Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole

When you’re craving comfort food that feels like a warm hug, Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole is the recipe that never lets you down. It’s a classic for a reason, combining tender pasta, creamy sauce, savory tuna, and a crispy topping that brings it all together. This casserole is simple, hearty, and perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll know why this dish has been a family favorite for generations.

Why You’ll Love Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole

This dish is a nostalgic hit that brings back fond memories of comforting family meals. Here’s why it’s so special:

Comfort Food at Its Best

There’s something magical about a casserole that’s baked to perfection—golden, bubbly, and filled with layers of creamy, savory goodness. It’s the ultimate feel-good dish.

Quick & Easy

This recipe is as straightforward as they come. With minimal prep and a few simple ingredients, you can have dinner on the table in no time, making it perfect for busy nights.

Family-Friendly

Tuna noodle casserole is always a crowd-pleaser. The creamy sauce, tender pasta, and crispy topping are a winning combo that will satisfy kids and adults alike.

Budget-Friendly

Using pantry staples like canned tuna, egg noodles, and cream of mushroom soup, this dish is super affordable, making it a great option when you’re cooking on a budget.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this nostalgic dish:

For the Casserole:

• Egg noodles: Tender and slightly chewy, egg noodles are the perfect base for this dish. They soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Canned tuna: The star protein of this casserole. Tuna adds a savory, umami flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
• Cream of mushroom soup: This classic ingredient creates a rich, velvety base for the casserole. It’s the secret to that perfect creamy texture.
• Milk: Used to thin out the soup and create the sauce that coats the noodles and tuna.
• Frozen peas: A pop of green to add freshness and color. Plus, they balance out the richness of the casserole.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Because what’s a casserole without cheese? The cheddar adds a sharp, melty layer that makes everything even more delicious.
• Breadcrumbs: For that crispy, golden topping that contrasts with the creamy filling.

For the Topping:

• Butter: To toast the breadcrumbs and make the topping extra crispy and golden.

(Note: Exact measurements are provided in the recipe card above!)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and gets nice and bubbly.

2. Cook the Pasta

Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. Make sure not to overcook them, as they’ll continue cooking in the oven.

3. Prepare the Casserole Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned tuna (drained), cream of mushroom soup, milk, and frozen peas. Stir everything together until well combined. If you like, you can add a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder for extra flavor.

4. Add the Cheese

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, making sure it’s evenly mixed into the sauce. This will create that creamy, cheesy base that’s the heart of the casserole.

5. Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked egg noodles to the sauce mixture and gently stir to combine, making sure all the noodles are coated in that creamy goodness.

6. Prepare the Topping

Melt the butter in a small pan over low heat. Add the breadcrumbs and toss them in the butter, allowing them to toast slightly. This will give your topping that crispy, golden texture.

7. Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs evenly over the top, making sure to cover the entire casserole.

8. Bake the Casserole

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.

9. Let It Rest

Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for a few minutes to set. It’ll be tempting to dive in right away, but a short rest allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

10. Serve and Enjoy

Scoop out generous portions and serve warm. Enjoy your comforting, cheesy, and creamy tuna noodle casserole!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 380
Total Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 600mg
Total Carbohydrates: 36g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 20g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole

This classic casserole pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to round out your meal:

Fresh Green Salad

Pair with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.

Garlic Bread

Who doesn’t love some crispy garlic bread alongside a comforting casserole? The crunchy, garlicky bread will complement the creamy casserole perfectly.

Steamed Vegetables

Serve with some lightly steamed vegetables, like broccoli or carrots, to add a touch of freshness and color to your plate.

Roasted Potatoes

Crispy roasted potatoes on the side will add some extra texture and heartiness to the meal.

Additional Tips

Use Tuna in Oil or Water

You can use either canned tuna in oil or water, depending on your preference. Tuna in oil will give a richer flavor, while tuna in water is a bit lighter.

Add Extra Veggies

Feel free to throw in some extra vegetables, like diced carrots, mushrooms, or even spinach. They’ll add more texture and flavor to the casserole.

Customize the Cheese

If you’re not a fan of cheddar, you can use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.

Make It Ahead

You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if you’re starting with a cold casserole.

Freeze Leftovers

This casserole freezes beautifully! Just store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 45 minutes, or until it’s hot and bubbly.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Yes, you can use any pasta you like—penne, shells, or rotini would work great in this casserole!

Q2: Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
A2: Sure! If you have fresh tuna on hand, you can cook and flake it before adding it to the casserole.

Q3: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can assemble it the night before and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to enjoy.

Q4: How can I make this casserole spicier?
A4: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a little hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick.

Q5: Can I use a different type of soup?
A5: If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom, you can use cream of celery or cream of chicken soup instead.

Q6: Can I add a crunchy topping without breadcrumbs?
A6: Yes! You can use crushed potato chips, crushed crackers, or even fried onions for a different kind of crunch.

Q7: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
A7: Absolutely! Just use gluten-free pasta and make sure your soup is gluten-free as well.

Q8: Can I add more cheese?
A8: You can never have too much cheese! Add extra cheese on top before baking for an even cheesier casserole.

Q9: How long will leftovers keep?
A9: Leftovers will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.

Q10: Can I freeze the casserole?
A10: Yes, you can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Make sure to cover it tightly with foil before freezing.

Conclusion

Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole is one of those dishes that will never go out of style. It’s hearty, comforting, and filled with all the flavors that make you feel right at home. With its creamy sauce, cheesy goodness, and crispy topping, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Enjoy every bite!

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