If there’s a dinner that always brings back cozy, comforting memories, it’s Homemade Tuna Helper. This creamy, cheesy, one-pot wonder is just the thing for busy weeknights or when you want a little nostalgia on your plate. Tender egg noodles, mild tuna, bright peas, and plenty of melty cheddar all mingle in a luscious sauce, making every bite feel like a hug from the inside out. Whether you grew up loving the boxed version or are trying this homemade twist for the first time, you’ll find that the flavors are richer, the texture silkier, and the whole experience oh-so-satisfying. Let’s dive in and make your new favorite weeknight classic!

Homemade Tuna Helper Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how every simple ingredient in Homemade Tuna Helper plays a special role. From the creaminess of sour cream to the briny punch of tuna and the pop of peas, each one brings its own magic, creating a dish that’s so much greater than the sum of its parts.

Egg noodles (12 ounces): Their wide, curly shape holds onto all that luscious sauce perfectly.
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Helps soften the onion and forms the base of a roux for the creamy sauce.
Onion, finely diced (1/2 small): Adds savory depth and a subtle sweetness to the dish.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Lends aromatic warmth that infuses the sauce.
All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Works with the butter to thicken the sauce just right.
Milk (2 cups): Creates the creamy backbone of the sauce—whole milk is ideal, but any kind works.
Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds tanginess and makes the sauce extra silky.
Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Wakes up all the flavors with a subtle zing.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a gentle kick and depth.
Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds color and a whisper of smokiness.
Tuna in water, drained and flaked (2 cans, 5 ounces each): The star protein—choose quality tuna for the best flavor!
Frozen peas (1 cup): Bring vibrant color and a sweet pop to every bite.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into the sauce, making it gooey and irresistible.

How to Make Homemade Tuna Helper

Step 1: Cook the Egg Noodles

Begin by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in your egg noodles and cook them according to the package instructions until they’re just al dente. Once done, drain them and set aside—the noodles will finish cooking in the creamy sauce later, soaking up all that flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add your finely diced onion and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and turns translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. This aromatic base lays the foundation for your Homemade Tuna Helper.

Step 3: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the buttery onions and garlic, stirring constantly for a full minute. This step is key—it cooks out the raw flour taste and ensures your sauce will be velvety smooth. You’ll see the mixture start to bubble and thicken slightly.

Step 4: Whisk in the Milk

Gradually pour in the milk, whisking all the while to incorporate the flour mixture. Keep stirring as the sauce heats and thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes. You’re aiming for a consistency that coats the back of a spoon—this will envelop your noodles and tuna beautifully.

Step 5: Add the Creamy Ingredients and Seasonings

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and paprika. This is where Homemade Tuna Helper gets its signature tang, gentle spice, and gorgeous color. Mix until everything is well combined and the sauce looks silky.

Step 6: Stir in Tuna, Peas, and Cheese

Add the drained, flaked tuna, frozen peas, and shredded cheddar cheese to the pot. Stir gently until the cheese is melted and the peas are bright green. The tuna will break up a bit, distributing deliciously throughout the sauce.

Step 7: Bring It All Together

Add the cooked egg noodles back into the pot and fold everything together, making sure every noodle is coated in that creamy, cheesy sauce. Let it all heat through for another 1 to 2 minutes. Your Homemade Tuna Helper is now ready to serve, piping hot and packed with flavor!

How to Serve Homemade Tuna Helper

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives lends a lovely color contrast and a fresh, herby note on top of your Homemade Tuna Helper. For a little extra crunch, try finishing each serving with toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. If you like a hint of heat, a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can add an exciting twist.

Side Dishes

Pair your Homemade Tuna Helper with a crisp green salad tossed in a bright vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus also make fabulous veggie sides. And if you want to go all out on comfort, serve with a slice of warm, crusty bread to mop up every bit of that dreamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Give your Homemade Tuna Helper a dinner-party glow-up by baking it in individual ramekins with a crunchy topping—just broil for a couple of minutes until golden. Or, for a fun twist, spoon it into hollowed-out bell peppers, then bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is bubbling. Kids especially love when you top it with a little extra cheese and let them build their own bowls!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Homemade Tuna Helper keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let it cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy another helping, you’ll be thrilled to find that the flavors have melded even more!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Homemade Tuna Helper for future busy nights. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers and let it cool completely before freezing. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results—just keep in mind the sauce may thicken, but a splash of milk during reheating will bring it right back.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave individual portions, stirring every 30 seconds until heated through. On the stovetop, warm gently over medium-low heat with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. If you’re reheating from frozen, let it thaw first for the best creamy texture. Homemade Tuna Helper is just as delicious the next day!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional for Homemade Tuna Helper, you can substitute rotini, penne, or even shells. Just keep an eye on the cooking time—some shapes may take a bit longer or shorter to reach that perfect al dente bite.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

Greek yogurt is a fantastic swap for sour cream in this recipe. It brings the same creamy tanginess, plus a little extra protein. You could also use plain yogurt or even a splash of heavy cream if that’s what you have on hand.

Is there a way to make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Everything else in Homemade Tuna Helper is naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy adaptation.

Can I substitute canned chicken for the tuna?

Definitely! If you’re out of tuna or just prefer chicken, canned chicken works beautifully in Homemade Tuna Helper. It creates a slightly different flavor but still delivers a comforting, creamy casserole-style meal.

How can I make this recipe even healthier?

For a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat cheddar, low-fat milk, and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Adding extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or diced carrots is a great way to sneak in more nutrition while keeping Homemade Tuna Helper absolutely delicious.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about bringing a big, bubbling pot of Homemade Tuna Helper to the table and watching everyone dig in with smiles. It’s the perfect blend of nostalgic comfort and homemade goodness—easy enough for busy nights, but tasty enough to become a family favorite. Give it a try, and let this simple, satisfying dish work its magic in your own kitchen!

Homemade Tuna Helper Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This homemade Tuna Helper is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender egg noodles with flaky tuna, sweet peas, and a rich cheese sauce. It’s a quick and easy weeknight dinner that brings nostalgic flavors with a fresh, homemade touch.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 ounces egg noodles

Sauce

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika

Main Ingredients

2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna in water, drained and flaked
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the noodles. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the egg noodles, and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté aromatics. In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its aroma.
Make the roux. Sprinkle the flour over the butter, onions, and garlic. Stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste and form a roux.
Add the milk. Gradually whisk in the milk to the roux, stirring often to prevent lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
Season and enrich. Lower the heat to low and stir in the sour cream, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and paprika until well combined.
Add tuna and veggies. Fold in the drained, flaked tuna and frozen peas. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
Combine with noodles. Return the cooked egg noodles to the pot and gently stir to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce and ingredients.
Warm through and serve. Cook for another 1–2 minutes on low heat until everything is heated through. Serve warm.

Notes

For a crunchy topping, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle with buttered breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, and broil for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy.
You can substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream for a tangier flavor and lighter texture.
Canned chicken can be used instead of tuna to change up the protein.
Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt, as canned tuna can be quite salty.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American