Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe
If you’re seeking the ultimate comfort food to warm your heart and bring nostalgia to your kitchen, Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole is the answer. This creamy, cheesy classic is a go-to weeknight dinner for generations, packed with tender egg noodles, savory tuna, bursts of sweet peas, and a crunchy golden topping. Whether you’re reminiscing about childhood meals or eager to share a family favorite, this fuss-free bake never disappoints, offering creamy satisfaction and homey flavors all in one pan.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole is how it transforms humble pantry staples into a dish everyone loves. Each ingredient plays its part, lending flavor, texture, or comfort that can’t be matched—so don’t skip a thing unless you’re adding your own family twist!
- Egg noodles (12 ounces, cooked and drained): These wide, tender noodles are the foundation of the casserole, absorbing the creamy sauce beautifully for that signature hearty bite.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps soften the onions, infusing your base with flavor from the start.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Brings sweetness and depth, making every forkful more flavorful.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Boosts the savory aroma while giving just the right hint of zing.
- Frozen peas (2 cups): Provide pops of color and subtle sweetness—no need to thaw—straight from the freezer is perfect.
- Canned tuna in water (two 5-ounce cans, drained and flaked): The star protein, mild and flaky, offering classic taste and plenty of heartiness.
- Cream of mushroom soup (10.5 ounces): Delivers essential creaminess and savory depth, making the sauce luscious without fuss.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Helps thin out the soup, ensuring each bite is velvety and not too thick.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds tang and keeps the casserole delightfully creamy.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brightens and balances all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a subtle kick and rounds out the creaminess.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts into the casserole for gooey, cheesy satisfaction—plus more for a bubbly, irresistible finish.
- Crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): The essential topping, offering satisfying crunch and a buttery finish.
- Melted butter (1 tablespoon): Tosses with the crackers or breadcrumbs to give the top its golden color and toasty aroma.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready when your casserole comes together. Give your 9×13-inch baking dish a light greasing—just a swipe of butter or nonstick spray—to guarantee perfect slices later and easy cleanup.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, letting it sizzle and soften for 4–5 minutes—stirring occasionally to draw out the sweetness. Toss in the minced garlic for the last minute, giving it just enough time to bloom its flavor without burning.
Step 3: Cook the Peas
To your skillet of aromatics, stir in the frozen peas and let them cook for about 2 minutes. The peas should brighten up in color and just heat through, staying plump and tender without losing their pop.
Step 4: Combine the Casserole Mixture
In a roomy mixing bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, sautéed onions, garlic, peas, drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Fold it all together until everything is well-coated and evenly mixed—the sauce should hug every noodle.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese all over the top, promising a gloriously gooey finish.
Step 6: Crunchy Topping Time
In a small bowl, blend the crushed buttery crackers (or breadcrumbs) with 1 tablespoon of melted butter until each crumb is lightly coated. Scatter this mixture generously over your casserole for a signature crunchy, golden top.
Step 7: Bake and Rest
Slide your masterpiece into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’re looking for bubbling edges and a golden, toasted topping. Once done, let the Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole rest for about 5 minutes—this helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to serve neat squares (or hearty scoops!).
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top add a gorgeous splash of color and a hint of brightness that balances the rich filling. A touch of lemon zest, if you’re feeling adventurous, livens things up and pairs beautifully with the tuna.
Side Dishes
Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole is lovely on its own, but a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli is a classic pairing to lighten things up. For a heartier meal, serve with warm dinner rolls or roasted vegetables—perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special spin, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or mini baking dishes for a fun, personalized touch at gatherings. If you’re meal prepping, portion the casserole into lunch containers for on-the-go comfort food all week long. Leftovers even make a tasty filling for bell peppers—bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is hot!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge. Simply cover the pan well or store portions in airtight containers—your casserole will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers or want to prepare ahead, this casserole freezes well. Cool leftovers completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap followed by foil, or store in a freezer-safe container. For best texture, enjoy within 2 months—just note that extra crunchy toppings may soften a bit after freezing.
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbling (about 20 minutes). You can also microwave individual servings—just add a splash of milk if it needs a bit of moisture and microwave until heated through. For a crisp topping, finish with a brief toast under the broiler.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of noodle?
Absolutely! Egg noodles are classic for Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole, but rotini, penne, or even shells work just as well—just cook al dente so they hold up in the creamy sauce.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
No worries—you can substitute cream of celery or cream of chicken soup instead! If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade white sauce is an easy stand-in that gives a fresh twist.
Is there a way to make this casserole healthier?
You can lighten things up by using low-fat milk, reduced-fat cheese, or swapping in Greek yogurt for the sour cream. Add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for more nutrients and even more flavor.
How do I keep the topping nice and crispy?
For the crunchiest top, add the cracker or breadcrumb topping right before baking. If you need to reheat the casserole and want to restore some crispiness, pop it under the broiler for a couple of minutes after reheating.
Can I assemble Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole (without the crunchy topping) up to a day ahead and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, add the topping and proceed as directed—it’s perfect for busy nights or when you have company coming.
Final Thoughts
Nothing says comfort like a bubbling dish of Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole. It’s a meal that gathers everyone around the table with smiles, satisfies hungry appetites, and leaves leftovers you’ll look forward to eating. Give it a try soon—your future self (and your family) will thank you for rediscovering this classic favorite!
Print
Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A classic comfort food dish, this Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for a family dinner. Tender egg noodles, savory tuna, and a cheesy, crunchy topping make this casserole a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Egg Noodles:
- 12 ounces egg noodles, cooked and drained
Vegetables:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups frozen peas
Tuna Mixture:
- 2 (5-ounce) cans tuna in water, drained and flaked
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Topping:
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onion until soft. Add garlic, then peas, and cook until heated through.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix noodles, sautéed vegetables, tuna, soup, milk, sour cream, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of cheese.
- Bake: Transfer mixture to baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and sprinkle with cracker mixture. Bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of celery or cream of chicken soup if preferred.
- Add mushrooms or chopped celery for extra texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
