Go Back Email Link
Classic tuna noodle casserole served warm with a creamy sauce and cheesy topping
Isaac blogger

Tuna Noodle Casserole – Easy & Creamy Comfort

Tuna noodle casserole is a classic, creamy comfort dish made with tender noodles, flaky tuna, a homemade sauce, and a golden cheesy topping—perfect for an easy family dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories:
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz egg noodles (uncooked)

  • 2 cans tuna 5 oz each, drained well
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • Cream Sauce:
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ⅛ tsp garlic powder
  • Topping:
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp melted butter (optional)

Method
 

  1. Before You Begin
  2. Preheat and prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your equipment and ingredients.
  3. Cook the Noodles
  4. Boil noodles in salted water until firm to the bite (al dente). Drain well.
  5. Make the Cream Sauce
  6. Melt butter in a skillet. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes.
  7. Slowly add milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Simmer until thickened.
  8. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  9. Combine Ingredients
  10. Mix noodles, tuna, and peas in a bowl. Pour cream sauce over and stir gently.
  11. Assemble
  12. Spread the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  13. Add the Topping
  14. Combine cheese, breadcrumbs, and optional melted butter. Sprinkle over casserole.
  15. Bake
  16. Bake at 375°F (190°C) covered for 25 minutes.
  17. Remove foil and bake 10–15 minutes more, until topping is golden.
  18. Rest and Serve
  19. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
  20. Cooking Notes
  21. Servings: This recipe yields about 6 servings, depending on portion size.
  22. Prep time: Allow about 20 minutes to cook noodles and prepare the sauce.
  23. Cook time: The casserole bakes for 35–40 minutes, including uncovered time for browning.
  24. Total time: Plan for 55–60 minutes from start to finish.
  25. Noodle texture: Cook noodles just until firm to the bite, as they continue cooking in the oven.
  26. Sauce consistency: The cream sauce should be thick enough to coat a spoon before combining.
  27. Resting time: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes after baking so it sets before serving.
  28. Equipment note: Cooking times may vary depending on oven performance and dish depth.