This classic tuna noodle casserole is a beloved comfort food, bringing back memories of home-cooked meals and family gatherings. Made with tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, and a creamy, flavorful sauce, it’s topped with crispy breadcrumbs for the perfect texture. This easy-to-make casserole is a timeless dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Key Information:
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Number of servings: 6
- Serving size: 1 1/2 cups
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
Ingredients:
- 300g (10 oz) egg noodles
- 2 tbsp (30g) butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 300g (10 oz) canned tuna in water, drained and flaked
- 300g (1 1/4 cups) cream of mushroom soup (canned or homemade)
- 240ml (1 cup) milk
- 120g (1 cup) frozen peas
- 100g (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese
- 60g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp (5g) Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp (2g) dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 60g (1/2 cup) breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp (15g) butter, melted (for topping)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Method of Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) casserole dish.
- Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the base: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Mix the sauce: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, Dijon mustard, thyme, and half of the shredded cheddar. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the ingredients: Gently fold in the cooked noodles, tuna, and frozen peas into the sauce mixture, ensuring everything is well coated.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the tuna noodle mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Prepare the breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Tips for Culinary Success:
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Cook the egg noodles just until al dente, as they will continue cooking in the oven.
- Make it creamier: For a richer casserole, substitute part of the milk with heavy cream or use half-and-half.
- Customize the veggies: Add other vegetables like carrots, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Use homemade soup: For a fresher taste, make your own cream of mushroom soup instead of using canned.
- Crunchier topping: For extra crunch, mix in crushed potato chips or fried onions with the breadcrumbs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use a different pasta? Yes, while egg noodles are traditional, you can use other short pastas like rotini or penne in this casserole.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake when ready to serve.
- Can I freeze tuna noodle casserole? Yes, this casserole freezes well. Assemble the dish and freeze it unbaked. When ready to cook, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
- What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup? If you don’t like mushrooms, you can use cream of celery or chicken soup instead, or make a homemade béchamel sauce for a more personalized touch.
- Can I add more protein? Yes, you can mix in extra protein like cooked chicken, shrimp, or even bacon for a heartier casserole.
This classic tuna noodle casserole is the perfect blend of nostalgia and comfort, delivering a creamy, cheesy, and hearty meal that’s easy to love. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or making it ahead for meal prep, this casserole is bound to be a crowd-pleaser. Pair it with a simple salad or steamed veggies, and enjoy a satisfying dish that brings comfort with every bite.