There is something mighty satisfying about a supper that asks so little of you and still turns out warm, creamy, and comforting by dinnertime. This 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Tuna is the kind of practical pantry meal folks in the Midwest have leaned on for generations, built from simple staples and good sense. Using undrained chunk light tuna gives the dish extra flavor and moisture right from the start, and the slow cooker does the rest while you go on about your day.
This cozy tuna dish is especially good spooned over buttered egg noodles, fluffy white rice, or mashed potatoes if you want a heartier plate. A side of green beans, sweet peas, or a crisp lettuce salad balances the richness nicely, and a few crackers or slices of toasted bread on the side make it feel like an old-fashioned family supper.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Tuna
Servings: 4
Ingredients
2 cans (5 ounces each) undrained chunk light tuna
1 can (10 1/2 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup diced onion
8 ounces egg noodles, cooked for serving
Directions
1. Add the undrained chunk light tuna, condensed cream of mushroom soup, frozen peas, and diced onion to the slow cooker.
2. Stir gently until everything is evenly combined.
3. Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, until heated through and the onions have softened.
4. Spoon the hot tuna mixture over cooked egg noodles and serve right away.
Variations & Tips
Add a little seasoning: If your pantry allows for a sixth ingredient or two, a pinch of black pepper, a little garlic powder, or a sprinkle of dried parsley can perk things up nicely without changing the character of the dish.
Make it extra creamy: For a softer, richer finish, stir in a splash of milk or a spoonful of sour cream during the last 20 minutes of cooking. That is especially helpful if you plan to serve it over noodles that soak up a lot of sauce.
Try a different vegetable: Frozen mixed vegetables or chopped green beans can stand in for the peas if that is what you have tucked away in the freezer. It is a thrifty way to keep supper flexible and still filling.
Serve it your way: This mixture also works well on toast, baked potatoes, or rice if you do not have egg noodles on hand. Recipes like this are meant to bend with the cupboard, and that is part of their charm.