Pin Recipe A comforting, creamy baked casserole featuring tender noodles, savory tuna, and a golden, crispy onion topping is perfect for family dinners or potlucks. This dish combines classic flavors in a satisfying, bubbly bake everyone loves.
I remember the first time I made this for a family gathering, everyone dove in eagerly and requested seconds. It's now our go-to comfort dish whenever friends visit or we crave something hearty yet simple.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 340 g (12 oz) wide egg noodles
- Protein: 2 cans (each 170 g/6 oz) tuna in water, drained
- Vegetables: 1 cup frozen peas, 1 small onion finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 cup sliced mushrooms optional, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Sauce: 1 can (295 g/10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp dried thyme optional
- Topping: 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions store-bought, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Prep Baking Dish:
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish.
- Cook Noodles:
- Cook the egg noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and garlic in a bit of oil until soft (about 3 minutes). Add mushrooms if using and cook until tender.
- Mix Sauce:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed soup, milk, sour cream, shredded cheese, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Combine & Fold:
- Add the cooked noodles, drained tuna, peas, sautéed vegetables, and parsley to the bowl. Stir gently to combine.
- Assemble:
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Prepare Topping:
- In a small bowl, toss breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the casserole, then top with crispy fried onions.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
- Rest & Serve:
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Pin Recipe This casserole often brings our family together at the table for warm conversations and laughter, especially on cozy evenings or during special occasions.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your tuna noodle casserole with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete, balanced meal. Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch.
Variations
Try adding a dash of hot sauce or lemon juice to the sauce for extra tang, or substitute cooked chicken or salmon for tuna based on your preferences.
Nutrition
Each serving provides approximately 430 calories, 18 g total fat, 43 g carbohydrates, and 25 g protein, making it filling yet balanced for most diets.
Pin Recipe This classic casserole is always a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy its homey flavors and the simple joy it brings to the dinner table.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use fresh onions instead of crispy topping?
Fresh onions can be sautéed and mixed into the casserole for a softer texture, but crispiness is best achieved with fried onions as a topping.
- → What type of noodles work best?
Wide egg noodles provide a perfect texture and absorb the creamy sauce well, but similar pasta shapes can be used.
- → Is it possible to add vegetables to the dish?
Frozen peas are included for sweetness, and optional mushrooms add earthiness. Other vegetables can be added based on preference.
- → How can I make this dish lighter?
Use low-fat sour cream and cheese, and consider reducing the butter in the breadcrumb topping.
- → How long should the casserole rest after baking?
Allow the casserole to stand for about 5 minutes after baking to set and enhance flavors before serving.