Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole – Creamy Comfort Food Bake Recipe

There’s something magical about a classic tuna noodle casserole that brings back memories of cozy family dinners and comforting weeknight meals. This timeless recipe combines tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, sweet peas, and a rich creamy sauce, all topped with a golden, crispy cheese crust. It’s the ultimate comfort food that satisfies everyone at the table.

What makes this tuna casserole special is its versatility – it’s perfect for busy weeknights, makes an excellent potluck contribution, and reheats beautifully for leftovers. The creamy sauce envelops every noodle, while the cheese topping adds that satisfying crunch we all love.

Ingredients

• 8 oz wide egg noodles
• 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Cook Noodles: Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Make Creamy Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until golden. Gradually whisk in milk and broth until smooth. Add onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
4. Combine Ingredients: Remove sauce from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese until melted. Fold in cooked noodles, tuna, and frozen peas. Mix gently until everything is coated in the creamy sauce.
5. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
6. Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
7. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Expert Tips

• For extra creaminess, you can add 1/2 cup of sour cream or cream cheese to the sauce
• Substitute peas with other vegetables like corn, carrots, or green beans
• Make it ahead by assembling the casserole, covering, and refrigerating for up to 24 hours before baking
• For a crispy topping, broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking
• This creamy comfort food pairs perfectly with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes! While egg noodles are traditional, you can use any short pasta like elbows, shells, or rotini. Just adjust cooking time according to package directions.

How long does tuna casserole last in the refrigerator?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best results, or microwave individual portions.

Can I freeze tuna noodle casserole?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking as directed.

What other protein can I use?
This recipe works well with cooked chicken or turkey. For a vegetarian version, try chickpeas or white beans. It’s as versatile as this one-pan dinner that adapts to different ingredients.

Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole – Creamy Comfort Food Bake Recipe

This classic tuna noodle casserole combines tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, sweet peas, and a rich creamy sauce topped with a golden crispy cheese crust. It’s a versatile comfort food perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and makes excellent leftovers.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 420

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 8 oz wide egg noodles
• 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Method

 

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until golden. Gradually whisk in milk and broth until smooth. Add onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
4. Remove sauce from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese until melted. Fold in cooked noodles, tuna, and frozen peas. Mix gently until everything is coated in the creamy sauce.
5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
6. In a small bowl, mix remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

For extra creaminess, add 1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese to sauce. Substitute peas with corn, carrots, or green beans. Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. For crispy topping, broil for last 2-3 minutes.