Description
Creamy, comforting, and filled with nostalgia, this Tuna Noodle Casserole brings together tender noodles, flaky tuna, sweet peas, and melted cheddar in a rich mushroom sauce topped with buttery breadcrumbs. It’s the ultimate family-friendly bake that’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and sure to warm your table and your heart.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz egg noodles, cooked al dente and drained
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, for optional garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Combine cooked noodles, drained tuna, mushroom soup, thawed peas, half of the cheddar cheese, and milk in a large bowl. Mix gently until well combined.
- Season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir again to evenly distribute the seasoning.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and pressing lightly to compact.
- Top with the remaining cheese. In a separate bowl, combine melted butter and breadcrumbs. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired.
Notes
- Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or cream of chicken for a flavor twist.
- Add sautéed onions or mushrooms for extra depth.
- To make ahead, assemble and refrigerate the unbaked casserole for up to 24 hours.
- For a crispier top, broil for the last 2–3 minutes, watching closely.
- Use gluten-free noodles and soup to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: tuna noodle casserole, creamy tuna pasta bake, comfort food, family casserole, easy tuna recipe, baked pasta dish, classic casserole