Tuna Noodle Casserole

Introduction

A true classic of American comfort food, Tuna Noodle Casserole has been a beloved family staple for decades. Creamy, hearty, and budget-friendly, this dish combines tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, sweet peas, and a rich, savory sauce, all baked together under a golden breadcrumb topping. It’s the kind of recipe that feels nostalgic, bringing back memories of cozy weeknight dinners and family gatherings.

What makes this casserole so appealing is its simplicity—it’s easy to make with pantry staples, and it stretches a few ingredients into a filling, crowd-pleasing meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or bringing a dish to a potluck, tuna noodle casserole is a reliable favorite that delivers every time.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the perfect mix of comfort and convenience. The creamy sauce clings to the noodles, the tuna adds protein and depth, and the peas bring sweetness and color. The crunchy breadcrumb topping adds the perfect contrast to the creamy base, making every bite satisfying.

It’s also a dish that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients to make something delicious. Just noodles, tuna, veggies, and a creamy sauce can create a meal that’s comforting, hearty, and timeless. Plus, it’s great for using up pantry and freezer staples, which means I can whip it up without a special trip to the store.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Classic Comfort Food – Warm, creamy, and filling.
• Family-Friendly – Kids and adults alike enjoy it.
• Budget-Friendly – Uses inexpensive, pantry-staple ingredients.
• Great for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day.
• Versatile – Easy to adapt with different veggies, cheeses, or proteins.

It’s a must-try dish because it’s reliable, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30–35 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories: ~380 per serving (varies with cheese and cream used)
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 12 oz egg noodles
• 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup frozen peas (thawed slightly)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
• 1 small onion, finely diced (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Cook the Pasta
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce
   • In a large bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
3. Mix the Casserole
   • Add the cooked noodles, tuna, peas, onion, and shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl. Mix gently until everything is coated.
4. Assemble the Dish
   • Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Make the Topping
   • In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
6. Bake
   • Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
7. Cool and Serve
   • Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve hot, straight from the oven, with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It’s also delicious with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook the noodles—they’ll soften further in the oven.
• Use tuna packed in water for a lighter dish or in oil for richer flavor.
• Add more veggies (like mushrooms, carrots, or broccoli) to boost nutrition.
• For extra creaminess, stir in a few tablespoons of sour cream.
• Double the cheese layer for a more indulgent casserole.

Variations

• Tuna Swap: Use shredded chicken, salmon, or even leftover turkey.
• Different Soups: Try cream of celery or cream of chicken soup instead.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Use a mix of cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Swiss.
• Crunchy Topping: Substitute crushed potato chips or Ritz crackers for the breadcrumbs.
• Healthier Version: Use whole wheat noodles, low-fat milk, and reduced-fat cheese.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Assemble casserole (without baking), wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for boiling noodles)
• Mixing bowls
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Oven

Conclusion

This Tuna Noodle Casserole is the epitome of comfort food—creamy, hearty, budget-friendly, and family-approved. With tender noodles, savory tuna, sweet peas, and a golden, crunchy topping, it’s a dish that’s both nostalgic and delicious. Easy to make, versatile, and perfect for weeknights or gatherings, this recipe is one you’ll keep coming back to again and again.

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Tuna Noodle Casserole

Author: admin Cuisine: American Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 35 mins Total Time 50 mins

Servings: 6 Calories: 380 per serving

Description

A true classic of American comfort food, Tuna Noodle Casserole has been a beloved family staple for decades. Creamy, hearty, and budget-friendly, this dish combines tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, sweet peas, and a rich, savory sauce, all baked together under a golden breadcrumb topping.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Casserole:

• 12 oz egg noodles
• 2 cans (5 oz each)
• 1 can (10.5 oz)
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup frozen peas (thawed slightly)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
• 1 small onion, finely diced (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
3. Mix the Casserole: Add the cooked noodles, tuna, peas, onion, and shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl. Mix gently until everything is coated.
4. Assemble the Dish: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
5. Make the Topping: In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
6. Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
7. Cool and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Keywords: Tuna Noodle Casserole