![- 12 oz egg noodles - 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained - 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup - 1 cup frozen peas - 1/2 cup mayonnaise - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup milk - 1/4 cup chopped green onions - 1 tsp garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 2 tbsp olive oil When I make a classic tuna noodle casserole, I rely on simple yet tasty ingredients. Each one adds a unique flavor and texture that makes this dish special. The egg noodles provide a soft base, while the tuna gives a nice protein boost. Cream of mushroom soup adds creaminess, and frozen peas add color and some sweetness. Mayonnaise is key for richness. The sharp cheddar cheese brings a robust flavor, and Parmesan gives a nice salty touch. The milk helps to bind everything together, while green onions add a fresh crunch. Garlic powder adds depth, and salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. The breadcrumbs create a golden, crunchy topping that contrasts nicely with the creamy filling. You can even mix it up with different cheeses or fresh herbs. This flexibility lets you create your own version of this comforting dish. Check out the Full Recipe for more details on how to put it all together! - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Cook the egg noodles according to package directions. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Drain them after cooking. - In a large mixing bowl, combine all main ingredients. - Add the drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, frozen peas, mayonnaise, cheese, milk, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. - Mix until well blended. Make sure everything is combined evenly. - Gently fold in the cooked noodles. - Transfer this mixture to a greased casserole dish. Spread it out evenly. - For the topping, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil in a small bowl. - Sprinkle this topping over the casserole. - Bake for 25-30 minutes. The top should turn golden brown and look crisp. - Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. For the full recipe, check the details above. To get the best texture, bake your tuna noodle casserole for 25 to 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to meld and the top to become golden. I recommend checking for doneness by inserting a knife into the center. If it comes out hot, your dish is ready. You can make this dish dairy-free by using almond milk and a dairy-free cream soup. For those who prefer a different protein, canned chicken works well in place of tuna. This swap still gives you that hearty feel while adding a new flavor twist. Pair your cozy casserole with a fresh side salad. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the rich flavors. Other great sides include steamed broccoli or a light coleslaw. These add crunch and balance to your meal. Explore the [Full Recipe] for more details on how to prepare this classic dish! {{image_2}} You can make this dish lighter. One way is to use whole wheat noodles. They add fiber and nutrients. Whole wheat noodles also have a nice texture. Another great swap is yogurt instead of mayonnaise. Greek yogurt adds creaminess without the extra fat. Plus, it brings a bit of tang to the dish. These small changes help you enjoy comfort food while keeping it healthy. To boost the taste, you can add spices. Paprika brings a smoky flavor. Cayenne adds a little heat. Just a pinch can transform your casserole into a flavor-packed meal. You can also mix in vegetables. Bell peppers add crunch and sweetness. Mushrooms give a rich, earthy taste. Adding veggies not only enhances flavor but also packs in more nutrients. You can even use leftover veggies you have at home. This makes the dish even more versatile and fun. For the full recipe, check out the details above! To keep your tuna noodle casserole fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigeration: Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it down before sealing. - Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Use a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for about 3 months. Label the container with the date to help you remember. When it's time to enjoy your casserole again, proper reheating is key: - Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 20-25 minutes. - Microwave Method: If you're short on time, use the microwave. Place a serving on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds to avoid drying it out. These methods help keep your casserole creamy and tasty, just like when it was first made. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section above. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the noodles and make the filling as usual. Combine them and place everything in the casserole dish. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. You can do this up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to eat, simply bake it straight from the fridge. Just add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through. Absolutely! You can use canned chicken or salmon instead of tuna. These proteins will work well with the same filling. If you prefer a plant-based option, try chickpeas or a mix of vegetables. Just be sure to keep the overall flavor balanced. This way, you can still enjoy that creamy texture and comforting taste. Tuna noodle casserole pairs nicely with a fresh side salad. A light green salad with vinaigrette adds a nice crunch. You can also serve it with garlic bread or steamed vegetables. If you want a drink, a crisp white wine or lemonade goes well. These options help cut through the richness of the casserole. Yes, this casserole freezes well! To freeze it, let it cool completely after baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then with foil. It can stay in the freezer for about 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, bake it in the oven at 350°F until hot. This way, you can enjoy a comforting meal anytime! For the full recipe, check out the ingredients and steps above. This blog post covered how to make a tasty tuna noodle casserole. You learned the key ingredients, simple steps, and tips for a great bake. I shared variations to suit your tastes and storage advice for leftovers. Tuna noodle casserole gives you a warm, comforting meal that’s easy to make and share. Remember, you can tweak it to fit your diet or preferences. Try it out and enjoy a delicious dish!](https://greenmealmap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/7acd81f2-55e1-4323-94e7-dd6fa779ebe0-250x250.webp)
Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole
Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Tantalizing Tuna Noodle Bake! Packed with creamy tuna, cheesy goodness, and a crunchy topping, this dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prep. In just 45 minutes, you can whip up a flavorful meal that serves 6-8 people. Don't miss out on making this easy recipe that everyone will love. Click through to explore how to create this delicious casserole today!