Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe: A Cozy Family Favorite

Comfort food takes center stage with this classic tuna noodle casserole that brings nostalgic warmth to any dinner table.

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender noodles, this dish delivers a hearty embrace of home-cooked goodness.

Generations have savored this simple yet satisfying meal that comes together with minimal effort.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

The crispy breadcrumb topping adds a perfect crunch to the soft, creamy interior.

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more exciting with this crowd-pleasing recipe that transforms humble ingredients into something truly spectacular.

Grab a spoon and prepare to fall in love with this timeless comfort classic.

Tuna Noodle Casserole: An All-Time Comfort Classic

• Quick and Easy Comfort: Whip up this classic tuna noodle casserole with minimal prep and basic pantry ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Satisfy both kids and adults with a hearty, cheesy dish that combines familiar flavors of tuna, noodles, and creamy sauce.
• Budget-Friendly Delight: Create a filling and nutritious meal without breaking the bank, using affordable ingredients that stretch to feed the whole family.
• Versatile Weeknight Wonder: Customize with your favorite veggies or swap ingredients to keep the recipe exciting and adaptable to what you have on hand.

Pantry Staples for Tuna Noodle Casserole

• Egg Noodles: A classic pasta base that provides a soft and comforting texture to the casserole.
• Tuna: A protein-rich seafood that serves as the primary source of meat in this dish.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: A creamy sauce that binds the ingredients together and adds rich flavor.
• Peas: A sweet vegetable that brings color and nutritional value to the casserole.

• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that adds depth and creaminess to the dish.
• Milk: A liquid that helps create a smooth and cohesive texture in the casserole.

• Breadcrumbs, Butter: A crispy and golden topping that provides a crunchy contrast to the soft casserole.
• Onion, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Tuna Noodle Casserole – Assembly and Baking Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F, getting it ready for the delicious magic about to happen.

Step 2: Noodle Preparation

Boil your egg noodles following the package guidelines, then drain them completely, letting them sit ready for the flavor party.

Step 3: Mix the Comfort Ingredients

• Cooked egg noodles
• Flaky tuna
• Sweet green peas
• Creamy mushroom soup
• Smooth milk
• Diced onions
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Sprinkle in salt and pepper, giving everything a good stir to blend the flavors.

Step 4: Settle into Baking Dish

Transfer your luscious mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly for maximum deliciousness.

Step 5: Create Crunchy Topping

In a separate small bowl, blend breadcrumbs with melted butter until perfectly combined.

Step 6: Add the Crispy Crown

Shower the breadcrumb mixture over the casserole, ensuring an even, golden blanket of crunch.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges bubble with excitement.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes, letting the flavors settle before diving into this comfort food masterpiece.

Tips for Extra Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

• Pat noodles dry after draining to prevent a watery casserole and ensure a creamy, thick texture.
• Use solid white albacore or chunk light tuna for better flavor and more substantial meat pieces.
• Add a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to enhance the overall taste profile of the casserole.
• Toast breadcrumbs in a skillet before topping to create an extra-crunchy golden layer with more intense flavor.
• Substitute tuna with cooked chicken or canned salmon for a versatile family-friendly meal that suits different preferences.

Flavorful Changes for Tuna Noodle Casserole

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace egg noodles with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Swap cream of mushroom soup with a homemade gluten-free white sauce.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative. Use plant-based milk and dairy-free margarine instead of butter.
• Protein Swap: Replace tuna with canned chicken, salmon, or white beans for a different protein profile. Adjust seasoning to complement the new protein choice.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Eliminate tuna and add roasted vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. Increase cheese quantity for extra flavor and protein.

How to Plate Tuna Noodle Casserole with Sides

• Family Comfort Meal: Pair this classic tuna casserole with a crisp green salad for balanced nutrition and fresh contrast.
• Hearty Side Delight: Serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots or broccoli to add color and extra nutrients to the plate.
• Cozy Dinner Companion: Complement the casserole with warm crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the creamy sauce and add delightful texture.
• Refreshing Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon to cut through the richness of the dish.

Best Storage for Tuna Noodle Casserole Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum. Ensure container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture loss.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Label with date and contents. Freeze up to 2 months for best quality. Avoid freezing if using breadcrumb topping.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove foil last 5 minutes for crispy topping.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute egg noodles with other pasta like rotini, penne, or shells. Just cook the pasta al dente before mixing with other ingredients.

• Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the casserole, cover with foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

• Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?

While canned tuna works best for this recipe, you can use cooked, flaked fresh tuna. Just ensure it’s well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.

Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets nostalgia in this classic Tuna Noodle Casserole that brings hearty flavors from grandma’s kitchen. Crispy breadcrumb topping and creamy sauce create a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) egg noodles
• 10 ounces (280 grams) canned tuna
• 2 x 10.5 ounces (600 grams) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk

Vegetable and Cheese Additions:

• 1 cup (150 grams) frozen peas
• 1.5 cups (170 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup (75 grams) finely chopped onion

Topping and Seasonings:

• 1 cup (120 grams) plain breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• Garlic powder (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a steady 350°F, preparing for a comforting baked dish.
2. Boil egg noodles until perfectly tender, then thoroughly drain excess water.
3. Blend cooked noodles with flaky tuna, sweet green peas, creamy mushroom soup, and smooth milk in a spacious mixing bowl.
4. Incorporate finely diced onions and sharp cheddar cheese into the noodle mixture, ensuring even distribution.
5. Season the casserole with gentle salt and freshly cracked pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
6. Smoothly transfer the mixed ingredients into a lightly greased baking vessel, spreading evenly.
7. Create a crispy topping by combining buttery breadcrumbs, thoroughly coating them with melted butter.
8. Generously scatter the buttered breadcrumbs across the casserole surface for a golden, crunchy finish.
9. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, baking for 25-30 minutes until the top turns a rich golden brown and the interior bubbles with warmth.
10. Allow the casserole to rest and slightly cool for a few minutes before serving to let flavors meld and settle.

Notes

• Use high-quality tuna packed in water for a lighter, fresher flavor profile that doesn’t feel too greasy.
• Try whole wheat or gluten-free noodles to make the casserole more nutritious and accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill to brighten the dish and add a layer of complexity to the traditional recipe.
• For a crunchier topping, mix panko breadcrumbs with parmesan cheese instead of regular breadcrumbs to create an extra crispy golden crust.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 404 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 542 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg