Tuna Noodle Casserole
Introduction
Tuna Noodle Casserole is a timeless comfort food that continues to win over both young and old with its creamy richness and gentle flavors. This classic dish uses simple pantry ingredients and comes together quickly, making it an ideal weeknight dinner solution that never sacrifices taste for convenience. With its savory, creamy sauce and perfectly baked crust, this casserole brings nostalgia and satisfaction to every bite.
Why Tuna Noodle Casserole is a Family Favorite
The beauty of Tuna Noodle Casserole lies in its versatility and appeal. You get forkfuls of tender egg noodles, creamy sauce, hearty tuna, and a crunchy topping all in one dish—making it the ultimate one-pan meal. It’s budget-friendly, easy to customize with pantry staples, and sure to please even picky eaters, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying comforting leftovers.
Building the Creamiest Tuna Noodle Casserole
The heart of this casserole is the luscious sauce, typically made with a combination of cream of mushroom soup, milk, and a pinch of seasoning. Mixing in frozen peas and a touch of sharp cheddar gives the dish pops of color and extra depth. Using quality albacore tuna provides a firm, flavorful protein that stands out in every bite, while the egg noodles add the perfect chewy texture.
Topping for the Perfect Finish
A signature element of Tuna Noodle Casserole is its crunchy topping—classic crushed potato chips, buttery breadcrumbs, or even crispy fried onions. This finishing touch bakes to a golden brown in the oven, providing a delicious contrast to the creamy casserole underneath. It’s the part everyone rushes back to the kitchen for!
Serving Suggestions for Tuna Noodle Casserole
Serve your casserole hot from the oven, paired with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete, balanced meal. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making them perfect for next-day lunches or another cozy dinner. You can serve individual portions or dish it out family-style for a comforting, communal experience.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields about 6 hearty servings. Each serving typically contains 370-420 calories depending on the variety of toppings and cheese used. Tuna adds quality protein and the casserole delivers a mix of carbs, fats, and comforting flavor—making it a satisfying meal in one.
Tuna Noodle Casserole (Recap)
Combining tender noodles, creamy sauce, savory tuna, and a crunchy topping, Tuna Noodle Casserole is a dependable family favorite. It’s simple, filling, and suited for any occasion—from weeknights to potlucks.
Ingredients
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Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Cook egg noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water for 2 minutes less than package directions (they’ll finish cooking in the oven). Drain well.
- In a large bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, milk, shredded cheddar, frozen peas, optional herbs, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Fold in the drained tuna and cooked noodles until everything is evenly coated.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread into an even layer.
- Sprinkle the crushed potato chips or buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the topping is golden and the casserole is bubbling at the edges.
- Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Weekly Meal Planning
Tuna Noodle Casserole makes a practical addition to your weekly meal plan thanks to its simple ingredients, ease of prep, and versatility as leftovers. Save and schedule this casserole with CookifyAI to automatically plan which night you’ll serve it and generate a consolidated shopping list with other recipes—simplifying grocery runs and meal prep.
Planning Benefits:
- Calculates total ingredient amounts across all chosen recipes
- Organizes shopping by store aisles to save time
- Integrates pantry staples, so you only buy what’s needed
- Reduces duplicate purchases and meal-planning stress
Pro tip: Schedule your weekly meals for an optimized shopping list that considers overlapping ingredients across recipes, ensuring nothing is forgotten and reducing food waste.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Enjoy the cozy satisfaction of a perfectly simple Tuna Noodle Casserole—and discover how meal planning with CookifyAI makes it even easier to bring comfort to your table all week long!