Tuna Noodle Casserole
A classic Tuna Noodle Casserole delivering creamy, comforting flavors with tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, and a rich mushroom sauce baked to golden perfection. Quick to prepare and budget-friendly, perfect for cozy family dinners or easy weeknight meals.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with substitutions)
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 2 cans (5 oz each) canned tuna in water, drained and flaked
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips
- 2 tbsp butter, melted (plus extra for greasing casserole dish)
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion, sautéed
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced and sautéed
- Vegetables for variation: mushrooms, carrots, broccoli (quantity as desired)
- Prepare the Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until just tender. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix the Creamy Base: In a large bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, pepper, and optional sautéed onions and garlic. Stir until smooth.
- Add Tuna and Peas: Flake the canned tuna into the creamy mixture. Stir in frozen peas to add sweetness and vibrant color.
- Combine Noodles and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked noodles into the tuna and sauce mixture, ensuring even coating without breaking the noodles.
- Transfer and Top: Pour the mixture into a buttered casserole dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then finish with a layer of breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips for added crunch.
- Bake until Golden: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the noodles; they should be slightly undercooked as they’ll continue cooking in the oven and absorb flavors.
- Use high quality solid white tuna for a firmer texture and better taste.
- Mix breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese for an extra flavorful crunchy topping.
- Sauté onions and garlic before adding for a deeper, richer flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set and make serving easier.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: tuna noodle casserole, comfort food, tuna casserole, easy dinner, creamy casserole, baked tuna pasta