Save A comforting, creamy baked casserole featuring tender noodles, savory tuna, and a golden, crispy onion topping—perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
I first made this tuna noodle casserole when I wanted to recreate the nostalgic flavors of my childhood. The combination of creamy sauce and crispy onions quickly became a staple at our family gatherings.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 340 g (12 oz) wide egg noodles
- Protein: 2 cans (each 170 g/6 oz) tuna in water, drained
- Vegetables: 1 cup frozen peas, 1 small onion (finely chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional), 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Sauce: 1 can (295 g/10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- Topping: 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions (store-bought), 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the oven:
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish.
- Cook the noodles:
- Boil the egg noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Sauté chopped onion and garlic in a bit of oil over medium heat until soft (about 3 minutes). Add mushrooms if using and cook until tender.
- Mix the sauce:
- In a large bowl, whisk together condensed soup, milk, sour cream, shredded cheese, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Combine ingredients:
- Add noodles, drained tuna, peas, sautéed vegetables, and parsley to the bowl. Stir gently to combine.
- Fill the dish:
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Make the topping:
- Toss breadcrumbs with melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs evenly, then top with crispy fried onions.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
- Rest:
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Pin it I remember my children helping to spread the crispy onions over the casserole before baking. It's become a tradition that everyone looks forward to on busy weeknights.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the casserole with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for extra color and nutrition.
Storage
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently for best results.
Nutrition
Each serving contains approximately 430 calories, 18 g total fat, 43 g carbohydrates, and 25 g protein.
Pin it Bring comfort to your table with this easy classic. Every bite is rich, creamy, and packed with a satisfying crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What noodles work best for this dish?
Wide egg noodles are ideal as they hold sauce well and provide a tender bite.
- → Can I substitute the tuna with other proteins?
Yes, canned salmon or shredded cooked chicken can be used as alternatives to tuna.
- → How do I achieve a crispy topping?
Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole, then add crispy fried onions before baking.
- → Is it possible to add vegetables to the bake?
Frozen peas are included, and optional mushrooms can be sautéed with onions for extra flavor and texture.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the mixture and refrigerate before baking; add the topping just before placing in the oven.
- → What can enhance the flavor of the sauce?
A splash of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the creamy mushroom base nicely.