Save A comforting creamy baked casserole featuring tender noodles savory tuna and a golden crispy onion topping, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Whenever I make this tuna noodle casserole it instantly transports me back to childhood family gatherings. The creamy sauce brings everyone to the table, and it is a dish my kids always ask for seconds of.
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
- Preheat & Prepare Dish:
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly grease a 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish.
- Cook Noodles:
- Cook egg noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onion and garlic in oil until soft, about 3 minutes. Add mushrooms if using, and cook until tender.
- Make Sauce:
- In a large bowl, whisk together condensed soup, milk, sour cream, cheese, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Combine:
- Add cooked noodles, drained tuna, peas, sautéed vegetables, and parsley to bowl. Stir gently to combine.
- Transfer & Top:
- Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Toss breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over casserole, then top with crispy fried onions.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbling and topping is golden brown.
- Rest & Serve:
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Save This casserole is always a hit during busy weeknights, and my kids love helping to sprinkle the crispy onions on top before it goes in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this casserole with a simple green salad for a balanced meal, or serve alongside roasted vegetables for extra flavor.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate up to a day before baking. Leftovers keep well covered in the fridge for 3 days.
Variations
Try substituting canned salmon or cooked shredded chicken for tuna, or use low-fat dairy for a lighter version.
Save With its creamy sauce and crispy topping this classic casserole makes weeknight meals both simple and comforting.
Recipe Guide
- → What type of noodles work best for this dish?
Wide egg noodles are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce well and maintain a tender texture after baking.
- → Can I substitute the tuna with other proteins?
Yes, canned salmon or cooked shredded chicken can be used to vary the flavors while keeping the dish hearty.
- → How is the crispy onion topping prepared?
Store-bought crispy fried onions combined with buttered breadcrumbs create a crunchy, golden topping after baking.
- → What can I add to enhance the sauce flavor?
A splash of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice can add brightness and a subtle kick to the creamy sauce.
- → Is it possible to make this dish lighter?
Using low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese helps reduce calories without compromising the creamy texture.