Description
Tuna noodle casserole remains a staple in kitchens around the world, loved for its creamy texture, hearty ingredients, and ease of preparation. This nostalgic dish, often associated with weeknight dinners and family gatherings, brings together pantry staples like canned tuna, egg noodles, and a rich, savory sauce topped with a golden, crispy crust. Perfect for meal prepping, potlucks, or cozy nights in, this casserole offers the ultimate in comfort food satisfaction.
Ingredients
12 oz egg noodles, cooked al dente
2 cans (5 oz each) of tuna, drained and flaked
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
1 1/2 cups frozen peas, thawed
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup crushed buttery crackers or panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Cook the Noodles: Boil egg noodles according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Mix the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, sour cream, and milk. Whisk until smooth. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Combine the Casserole Base: Add the tuna, cooked noodles, peas, and cheddar cheese to the sauce mixture. Gently fold everything together until evenly combined.
Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Prepare and Add the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese if using. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the casserole.
Bake Until Golden: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and enhances the flavor.
Notes
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
- Freezer friendly: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Add-ins: Sautéed mushrooms, diced pimentos, or shredded carrots add extra flavor and nutrition.
- Lighter version: Use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese to cut down on calories.
- Topping alternatives: Panko breadcrumbs, crushed Ritz crackers, or even French fried onions make delicious variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1⅓ cups per serving
- Calories: 426
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 821mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 52mg