Save A comforting, creamy baked casserole featuring tender noodles, savory tuna, and a golden, crispy onion topping—perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
This tuna noodle casserole has been a favorite in my house for years. I grew up eating versions of this at potlucks, and it&s always a hit for cozy weeknight dinners. Even among family members who usually don&t love tuna, the creamy sauce and crunchy topping win everyone over.
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 Oven & Dish:
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish.
- Cook Noodles:
- Cook 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, cook chopped onion and garlic in a small amount of oil until soft (about 3 minutes). Add mushrooms if using and cook until tender.
- Mix Sauce:
- Whisk together condensed soup, milk, sour cream, shredded cheese, salt, pepper, and thyme in a large bowl.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add cooked noodles, drained tuna, peas, sautéed vegetables, and parsley to the bowl. Stir gently to combine.
- Layer Casserole:
- Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Add Topping:
- Toss breadcrumbs with melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over casserole, then top with crispy fried onions.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until casserole is bubbling and topping is golden brown.
- Rest & Serve:
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Save I still remember helping my mom layer on those crispy onions when I was little. It was my official job for potluck night, and it made me feel proud to contribute something delicious to the table.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this casserole with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal everyone will enjoy.
Make Ahead & Storage
Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and bake when ready. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days—just reheat until hot and enjoy.
Ingredient Swaps
Try using low-fat cheese and sour cream for a lighter version, or swap the tuna for salmon or chicken as preferred.
Save With simple ingredients and a crispy topping, this casserole delivers big comfort in every bite. It&s sure to be a repeat favorite for busy weeknights or gatherings.
Common Questions
- → How do I ensure the noodles are perfectly cooked?
Cook the wide egg noodles in salted boiling water until just al dente to avoid over-softening during baking.
- → Can I substitute the tuna with other proteins?
Yes, canned salmon or cooked shredded chicken work well as alternatives to tuna.
- → What makes the onion topping crispy?
The topping combines crispy fried onions with buttered breadcrumbs, baked until golden and crunchy.
- → Is it possible to make this dish lighter?
Use low-fat sour cream and cheese to reduce richness while keeping creamy texture.
- → How can I add extra flavor to the sauce?
A dash of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the creamy sauce for additional zest.