The Coziest Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe for Family Dinners

Comfort meals like hearty tuna noodle casserole bring warmth to any kitchen gathering.

Memories of childhood dinners flood back with each creamy bite.

Crispy breadcrumbs and tender pasta create a delightful texture that feels both nostalgic and satisfying.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet delicious solutions that everyone can enjoy.

Packed with protein and flavor, this classic dish offers a quick escape from mealtime stress.

Home cooks appreciate how easily this recipe comes together with pantry staples.

Prepare to experience a truly memorable meal that connects generations through its delicious simplicity.

Why Tuna Noodle Casserole Warms the Soul

• Embrace Nostalgic Comfort: Dive into a classic dish that brings back warm memories of family dinners and cozy nights, perfect for satisfying those comfort food cravings.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Combine just a few pantry staples to create a hearty meal that comes together quickly, making dinner stress-free and delicious.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Pack in protein from tuna and peas while delivering a creamy, cheesy flavor that children and adults will absolutely love.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra vegetables to make this recipe your own, turning it into a versatile meal that adapts to your family's taste preferences.

Ingredients for Tuna Noodle Casserole

• Tuna: A classic protein that brings a mild seafood flavor and tender texture to the casserole.

• Egg Noodles: A soft and wide pasta that provides a comforting base for the casserole.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Milk, Cheddar Cheese: These ingredients create a rich, creamy sauce that binds the casserole together and adds depth of flavor.

• Frozen Peas, Panko Breadcrumbs: Peas add a sweet, fresh element and green color, while panko breadcrumbs provide a crispy topping for textural contrast.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Nonstick Spray: Helps prevent the casserole from sticking to the baking dish.

How to Make Tuna Noodle Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 350°F and give a quick spritz of nonstick spray to a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Boil the egg noodles until they’re perfectly tender, then drain and set them aside.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Mixture

• Drained tuna
• Frozen peas
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk
• Half of the cheddar cheese
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything together until it’s well blended and looking delicious.

Step 4: Combine Noodles and Mixture

Gently fold the cooked noodles into the creamy mixture, making sure every noodle gets a tasty coating.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 6: Add the Crunchy Topping

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and panko breadcrumbs over the top for an irresistible crispy layer.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop the casserole into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbling and turns a beautiful golden brown.

Tips for Tuna Noodle Casserole

• Cook egg noodles just until al dente to prevent mushiness and maintain a perfect bite in your casserole.
• Add a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of dried herbs like thyme or parsley to enhance the overall taste profile.
• Substitute cream of mushroom soup with Greek yogurt or low-fat cream for a healthier, lighter version.
• Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter before sprinkling to achieve an extra golden and crunchier crust.
• Replace regular milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free alternative, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly option.

Variations for Tuna Noodle Casserole

• Seafood Swap: Replace tuna with canned salmon or canned chicken for a different protein-packed version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free egg noodles and replace panko with crushed gluten-free crackers to make the casserole celiac-friendly.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute tuna with white beans or chickpeas and use cream of mushroom soup alternative made from vegetable broth and mushrooms.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace egg noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal that still delivers incredible flavor.

Best Pairings for Tuna Noodle Casserole

Light, refreshing chardonnay or sauvignon blanc cuts through the creamy casserole, balancing its rich, hearty flavors with bright acidity.

Prepare a tangy green salad with mixed lettuce, cucumber, and a zesty vinaigrette to provide a fresh, crunchy contrast to the soft, comforting casserole.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top to add a burst of color, brightness, and subtle herbaceous notes that complement the tuna and cheese.

Warm, crusty sourdough or French bread helps soak up the creamy sauce, adding another delightful texture and making the meal more satisfying.

Storage Tips for Tuna Noodle Casserole

• Transfer leftover casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Wrap the cooled casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Thaw frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat oven to 350F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to restore crispy topping.

FAQs

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! Tuna noodle casserole is a classic comfort food that children typically love. The cheesy sauce, tender noodles, and mild tuna make it appealing to young palates.

• Can I use different types of noodles?

Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional, you can substitute with pasta like rotini, shells, or even whole wheat noodles for added nutrition.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

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

Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Classic “Tuna Noodle Casserole” brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending creamy sauce with tender pasta and flaky fish. Crunchy breadcrumb topping adds perfect texture, making this hearty dish a nostalgic meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) wide egg noodles
• 2 cans (5 ounces or 142 grams each) chunk light tuna in water, drained
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Sauce and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces or 298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk

Topping and Seasoning:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by coating with nonstick spray and heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook egg noodles until perfectly tender, then drain thoroughly.
3. Combine tuna, frozen peas, cream of mushroom soup, milk, half the cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
4. Incorporate cooked noodles into the mixture, ensuring even coating.
5. Spread the combined ingredients uniformly in the prepared baking dish.
6. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese and panko breadcrumbs over the top for a crispy texture.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the casserole becomes golden brown and bubbles around the edges.

Notes

• Swap tuna for shredded chicken or plant-based protein to create versatile meal options for different dietary preferences.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free noodles to accommodate specific nutritional needs and enhance the dish’s health profile.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition and depth of flavor, boosting the vegetable content of the casserole.
• Reduce sodium by choosing low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and controlling salt addition for heart-conscious diners.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 493 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 630 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 51 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg