Soul-Warming Hearty Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe for Comfort

Comfort food reaches new heights with this classic tuna noodle casserole that delivers pure satisfaction.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this simple yet delicious dish that brings warmth to any dinner table.

The tender egg noodles embrace creamy sauce and flaky tuna in every satisfying bite.

Crispy breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch that elevates this nostalgic recipe from ordinary to extraordinary.

Packed with protein and rich flavors, this casserole comes together quickly with pantry staples you likely have on hand.

Budget-friendly and crowd-pleasing, this meal promises to become a trusted weeknight favorite that sparks smiles around the dinner table.

Hungry diners won’t be able to resist seconds of this comforting culinary classic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 6

Inside the Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

• Egg Noodles: Classic pasta base that provides hearty texture and absorbs delicious sauce.
• Tuna: Lean protein packed with omega-3, choose wild-caught or sustainable canned varieties for best flavor.

• Butter: Creates rich, smooth foundation for sauce, select unsalted for better control of salt levels.
• Onion: Adds deep savory undertones and aromatic base, fresh yellow onions work best.
• Garlic: Brings intense, robust flavor punch, choose fresh cloves for maximum taste.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy binding agent that adds depth and silky consistency.
• Milk: Smooths sauce and enhances creaminess, whole milk recommended for richer result.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides sharp, tangy flavor profile, aged varieties offer more intense taste.
• Frozen Peas: Adds bright color, sweet freshness, and nutritional boost to casserole.
• Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Essential seasoning trio that balances and elevates overall taste.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates irresistible crunchy layer, lighter and crispier than traditional breadcrumbs.
• Parmesan Cheese: Introduces nutty, salty element to topping, grated fresh is ideal.

Tuna Noodle Casserole Must-Have Tools

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking sauce and mixing ingredients.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for assembling and baking the casserole.
• Colander: Needed to drain cooked noodles.
• Small bowl: Used for mixing breadcrumb topping.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Important for accurate ingredient amounts.
• Cutting board: Helpful for chopping onions and garlic.
• Chef's knife: Needed for dicing onions and chopping parsley.

How to Cook Tuna Noodle Casserole Like Grandma

• Boil Noodles

Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and cook the noodles until they’re perfectly tender. Drain and set them aside, ready for the delicious transformation ahead.

• Create Creamy Sauce

Melt butter in a large skillet, then sauté onions until they turn soft and fragrant. Toss in some garlic for an extra flavor kick, and add sweet green peas to brighten things up.

• Blend Flavor Makers

Stir in the rich mushroom soup, splash of milk, and sprinkle of cheese. Let everything mingle and get super smooth. Gently fold in the flaky tuna and cooked noodles, making sure every bite will be amazing.

• Build the Casserole

Transfer the creamy mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly for maximum deliciousness.

• Add Crunchy Topping

Mix breadcrumbs with Parmesan and melted butter to create a golden, crispy crown for your casserole.

• Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish into a preheated oven and bake until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges start to bubble with excitement.

• Serve and Devour

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes, then dig in and enjoy the comfort food magic you’ve just created!

Tips and Tweaks for Tuna Noodle Casserole

• Flavor Boosters: Add a splash of white wine or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the sauce for extra depth and complexity.
• Texture Tricks: Toast the panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet before topping to enhance their crunch and golden color.
• Dietary Swaps: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free egg noodles and cream of mushroom soup, and replace panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Protein Alternatives: Swap tuna with cooked chicken, salmon, or plant-based protein like chickpeas for a different twist on the classic casserole.
• Veggie Boost: Experiment with additional vegetables like roasted bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to increase nutrition and add more layers of flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Tuna Noodle Casserole

• Comfort Food Companion: Pair this hearty tuna noodle casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, creamy texture and add fresh nutrients.
• Protein Power-Up: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to enhance the meal's nutritional profile and provide additional vegetable servings.
• Bread Basket Bonus: Complement the casserole with warm garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce and create a more satisfying meal experience.
• Wine Pairing Wonder: Choose a light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the creamy casserole and refresh the palate.

Storing Leftover Tuna Noodle Casserole

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover casserole in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Always use clean utensils when handling to prevent bacterial growth.
• Quick Freezing Technique: Wrap individual portions or the entire casserole tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen casserole maintains quality for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For best texture, reheat in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Add a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed.
• Ingredient Freshness Hack: Check tuna and dairy products' expiration dates before preparing. Keep ingredients refrigerated and use within recommended timeframes. Discard any casserole left at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety.

Hearty Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Comforting tuna noodle casserole brings classic American home cooking to the dinner table with creamy, cheesy goodness. Crispy breadcrumb topping and tender egg noodles make this nostalgic dish a family favorite you’ll want to savor.

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Ingredients

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• 2 (5 oz / 142 g) cans tuna, drained and flaked
• 12 oz (340 g) egg noodles
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 1 (10.5 oz / 298 g) can cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 cups frozen peas
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Warm the oven to 375F (190C), establishing the perfect thermal environment for baking.
2. Noodle Preparation: Cook egg noodles to al dente perfection, drain, and reserve for later integration.
3. Flavor Foundation: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat, creating a rich culinary base.
4. Aromatic Layering: Sauté onions until translucent, releasing their delicate sweetness, then introduce minced garlic for depth of flavor.
5. Vegetable Incorporation: Add frozen peas, warming them to inject vibrant color and nutritional value.
6. Sauce Creation: Blend cream of mushroom soup, milk, and cheddar cheese, stirring until achieving a luxurious, smooth consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika to elevate the taste profile.
7. Protein Integration: Fold in tuna, ensuring even distribution throughout the creamy mixture, then gently combine with prepared noodles.
8. Casserole Assembly: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
9. Crispy Topping: Mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter to create a golden, crunchy crown.
10. Baking Finale: Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture over the casserole, bake for 20-25 minutes until achieving a beautiful golden-brown crust. Rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven.
11. Optional Flourish: Garnish with fresh parsley for a final touch of color and flavor before serving.

Notes

• Prevent Mushy Noodles: Cook egg noodles just until al dente, as they’ll continue cooking in the oven and can easily become soggy if overcooked.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Use low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and season carefully to control salt levels, allowing the individual ingredients to shine.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap canned tuna with rotisserie chicken, salmon, or plant-based alternatives like white beans for dietary flexibility.
• Bread Crumb Crunch Technique: Toast panko breadcrumbs briefly in a dry skillet before mixing with Parmesan to intensify their golden, crispy texture and nutty flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 359
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 47 mg