Few dishes capture the cozy warmth of home quite like a Tuna Noodle Casserole. It brings together tender egg noodles, savory tuna, and a creamy, cheesy sauce for the ultimate comfort food that’s made for sharing. With just a handful of pantry staples and a quick bake, you’ll have an irresistibly bubbly, golden casserole that pleases both kids and grownups. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, looking for the perfect make-ahead meal, or simply craving something nostalgic, Tuna Noodle Casserole is a timeless dish you’ll turn to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the reasons Tuna Noodle Casserole remains a weeknight favorite is the simplicity of its ingredients. Each item, from the humble can of tuna to the sharp cheddar cheese, adds a unique layer of flavor and texture, making your casserole creamy, savory, and perfectly satisfying.
- Egg noodles: Choose wide egg noodles for their classic texture and ability to soak up all that creamy sauce.
- Unsalted butter: Provides a rich, savory base for sautéing your aromatics and adds that unmistakable homemade taste.
- Onion: Chopped and sautéed, the onion lends subtle sweetness and depth to the casserole.
- Garlic: Just a couple of minced cloves infuse the dish with a gentle, savory warmth.
- Frozen peas: These pop with color and a hint of sweetness, balancing the flavors and making each bite more interesting.
- Cream of mushroom soup: Essential for creating a luscious, creamy sauce — no stirring for hours required.
- Mayonnaise: Adds richness and a touch of tang, keeping the casserole moist without overpowering the other flavors.
- Milk: Helps thin out the sauce to the perfect consistency while contributing a bit of creaminess.
- Tuna in water: Drained and flaked, good-quality tuna is your protein star and brings classic flavor to the casserole.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melted into the casserole and sprinkled on top, cheddar brings crowd-pleasing sharpness and gooeyness.
- Salt: Just the right amount ensures every other ingredient tastes its best.
- Black pepper: A touch of black pepper wakes up the creamy flavors so they don’t taste flat.
- Garlic powder: Deepens the overall flavor without requiring extra prep.
- Breadcrumbs (optional): These create an irresistibly crunchy topping if you like a little texture on top.
How to Make Tuna Noodle Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Preparing your equipment up front means you can move seamlessly from stovetop to oven when it counts, making your Tuna Noodle Casserole experience extra simple and smooth.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Be sure to drain them just when they’re al dente, as they’ll continue to cook in the casserole. Set aside to cool slightly so they don’t stick together.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for about 3–4 minutes, until soft and fragrant. This step unlocks incredible depth of flavor and sets the foundation for the entire casserole.
Step 4: Add the Peas
Stir the frozen peas into your skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Let them cook for another 2 minutes so they soften and turn bright green while picking up the garlic-butter goodness.
Step 5: Mix the Sauce and Main Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Fold in the cooked onion, garlic, and peas. Then gently mix in the drained and flaked tuna, so every bite captures a little of everything.
Step 6: Combine Noodles and Cheese
Add your cooked noodles and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the bowl. Stir everything until thoroughly combined, making sure the noodles and tuna are evenly coated with the creamy sauce and melted cheese.
Step 7: Assemble and Top the Casserole
Pour the mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar on top, and if you’re a fan of crunch, add a layer of breadcrumbs for that classic, golden finish.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking dish into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the top is beautifully golden brown. This is where the magic happens and the aroma will have everyone circling the kitchen.
Step 9: Rest Before Serving
Let the Tuna Noodle Casserole sit for a few minutes after you take it out. This rest allows everything to set up just enough for perfect, easy-to-serve portions.
How to Serve Tuna Noodle Casserole
Garnishes
While this casserole is perfectly delicious straight from the oven, a sprinkling of chopped parsley or snipped chives can add a fresh pop of color and flavor to each serving. You might also add a pinch of extra black pepper or a light dusting of grated parmesan for even more personality.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette makes the ideal companion to your Tuna Noodle Casserole, cutting through the richness and keeping the meal balanced. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, or even some roasted carrots, are also wonderful sides that add color and crunch without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests or simply want to change things up, try spooning the casserole into individual ramekins before baking for personal, picture-perfect servings. For a homier feel, serve family-style right from the baking dish with a big spoon and let everyone help themselves—just the way tradition intended.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Tuna Noodle Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Let the casserole cool to room temperature, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to airtight containers. This makes it easy to grab a ready-made lunch or dinner on busy days.
Freezing
For longer-term storage, assemble the casserole (but hold the topping until baking), cover well, and freeze unbaked for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake with the breadcrumb topping for a freshly made, freezer-friendly dinner whenever you need it.
Reheating
To reheat, either microwave individual portions until steaming hot or place the whole dish, covered with foil, in a 350°F oven. Remove the foil during the last few minutes if you want to restore that crispy, bubbly surface. Add a splash of milk if the casserole seems dry to recapture its creamy glory.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While egg noodles are the classic choice for Tuna Noodle Casserole, you can substitute with rotini, penne, or even elbow macaroni. Just make sure to cook any alternative pasta just until al dente for the best texture.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten free?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten free by using your favorite gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs. Many brands also make gluten-free condensed soups, so the whole dish can be allergy-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
What kind of tuna works best in a Tuna Noodle Casserole?
Chunk light or solid white tuna packed in water are both excellent choices, as they hold their shape and offer a pleasant, mild flavor. For a richer taste, you could even use tuna packed in oil, just be sure to drain it well before adding.
Can I add extra veggies to my casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to bulk up your Tuna Noodle Casserole with extra vegetables like chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, celery, or even spinach. Sauté them along with the onions and garlic for best results.
How can I make the casserole creamier?
If you like your Tuna Noodle Casserole extra creamy, substitute sour cream or cream cheese for all or part of the mayonnaise. You can also stir in a splash more milk or a bit of extra cheese before baking for added richness.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Tuna Noodle Casserole from scratch, now is the perfect time to dive in. It’s an easy, soul-satisfying classic that never goes out of style and always brings folks to the table. Grab your favorite baking dish, gather the family, and let this beloved casserole work its timeless magic!
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Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this classic Tuna Noodle Casserole for a comforting and satisfying meal. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender egg noodles, peas, and flaked tuna, this easy-to-make casserole is a favorite for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings.
Ingredients
Egg Noodles:
- 1 (12-ounce) package egg noodles
Vegetable Mix:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
Sauce:
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup milk
Tuna Mixture:
- 1 (5-ounce) can tuna in water, drained and flaked
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the egg noodles according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.
- Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 2 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add the cooked onions, garlic, peas, and tuna. Stir to combine.
- Add the cooked noodles and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture and stir until evenly mixed.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and optional breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can add a little extra flavor by mixing in some chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or grated Parmesan cheese.
- If you want a creamier casserole, substitute sour cream or cream cheese for the mayonnaise.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
