Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a classic comfort dish that brings together tender noodles, flaky tuna, and a rich, creamy sauce all baked to golden perfection. It’s got that great mix of soft textures and a little crunch on top if you add breadcrumbs, making it both filling and satisfying.
I love making this casserole on busy weeknights because it’s so simple and quick to put together, yet it always feels like a warm, homemade meal. I usually toss in some peas or mushrooms to sneak in a bit of green without changing the taste too much. It’s one of those dishes everyone seems to love, maybe because it’s cozy and reminds us of home-cooked goodness.
When I serve it, I like to pair it with a fresh side salad or some steamed veggies for a little brightness. It’s a great dish to make ahead too, so you can have a warm, comforting meal ready to go whenever you need it. Tuna noodle casserole always brings back good memories of family dinners and easy comfort food that just hits the spot.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wide Egg Noodles: These hold the sauce well and give a nice texture. If you don’t have egg noodles, try penne or rotini pasta for a similar effect.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This adds creaminess and flavor. You can swap it with cream of chicken soup or make a simple homemade white sauce if you prefer fresh ingredients.
Tuna: Canned tuna in water works best for a light flavor. For a different twist, use canned salmon or shredded cooked chicken.
Sour Cream: Adds tang and richness. Greek yogurt is a great substitute and makes the casserole a bit lighter.
Crunchy Topping: Crushed potato chips give great flavor and crunch, but breadcrumbs or crushed crackers work well if you want a milder option.
How Do You Get the Sauce Creamy Without It Becoming Too Runny?
The creamy sauce is key to this casserole. To avoid a watery dish:
- Use condensed soup to provide thickness right from the start.
- Mix sour cream and milk well with the soup before adding noodles and tuna.
- Drain your tuna and noodles thoroughly to minimize extra moisture.
- Don’t add too much milk—start with half a cup and add more only if needed.
- Bake uncovered so excess moisture evaporates, helping the sauce thicken further.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – for boiling the noodles; a big pot prevents noodles from sticking together.
- Skillet or frying pan – to sauté onions, mushrooms, and garlic for extra flavor.
- Mixing bowl – to combine the sauce, tuna, veggies, and noodles easily.
- 9×13-inch baking dish or oven-safe skillet – perfect size for baking the casserole evenly.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – for stirring the ingredients without scratching your cookware.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap tuna for cooked shredded chicken to change up the protein while keeping it hearty.
- Add diced bell peppers or carrots for a bit of sweetness and crunch.
- Use mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese instead of cheddar for a milder, creamier melt.
- Stir in a little hot sauce or smoked paprika if you want a subtle spicy kick.
Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces wide egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna in water, drained and flaked
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs (for topping)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep, including boiling the noodles and sautéing veggies, plus 25-30 minutes of baking time. Overall, you’re looking at about 40-45 minutes from start to finish for a delicious, creamy tuna noodle casserole.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Noodles:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or an oven-safe skillet. Then, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles until they’re just tender, usually about 7-8 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onion and sliced mushrooms, cooking until softened, around 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Mix the Sauce and Combine Ingredients:
In a big bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream until smooth. Add the sautéed vegetables, drained and flaked tuna, thawed peas, and cooked noodles. Gently stir everything together and add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish or skillet. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then cover it with crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs to add a nice crunchy topping.
5. Bake and Serve:
Bake the casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until it’s bubbly and the topping turns a golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven. If you like, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving.
Enjoy your creamy and comforting tuna noodle casserole, perfect for a cozy meal any day!
Can I Use Frozen Tuna for This Casserole?
It’s best to use canned tuna for this recipe since it’s already cooked and flaky. If you have frozen tuna, thaw it completely in the fridge overnight, then flake and cook it before adding to the casserole.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving, adding about 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Mushroom Soup?
If you prefer fresh ingredients, create a quick homemade white sauce with butter, flour, milk, and some seasonings. You can also swap it with cream of chicken soup for a different but equally creamy flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally for even heating.
