Tuna noodle casserole is a classic comfort dish that never goes out of style. Made with pantry staples, a creamy homemade sauce, tender noodles, and a crisp cheesy topping, it delivers warmth and nostalgia in every bite. This version stays true to the original flavor while improving texture and consistency so the casserole turns out rich and satisfying every time. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for a budget-friendly meal, this casserole is dependable, filling, and easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Tuna Noodle Casserole
- A nostalgic, old-fashioned comfort meal
- Budget-friendly ingredients that stretch far
- Simple steps that work for beginner cooks
- Feeds a family with ease
- Freezer-friendly for make-ahead meals
Ingredients You Need
Base
- 8 oz egg noodles, uncooked
- 2 cans tuna (5 oz each), drained
- 1 cup frozen peas
Cream Sauce
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional)
Tools You’ll Need
Baking dish (9×13), large pot, large skillet, whisk, mixing bowl, colander.
How to Make Tuna Noodle Casserole (Step-by-Step)
Before You Begin
Preheat and prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your equipment and ingredients.
1. Cook the Noodles
Cook noodles until firm to the bite (al dente). Cooking times may vary depending on brand and thickness.
2. Make the Cream Sauce
Melt butter in a skillet. Add flour and whisk into a smooth roux. Slowly pour in milk while whisking. Simmer until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Combine Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, fold together noodles, tuna, and peas. Pour the cream sauce over the mixture and stir gently.
4. Assemble
Spread mixture into a greased baking dish.
5. Add the Topping
Combine cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs. Add melted butter if you prefer a crisper topping. Sprinkle evenly.
6. Bake
Bake at 375°F (190°C) covered for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10–15 minutes more until the topping is golden.
7. Rest
Let the casserole sit 5–10 minutes before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking noodles: They continue cooking in the oven.
- Not draining tuna enough: Adds water and thins the sauce.
- Adding milk too fast: Causes lumps in the sauce.
- Skipping foil: The top browns too quickly while the center undercooks.
- Using pre-shredded cheese: It doesn’t melt as smoothly as freshly grated cheese.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve warm with salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted asparagus. Store leftovers 3–4 days in the refrigerator. For reheating, use the microwave in short intervals or warm in the oven at 350°F. Freeze the unbaked casserole up to two months for a ready-to-bake meal.
FAQ
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?
Fresh tuna works well if fully cooked and flaked, but it creates a slightly different texture. Canned tuna has the classic flavor most people expect and is far more convenient. If using fresh tuna, make sure it is cooked through and seasoned lightly before adding it to the casserole.
Why did my sauce turn out thin?
A thin sauce usually means the roux was not cooked long enough before adding the milk. The flour must cook briefly to activate its thickening power. Another common cause is adding milk too quickly, which prevents proper thickening. To fix a thin sauce, whisk a small flour-and-milk slurry into the warm sauce and heat until thickened.
Can this casserole be made gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free noodles, gluten-free breadcrumbs, and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the roux. The casserole will still be creamy and flavorful with these substitutions.
Why is my casserole dry?
Dryness happens when there isn’t enough sauce, the noodles absorb too much liquid, or the casserole is baked too long. Be sure the sauce generously coats the mixture before baking and keep the dish covered for most of the bake. Letting the casserole rest helps redistribute moisture.
How can I make the topping extra crispy?
Mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter before sprinkling them on top. The fat helps them brown evenly. You can also broil the casserole for one to two minutes at the end—but watch closely to prevent burning.
What vegetables can I add?
Peas are classic, but mushrooms, corn, carrots, and broccoli all work. Pre-cook or blanch firmer vegetables so they blend well into the finished casserole.
Conclusion
This tuna noodle casserole brings together creamy sauce, tender noodles, and a crisp topping for a comforting dish that suits any weeknight. With pantry ingredients, clear cooking steps, and reliable results, it remains a favorite for families and anyone craving classic comfort food. It’s easy to customize, freezes well, and reheats without losing texture. Whether you’re cooking on a budget or simply want a warm, satisfying meal, this casserole consistently delivers flavor, simplicity, and comfort.
Tuna Noodle Casserole – Easy & Creamy Comfort
Ingredients
Method
- Before You Begin
- Preheat and prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your equipment and ingredients.
- Cook the Noodles
- Boil noodles in salted water until firm to the bite (al dente). Drain well.
- Make the Cream Sauce
- Melt butter in a skillet. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes.
- Slowly add milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Simmer until thickened.
- Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Combine Ingredients
- Mix noodles, tuna, and peas in a bowl. Pour cream sauce over and stir gently.
- Assemble
- Spread the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add the Topping
- Combine cheese, breadcrumbs, and optional melted butter. Sprinkle over casserole.
- Bake
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) covered for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake 10–15 minutes more, until topping is golden.
- Rest and Serve
- Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Cooking Notes
- Servings: This recipe yields about 6 servings, depending on portion size.
- Prep time: Allow about 20 minutes to cook noodles and prepare the sauce.
- Cook time: The casserole bakes for 35–40 minutes, including uncovered time for browning.
- Total time: Plan for 55–60 minutes from start to finish.
- Noodle texture: Cook noodles just until firm to the bite, as they continue cooking in the oven.
- Sauce consistency: The cream sauce should be thick enough to coat a spoon before combining.
- Resting time: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes after baking so it sets before serving.
- Equipment note: Cooking times may vary depending on oven performance and dish depth.
About the Author
Isaac shares easy, family-friendly recipes made with simple ingredients, focusing on clear instructions and reliable results for everyday home cooking.
