Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Comfort waves crash through my kitchen whenever I whip up this classic tuna noodle casserole that promises warmth and nostalgia.

Memories of childhood dinners dance around familiar ingredients waiting to blend into something magical.

Creamy textures and crispy edges tell stories of generations who cherished simple, hearty meals.

We know pasta can be a canvas for delicious creativity, especially when tuna joins the party.

Crisp breadcrumbs scattered across the top create a golden landscape of culinary potential.

Weeknight dinner solutions rarely come more satisfying than this humble yet spectacular dish.

Let’s rescue dinnertime with a recipe that hugs you from the inside out.

Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe Highlights

• An effortless one-dish meal that brings warmth and nostalgia to your dinner table with minimal preparation.
• Takes just 45 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy families needing a delicious and satisfying meal without complicated cooking techniques.
• Combines familiar ingredients like tuna, noodles, and cheese that children love, while offering balanced nutrition they need with minimal fuss.
• Uses affordable pantry staples and canned tuna to create a hearty meal that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank, making it an economical choice for home cooks.

Ingredients Needed for Tuna Noodle Casserole

• Egg Noodles: Soft, wide noodles that provide the hearty foundation for the casserole. Wide egg noodles work best for classic texture.

• Tuna: Canned protein that adds rich seafood flavor. Choose solid white albacore for best quality and texture.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Milk: Creamy base that binds ingredients together. Low-fat milk can be substituted.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts smoothly and adds rich flavor. Shredded medium or sharp cheddar recommended.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that provides depth of flavor. Fresh onions and garlic preferred over dried.
• Frozen Peas: Sweet green vegetables that add color and nutrition. Thawed peas work perfectly.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika: Classic seasonings that enhance overall taste. Fresh ground pepper recommended.

• Panko Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese, Butter: Crispy topping that adds crunch and golden color. Japanese-style panko creates best texture.

Steps for Making Tuna Noodle Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Pasta Base

Place a large pot of water on the stove and bring to a rolling boil. Add egg noodles and cook until perfectly tender. Once done, drain noodles and set aside.

Step 2: Create Flavor Foundation

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until onions become translucent and fragrant. Toss in frozen peas and warm them through.

Step 3: Develop Creamy Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Whole milk
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Stir continuously until cheese melts and sauce becomes silky smooth.

Step 4: Incorporate Protein

Gently fold chunks of tuna and cooked noodles into the creamy mixture. Ensure everything is evenly coated and combined.

Step 5: Build Casserole Layer

Transfer the complete mixture into a greased rectangular baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 6: Craft Crunchy Topping

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Melted butter

Sprinkle this golden mixture across the casserole surface.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into a preheated oven at 375°F. Bake until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and edges become crispy.

Step 8: Serve With Love

Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy this comforting classic straight from the oven.

Helpful Tips for the Best Tuna Noodle Casserole

• Select Perfect Pasta: Choose egg noodles with slight firmness to maintain texture after baking, preventing mushy results.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Adjust milk quantity for desired creaminess, adding gradually to achieve smooth, not runny sauce.
• Boost Flavor Complexity: Add a splash of white wine or lemon juice to enhance the sauce's depth and brighten overall taste profile.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap tuna with rotisserie chicken or canned salmon for varied protein alternatives that work beautifully.
• Create Crispy Topping Hack: Toast breadcrumbs separately before sprinkling to guarantee extra crunch and golden-brown perfection.

Storage Instructions for Tuna Noodle Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn. Freeze up to 2 months for later enjoyment.
• Preheat oven to 350F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying out, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through completely.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.

Meals That Pair with Tuna Noodle Casserole

• A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the creamy casserole's richness, offering a refreshing contrast that enhances the tuna's delicate flavor.
• Toss mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette, fresh herbs, and cucumber to add brightness and acidity that balances the casserole's hearty texture.
• Serve crunchy dill pickle spears or quick-pickled vegetables on the side to provide a sharp, acidic counterpoint to the creamy, rich dish.
• Offer warm, crusty sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add a delightful textural element to the meal.

Recipe Adjustments for Tuna Noodle Casserole

• Gluten-Free Tuna Casserole: Replace egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or rice noodles. Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and panko breadcrumbs made from gluten-free ingredients.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk. Replace cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative. Use vegan butter for the topping.
• Protein Power Boost: Add cooked quinoa or white beans to increase protein content. Mix in diced bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients and color.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Replace tuna with canned salmon or white fish. Add kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and swap regular cheese with feta. Sprinkle with fresh oregano before serving.

FAQs for the Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

• Can I use a different type of noodle?

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

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-fat cream of mushroom soup, reduced-fat cheese, whole wheat noodles, and add extra vegetables like spinach or broccoli to boost nutritional value.

• Is canned tuna the only protein option?

No, you can replace tuna with canned chicken, cooked shredded chicken, or even canned salmon for variety. Ensure the protein is well-drained before adding.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to baking time if coming straight from the refrigerator.

Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets nostalgia in this classic tuna noodle casserole, blending creamy sauce, tender egg noodles, and flaky tuna. Crispy breadcrumb topping adds crunch, making this dish a hearty reminder of home-cooked meals that invite you to savor every comforting bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein Ingredients:

• 2 (5 ounces) cans tuna, drained and flaked

Starch Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) egg noodles
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

Complementary Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups frozen peas (or mixed vegetables)
• 1 (10.5 ounces) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
• 1 cup milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 375F (190C), creating an ideal environment for baking the casserole.
2. Boil the egg noodles until they reach a perfect al dente texture, then drain and set them aside for later incorporation.
3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
4. Sauté diced onions until they become translucent and softened, releasing their sweet aromatics.
5. Add minced garlic and quickly cook to enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
6. Introduce frozen peas to the skillet, warming them through and adding a burst of vibrant color and nutrition.
7. Pour in cream of mushroom soup, milk, and cheddar cheese, stirring until the mixture becomes a smooth, creamy consistency.
8. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and paprika to elevate the taste profile.
9. Gently fold in the tuna, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the creamy mixture.
10. Incorporate the cooked noodles, carefully mixing to coat them completely with the sauce.
11. Transfer the entire mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
12. Combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter to create a crispy, golden topping.
13. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture generously over the casserole, ensuring complete coverage.
14. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown.
15. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, helping it set and cool slightly.
16. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and additional flavor before serving.

Notes

• Enhance texture by toasting panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet before sprinkling on top for extra crunch and golden color.
• Customize protein options by substituting tuna with rotisserie chicken, canned salmon, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and choosing reduced-fat cheese varieties without compromising flavor.
• Boost nutritional value by adding chopped spinach or mixed vegetables to increase veggie content and create a more balanced meal.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg