Description
This classic Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole is a comforting, creamy dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. With tender noodles, flaky tuna, and a rich creamy sauce, all topped with a crunchy breadcrumb topping, it’s a delicious family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz egg noodles (or any pasta shape you prefer)
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained and flaked
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional, but adds a nice touch)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko or regular)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, milk, Dijon mustard (if using), garlic powder, pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until smooth.
- Add the Tuna & Peas: Stir in the drained tuna, frozen peas (if using), and Parmesan cheese.
- Combine with Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the sauce mixture and stir until everything is well coated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the tuna noodle mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Top with Breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time, covered, and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Variations: You can add a small amount of chopped onion or bell pepper for extra flavor. Try substituting half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Cheese Options: Swap the cheddar for other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a mix of cheeses to change up the flavor.
- Crispier Topping: For a crispier topping, use panko breadcrumbs and add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan to the topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg