Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe – Easy, Creamy, and Classic Comfort Food

Introduction

Comfort food has a unique way of wrapping itself around our memories and our senses. Whether warming you on a cool evening or reminding you of family dinners from childhood, tuna noodle casserole holds a special place in many kitchens. You will find its creamy texture, tender noodles, chunks of tuna and mild seasoning comforting and familiar. With just a few pantry staples, you can transform everyday ingredients into a warming dish that pleases both kids and adults alike.

In this article I guide you through a simple yet satisfying tuna noodle casserole recipe. You will learn what ingredients to gather, how to prepare each part and how to assemble and bake the casserole so it comes out creamy without becoming soggy. I also offer tips to personalize the recipe, share full nutritional details, suggest serving ideas and answer common questions. Whether you are making this for the first time or looking to refine your strategy, you can end up with a dish that feels homey yet elevated.

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Ingredients Needed

Below is a table of ingredients you will use for a tuna noodle casserole plus approximate calorie contribution of each:

Ingredient	Amount	Approximate Calories
Egg noodles (uncooked)	8 ounces (about 226 g)	840
Canned tuna in water (drained)	12 ounces (about 340 g)	360
Frozen peas	1 cup (about 160 g)	125
Cream of mushroom soup	1 can (10.5 ounces, about 298 g)	200
Milk	1 cup (240 ml)	122
Shredded cheddar cheese	1 cup (about 113 g)	455
Onion (finely chopped)	½ medium (about 60 g)	24
Butter	2 tablespoons (28 g)	200
Breadcrumbs (plain)	½ cup (about 55 g)	220
Salt	to taste	negligible
Black pepper	to taste	negligible

Total approximate calories: 2,570
When divided into six servings, each serving yields about 430 calories.

Keep in mind these numbers are approximate and depend on brand, specific sizes and portioning. You can reduce calories by using lower fat milk or cheese or by reducing the amount of butter or breadcrumbs.

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Step by Step Cooking Instructions

Here is how to bring all the ingredients together into a creamy, comforting tuna noodle casserole:

1. Preheat and prepare
   Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (about 175 degrees Celsius). Grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish lightly with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Cook the noodles
   Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add egg noodles and cook until just al dente (they will continue cooking slightly in oven). Drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. Sauté onion
   In a medium skillet melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir occasionally so it does not brown too quickly.
4. Mix sauce
   In a large mixing bowl combine cream of mushroom soup and milk. Stir well until smooth and creamy. Add cooked onion, drained tuna (flaked lightly with fork), frozen peas and cooked noodles. Season with a little salt and pepper. Mix gently so ingredients are well distributed.Pair this meal with Walking Taco Casserole_ for a complete experience.
5. Transfer to baking dish
   Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spoon or spatula to level the top so it bakes evenly.
6. Add cheese
   Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top of the casserole.
7. Top with breadcrumbs
   Evenly scatter breadcrumbs over the cheese layer. You can dot small bits of butter on top if desired to help browning.
8. Bake
   Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until cheese melts and top becomes golden and bubbling.
9. Rest and serve
   Remove from oven and let it rest about 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This helps set the casserole so it holds shape when you scoop into it.

When followed precisely, you will end up with a creamy interior, tender noodles and a slightly crisp top. The rest time allows excess moisture to settle.

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Tips for Customizing the Recipe

You can adapt this tuna noodle casserole recipe in many ways to match preferences or dietary needs. Below are some ideas:

• Use cream of celery or cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom if you prefer a different flavor base.
• Swap the egg noodles for whole wheat pasta, fusilli, or small shells for variety.
• Add diced bell pepper or cooked mushrooms to boost vegetables and flavor.
• Replace frozen peas with mixed vegetables like carrots, corn or green beans.
• For a lighter version use low fat milk and reduced fat cheese.
• You may mix in a little sour cream or Greek yogurt to increase tangy creaminess.
• To make gluten free, use gluten free pasta and gluten free condensed soup and gluten free breadcrumbs.
• Add a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper to give more brightness or heat.
• Include fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a fresher aroma on top after baking.
• If you enjoy crunchy topping, you can substitute crushed crackers or corn flakes for breadcrumbs.

By adjusting a few elements you can produce different versions without losing the comfort and soul of the recipe.

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Nutritional Information

Here is a rough breakdown of nutrient content per serving based on total calorie table divided by six:

To reduce fat and sodium, choose low sodium soup, low fat cheese and milk, and moderate added salt. If you want more protein, you could stir in cooked chicken or extra tuna.

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Serving Suggestions

Serving your tuna noodle casserole with suitable sides can elevate the meal and balance textures and flavors. Here are some suggestions:

• Serve with a crisp side salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette to cut richness.
• Offer steamed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, green beans or zucchini to add freshness.
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls work nicely to soak up the creamy sauce.
• A light bowl of vegetable soup before or alongside can make the meal more satisfying.
• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or scallions for color and brightness.
• A squeeze of fresh lemon over each serving adds a citrus lift.
• Pair it with a chilled glass of iced tea or light white wine (if appropriate).

Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for a couple of days. You can reheat in the oven or microwave adding a splash of milk if the casserole becomes drier.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of tuna is best for this recipe?
You can use solid or chunk tuna in water. Flake it lightly before mixing. Avoid oil packed tuna if you want to control fat content.

Can I skip the soup?
You could substitute with homemade white sauce (roux plus milk) but you lose the convenience. The canned soup makes the process simpler.

Is it safe to freeze tuna noodle casserole?
Yes you can freeze before baking or after baking. Wrap tightly. When reheating from frozen, allow more time and keep covered until warmed through.

How do I prevent it from getting soggy?
Cook the pasta slightly al dente, drain well, and don’t over mix. Let the casserole rest after baking to firm up.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes you can scale all ingredients proportionally and use a larger baking dish. Adjust baking time if depth changes.

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Conclusion

Warm, creamy and comforting, tuna noodle casserole recipe brings together simple ingredients into a satisfying meal. You control every part of it from how creamy you want the sauce to how crisp you like the topping. Personalize to your taste or diet by choosing different vegetables, cheese, or pasta. With the step by step instructions and nutritional guidance you can confidently prepare a version that suits your family. When baked, rested, garnished and served with crisp salad or steamed vegetables, you offer a balanced plate everyone can enjoy. The real magic lies in how a few pantry staples become more than the sum of their parts.