The Best Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

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tuna noodle casserole

Alright, you guys, this Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole is about to become your ultimate comfort food champion.

I’m talking tender egg noodles, savory chunks of tuna, a velvety mushroom soup sauce, and a gooey layer of melted cheddar cheese.

Oh, and don’t forget the golden, crispy breadcrumb topping that takes it to the next level. It’s the perfect cozy dish for family dinners, meal prep, or even those nights when you just need something easy yet ridiculously satisfying.

Plus, it uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry

🍳 Recipe Scorecard

Family-Friendly: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of Preparation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Time Required: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Budget-Friendly: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

For this delicious casserole recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

IngredientAmount
Egg noodles12 ounces
Cream of mushroom soup2 cans
Tuna, drained and flaked2 cans
Milk1 ⅓ cups
Frozen peas1 cup
Shredded cheddar cheese1 ½ cups
Salt and pepperTo taste
Breadcrumbs1 cup
Butter, melted2 tablespoons
Parsley, chopped2 tablespoons

Optional Add-Ons

  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms: For extra texture and flavor.
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Mixed with the breadcrumbs for a cheesy topping.
  • ½ tsp garlic powder: For an additional flavor boost.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Egg Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir in the drained and flaked tuna, frozen peas, and diced onion. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until everything is evenly combined.

Step 3: Combine the Noodles and Sauce: Add the cooked and drained egg noodles to the mixing bowl with the sauce. Gently toss until the noodles are fully coated in the creamy mixture.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter. Pour the noodle and sauce mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 5: Make the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumbs over the casserole. Top with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

Step 6: Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.

Step 7: Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley, if desired.

Tips for Success

  • Drain the Tuna Well: To avoid a watery casserole, make sure the tuna is thoroughly drained before adding it to the mix.
  • Cook Noodles Al Dente: Slightly undercooked noodles will absorb the sauce while baking without becoming mushy.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: If possible, use fresh parsley and high-quality cheese for the best flavor.

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the casserole in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Tuna Noodle Casserole with:

  • A Crisp Green Salad: Toss together mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers with a light vinaigrette.
  • Garlic Bread: Serve warm slices of crusty garlic bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.
  • Steamed Vegetables: Balance the richness with simple steamed broccoli or asparagus.
Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

🐟 Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

📋 Ingredients

  • 12 ounces egg noodles
  • 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
  • 2 cans tuna, drained and flaked
  • 1 ⅓ cups milk
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
  • Salt & pepper to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1
Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
In a large bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, cheddar cheese, tuna, peas, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3
Add cooked noodles to the sauce mixture and toss until fully coated. Pour into prepared baking dish.
4
Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle over casserole, then top with chopped parsley.
5
Bake uncovered 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.

📊 Storage & Tips

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator.
Reheat: Oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave 2-3 minutes.
Pro Tips: Drain tuna well to avoid watery casserole. Cook noodles al dente—they’ll continue cooking while baking. Use fresh parsley and quality cheese for best flavor.
Serve With: Crisp green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.

Source: RecipeCookHub.com

Why This Recipe Works

This casserole is proof that you can take pantry basics and turn them into something magical. The creamy, cheesy sauce coats every bite of tender noodles, while the crunchy breadcrumb topping brings that satisfying texture we all crave.

It’s not just comforting; it’s versatile—ideal for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead for busy weeknights. Plus, you can easily customize it with veggies, spices, or even different cheeses to suit your taste.

Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this delicious classic in your rotation!

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