Tuna Noodle Casserole

This Tuna Noodle Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish packed with tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, and a rich, flavorful sauce. Topped with a crispy, golden breadcrumb crust, this classic casserole is a budget-friendly and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or cozy family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic comfort food – Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying.
• Budget-friendly – Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
• Quick and easy – Ready in under an hour with minimal prep.
• Great for meal prep – Freezer-friendly and reheats well.
• Customizable – Add veggies, swap proteins, or make it gluten-free.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the casserole:

• 12 oz egg noodles (or pasta of choice)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup frozen peas (or mixed vegetables)
• 2 (5 oz) cans tuna (drained)
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery)
• 1 cup milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

For the topping:

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Preheat and prepare ingredients:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté the aromatics:

• In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
• Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

3. Make the creamy sauce:

• Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, salt, pepper, and paprika.
• Mix until smooth and heated through.

4. Assemble the casserole:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, tuna, peas, shredded cheese, and the creamy sauce. Stir until evenly coated.
• 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 the topping evenly over the casserole.

6. Bake the casserole:

• Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
• Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 servings
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Healthier Version: Use whole wheat pasta, low-fat milk, and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
• Extra Crunchy Topping: Add crushed potato chips or Ritz crackers on top instead of breadcrumbs.
• Spicy Tuna Casserole: Mix in ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for heat.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute cream of mushroom soup with a homemade gluten-free sauce.
• Vegetable-Packed Casserole: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrients.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals until warm.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

What’s the best type of tuna to use?

Chunk light tuna in water is best for a milder flavor, but albacore tuna works well for a richer taste.

Can I make this without cream of mushroom soup?

Yes, substitute with a homemade white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk.

Can I add cheese to the topping?

Absolutely! Mix extra shredded cheese into the breadcrumb topping for a cheesier crust.

Is this casserole kid-friendly?

Yes! The creamy texture and mild flavors make it a great meal for kids.

What should I serve with tuna noodle casserole?

A side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables pair well with this dish.

Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?

Yes, but cook and shred the fresh tuna before adding it to the casserole.

Why is my casserole dry?

Overbaking can dry out the casserole—be sure to remove it once the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Mix everything in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours. Add the breadcrumb topping before serving.

How do I make it extra creamy?

Increase the amount of sour cream or add a splash of heavy cream for an ultra-rich texture.

Conclusion

This Tuna Noodle Casserole is a classic, creamy, and comforting dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a make-ahead dish, or a nostalgic family favorite, this casserole is sure to satisfy. Serve it with a fresh salad or warm bread for a complete, delicious meal!

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