Save It A comforting, creamy classic featuring tender noodles, savory tuna, and a golden, crunchy onion topping — perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Growing up, tuna noodle casserole was my mom's go-to for busy nights. I loved how the whole house smelled warm and savory as it baked. It was the dish we always gathered around with seconds and laughter.
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
- Preheat and prepare:
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking dish.
- Cook pasta:
- Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare vegetables:
- 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.
- Make sauce:
- Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly. Cook until sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
- Finish sauce:
- Stir in sour cream, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and thyme. Remove from heat.
- Combine:
- Add drained tuna, peas, cheddar cheese, and cooked noodles to the sauce. Mix gently until combined.
- Assemble casserole:
- Spoon mixture into prepared baking dish.
- Add topping:
- Sprinkle crispy fried onions evenly over the top.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
- Rest and serve:
- Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Save It This casserole always brings back the memory of my family rushing to the table, eager for the first cheesy bite after a chilly day.
Required Tools
You'll need a large pot, large skillet, whisk, 23 x 33 cm baking dish, and mixing utensils for easy preparation.
Nutrition Information
Each serving provides approximately 430 calories, 17 g total fat, 44 g carbohydrates, and 25 g protein.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad and a glass of dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc for a complete meal.
Save It This comforting casserole is both nostalgic and satisfying, sure to bring warmth to your table. Enjoy leftovers the next day for an easy meal!
Common Questions About Recipes
- → Can I use fresh onions instead of crispy fried ones?
Fresh onions can be sautéed and layered on top before baking, but they won't provide the same crunchy texture as crispy fried onions.
- → Is it possible to substitute sour cream with another ingredient?
Greek yogurt can replace sour cream to maintain creaminess while adding a slight tang to the sauce.
- → Can other cheeses be used in this dish?
Yes, Swiss or Monterey Jack cheese work well and add unique flavors and textures to the casserole.
- → How do I prevent the noodles from becoming mushy?
Cook the egg noodles until just al dente, then drain and set aside before mixing to keep them firm after baking.
- → What sides pair well with this creamy casserole?
A crisp green salad and a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complement the creamy and savory elements perfectly.
- → Can I add vegetables to increase the nutrient content?
Adding peas is recommended, and optional mushrooms can be included for extra texture and flavor.