With the rich tastes of curry, cheese and tuna, this casserole is pure comfort food.  You can also use multigrain or whole wheat pasta, reduced-fat soup and reduced-fat cheese.

Ingredients:

1 can of flaked tuna $1.78

2.5 cups (before cooking) of small noodles like macaroni $2.17 for a 900 g pkg

1 can cream-of-mushroom or celery soup $0.97

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese $1.78 per 100 g

1 cup frozen peas $2.47 per pkg

1-3 tablespoons mild curry powder (to taste) $3.49 per 400 g pkg

1-2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp salt

Topping (optional): additional 1/2 cup shredded cheese.  If you’re going to have a topping, pre-heat oven to 250 Fahrenheit.

Total cost for this whole recipe (without additional cheese topping) approx. $8 CDN

Makes 4 servings

 * Prices quoted are those displayed at the Real Canadian SuperStore in mid-March 2009 (all in CDN dollars)

Directions:

1. Start cooking pasta according to package directions.  When pasta is halfway done, put the soup, vegetables, water and tuna in a pot under med-high heat.  

2. Stir as it heats up.  Gradually add the 1/2 cup shredded cheese.  When mixture is simmering/bubbling gently, add the curry, pepper and salt to taste.

3. By this time the pasta should be cooked.  Drain pasta, then add pasta to the tuna curry mix.  Simmer for another few minutes and serve.  OR put the mixture in a casserole dish, spread the additional 1/2 cup shredded cheese on top, and put in the pre-heated oven.  Turn on the broiler.  Cook for 3-5 minutes until cheese is browned on top, and serve.

Mmmmmmm.

Craving more Cheap Food Recipes?  Visit the Cheap Eats section of this website for more tasty meals.