The Creamiest Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort calls with this hearty tuna noodle casserole that brings warmth to any dinner table.

Memories of childhood kitchens drift through creamy layers of pasta and flaky fish.

Crisp breadcrumbs crown a bubbling masterpiece packed with nostalgic flavors.

Pantry staples blend into a quick meal that satisfies hungry souls.

Weeknight magic happens when simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary.

Creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious, this recipe promises to become your new favorite go-to dinner.

Dig in and savor every comforting bite.

Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole Full of Comfort

• Whip Up Comfort Food: This classic tuna noodle casserole delivers ultimate comfort with its creamy texture and hearty ingredients that remind you of home-cooked meals.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like adding different vegetables, using alternative cheeses, or trying gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe uniquely yours.
• Budget-Friendly Meal: Packed with affordable ingredients like canned tuna, pantry staples, and frozen peas, this dish provides a delicious and economical dinner option for families.
• Quick Family Pleaser: Requires minimal prep work, simple mixing technique, and creates a crowd-pleasing meal that both kids and adults will enjoy without complicated cooking skills.

Ingredients for Classic 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 adds a savory and hearty element to the dish.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: A creamy sauce that binds the ingredients and creates a rich, smooth consistency.

• Milk: Helps to thin the soup and create a creamy sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor and melts beautifully throughout the casserole.

• Peas, Onion, Celery, Garlic: These vegetables provide a mix of sweetness, crunch, and depth of flavor to the dish.

• Breadcrumbs, Butter: Create a crispy, golden-brown crust on top of the casserole.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh touch and a pop of color to the finished casserole.

How to Make Tuna Noodle Casserole Step-by-Step

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) and get ready for a comfort food adventure.

Step 2: Cook The Noodles

Boil the egg noodles according to the package directions, then drain them completely in a colander.

Step 3: Create The Creamy Mixture

• Cooked egg noodles
• Flaky tuna
• Creamy mushroom soup
• Smooth milk
• Sweet green peas
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Diced onion
• Chopped celery
• Minced garlic

Stir everything together until well blended.

Step 4: Season The Blend

Sprinkle salt and pepper to enhance the flavors and give your casserole a tasty kick.

Step 5: Transfer To Baking Dish

Pour the creamy mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 6: Prepare The Crispy Topping

Melt butter and mix it with breadcrumbs to create a golden, crunchy layer.

Step 7: Add The Topping

Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb mixture over the casserole, covering the surface.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges are bubbling.

Step 9: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and extra freshness before serving.

Pro Tips for Creamy and Delicious Tuna Noodle Casserole

• Sauté onions and celery before adding to the mix for a deeper, richer taste profile.
• Opt for solid white albacore or chunk light tuna packed in water for the best texture and flavor.
• Add a handful of crushed potato chips or panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch and golden-brown finish.
• Swap regular egg noodles with gluten-free alternatives and use cornstarch instead of wheat-based breadcrumbs.
• Experiment with different cheeses like gruyère, monterey jack, or smoked cheddar for unique flavor variations.

Variations to Customize Tuna Noodle Casserole

• Gluten-Free Tuna Casserole: Replace egg noodles with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Swap cream of mushroom soup with a homemade gluten-free version or alternative cream sauce.
• Dairy-Free Coastal Comfort: Substitute cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative. Use coconut milk instead of regular milk and olive oil in place of butter.
• Protein Power Upgrade: Add quinoa or brown rice instead of noodles for extra protein. Mix in grilled chicken or white beans to boost nutritional value and create a heartier meal.
• Mediterranean Seafood Remix: Replace tuna with canned salmon or sardines. Add kalamata olives, diced tomatoes, and sprinkle with feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired version.

Serving Suggestions for Tuna Noodle Casserole

• Family Dinner Delight: Pair this comforting casserole with a crisp green salad topped with cucumber and cherry tomatoes for a balanced meal that adds freshness.
• Cozy Side Companion: Serve warm crusty bread or garlic toast on the side to soak up the creamy sauce and provide extra texture to the meal.
• Veggie Boost: Add a quick steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus as a nutritious green vegetable complement that enhances the overall dish's nutritional value.
• Quick Protein Plus: Complement the casserole with a light cucumber yogurt sauce or quick pickled onions for an extra tangy flavor kick that brightens the entire plate.

How to Store Tuna Noodle Casserole for Freshness

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe container or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of milk to prevent dryness. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes, removing foil last 5 minutes to crisp breadcrumb topping.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta instead of egg noodles?

Yes, you can substitute egg noodles with other pasta like wide egg noodles, rotini, or even elbow macaroni. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente before mixing with other ingredients.

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

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

• Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?

Fresh tuna works great! Simply cook and flake the tuna before mixing it into the casserole. It might add a richer flavor compared to canned tuna.

Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

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

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Description

Homemade tuna noodle casserole brings classic comfort to dinner tables with creamy sauce and crispy breadcrumb topping. Hearty ingredients and simple preparation make this nostalgic dish perfect for family meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) egg noodles
• 10 ounces (280 grams) canned tuna, drained
• 21 ounces (595 grams) cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) milk
• 2 cups (200 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 cup (150 grams) frozen peas
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Topping and Seasoning:

• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter
• 1 cup (120 grams) breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) for optimal casserole baking.
2. Prepare egg noodles following package guidelines, then thoroughly drain excess water.
3. Combine noodles with tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk, peas, cheddar cheese, onion, celery, and garlic in a spacious mixing bowl.
4. Enhance flavor profile with strategic salt and pepper seasoning.
5. Transfer the creamy mixture into a well-greased casserole dish, ensuring even distribution.
6. Create a crispy topping by melting butter and thoroughly coating breadcrumbs.
7. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly across the casserole surface for a golden, crunchy layer.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the casserole develops a bubbling texture and rich golden-brown coloration.
9. Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley to add a vibrant, herbaceous touch just before serving.

Notes

• Select high-quality tuna packed in water for a lighter, fresher taste and healthier option.
• Replace egg noodles with whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to boost nutritional value and enhance flavor complexity.
• Create a crispy topping by mixing panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese for extra crunch and depth.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 474 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 740 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg