Save It A comforting, creamy classic featuring tender noodles, savory tuna, and a golden, crunchy onion topping — perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
This homemade tuna noodle casserole quickly became a family favorite thanks to its comforting flavors and easy preparation.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 340 g (12 oz) egg noodles
- Seafood: 2 cans (each 170 g/6 oz) tuna in water, drained
- Vegetables: 1 cup frozen peas, thawed, 1 small onion, finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 cup sliced button mushrooms (optional)
- Sauce: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 cups whole milk, 120 ml (½ cup) sour cream, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Cheese: 1 cup (about 100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- Topping: 1 cup crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking dish.
- Step 2:
- Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add chopped onion and mushrooms sauté 4 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Step 4:
- Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly. Cook until sauce thickens, about 3 4 minutes.
- Step 5:
- Stir in sour cream, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and thyme. Remove from heat.
- Step 6:
- Add drained tuna, peas, cheddar cheese, and cooked noodles to the sauce. Mix gently until combined.
- Step 7:
- Spoon mixture into prepared baking dish.
- Step 8:
- Sprinkle crispy fried onions evenly over the top.
- Step 9:
- Bake uncovered for 25 30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
- Step 10:
- Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Save It This recipe has brought many family dinners together, creating warm memories over hearty, delicious meals.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole with a fresh green salad and a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc for a complete meal.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be cooled, covered, and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Variations
Try substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream or using Swiss or Monterey Jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
Save It Enjoy this comforting dish as a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck favorite.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What noodles work best in this dish?
Egg noodles are preferred for their texture and ability to hold the creamy sauce well.
- → Can I use fresh onions instead of crispy fried ones?
Fresh onions can be sautéed and mixed in, but the crispy fried onion topping adds a unique crunch and flavor contrast.
- → Is it possible to add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, peas and mushrooms are great additions, providing freshness and depth to the creamy mixture.
- → How can I make the sauce thicker?
Cooking the flour with butter before adding milk and stirring constantly will help thicken the sauce to a creamy consistency.
- → What cheese complements this casserole best?
Cheddar cheese is used for its sharp flavor and melting qualities, but Swiss or Monterey Jack can offer nice variations.