Tuna noodle casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with the heartiness of tender egg noodles and tuna. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a cozy crowd-pleaser, topped with golden, and crunchy breadcrumbs.
Why You’ll Love This Tuna Noodle Casserole
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples like canned tuna and pasta.
- Comforting and Delicious: Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor.
- Versatile: Adaptable to dietary preferences and ingredient substitutions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this family favorite:
Main Ingredients
- Egg Noodles: The classic base for tuna casserole, but you can substitute with other pasta shapes like rotini or penne.
- Canned Tuna: Use solid white albacore or chunk light tuna packed in water for the best results.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: The creamy base of the dish. You can also use cream of celery or cream of chicken soup for variation.
- Frozen Peas: Adds a pop of color and nutrition. Substitute with green beans, broccoli, or spinach if preferred.
- Milk: Helps create the creamy texture.
- Cheddar Cheese: A sharp, melty cheese is ideal, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
Topping Ingredients
- Breadcrumbs: Adds a crunchy texture. Panko breadcrumbs are especially good for an extra crispy topping.
- Butter: Used to toast the breadcrumbs for added flavor.
- Optional: Sprinkle some parmesan cheese or crushed potato chips for extra indulgence.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Tuna Noodle Casserole
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Slightly undercook your noodles so they don’t become mushy during baking.
- Season Well: Add herbs like thyme, parsley, or paprika to elevate the flavor.
- Cheese Variations: Mix in cream cheese or sour cream for an even creamier casserole.
- Topping Options: Experiment with fried onions, crushed Ritz crackers, or shredded parmesan for a unique twist.
- Add Protein: Swap tuna for shredded rotisserie chicken if you’re not a fan of seafood.
Delicious Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs. Ensure the soup base is also gluten-free.
- Low-Carb: Swap egg noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute with almond milk, vegan cheese, and a dairy-free soup alternative.
- Vegetable-Loaded: Add sautéed mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers for a veggie-packed version.
How to Serve Tuna Noodle Casserole
- On Its Own: This dish is hearty enough to be a standalone meal.
- With a Side Salad: Pair it with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
- With Bread: Serve alongside warm dinner rolls or garlic bread.
- As Leftovers: Heat it up for lunch the next day—it’s just as delicious!
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
- Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual servings.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I make tuna noodle casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply follow the baking instructions.
Q: What’s the best type of tuna to use?
A: Solid white albacore tuna offers a mild flavor and firmer texture, while chunk light tuna is softer and more affordable. Choose based on your preference.
Q: Can I skip the topping?
A: While the topping adds texture, you can skip it or substitute with fried onions, crushed crackers, or shredded cheese.
Q: Is there a healthier way to make this casserole?
A: Use whole wheat pasta, low-sodium soup, and reduced-fat cheese to lighten up the dish. Adding extra vegetables can also boost its nutritional value.
Tuna Noodle Casserole
Tuna noodle casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with the heartiness of tender egg noodles and tuna. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a cozy crowd-pleaser, topped with golden, and crunchy breadcrumbs.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 10 oz wide egg noodles (about 4½ cups)
- 2 large shallots, diced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3½ cups half and half
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 cup frozen green peas, rinsed
- 8 oz shredded sharp white cheddar cheese (about 2 cups)
- 3 (5 oz) cans tuna in water, drained
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives (optional garnish)
For the Panko Topping:
- ⅓ cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil egg noodles in salted water until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic and shallots until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until lightly browned. Gradually stir in half and half and Dijon mustard.
- Cook until slightly thickened, about 4–5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole: Add the cooked pasta, drained tuna, and green peas to the sauce. Stir to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the Topping: In a small bowl, mix Panko, Parmesan, lemon zest, and olive oil. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake: Transfer the Dutch oven to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh chives and serve hot.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 592Total Fat 39gSaturated Fat 22gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 15gCholesterol 133mgSodium 684mgCarbohydrates 34gFiber 3gSugar 9gProtein 27g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Tuna noodle casserole is a classic dish that brings warmth and flavor to your table. With its simple ingredients, endless variations, and comforting appeal, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your repertoire. Whether you’re a casserole novice or a seasoned home cook, this dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
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