles like this one became synonymous with the "mid-century modern" family meal, characterized by convenience and affordability. Tuna casserole was especially popular due to its use of inexpensive ingredients and its ease of preparation.
• Although potato chips are a signature topping in this version, some recipes call for crackers, corn flakes, or even breadcrumbs to create that satisfying crunch.
• The humble tuna casserole has found its way into the pop culture of several generations. It's not just a mealit's a symbol of the 1950s home-cooked tradition, often featured in nostalgic retrospectives about post-war American dining habits.
• There are numerous variations of this recipe available today. Many home cooks adapt it by adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers, or they may use different types of soup, such as cream of celery or cream of chicken.

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