Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

My GoTo Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe Easy Cheesy

By Diego HartSeptember 28, 2025

Table of Contents

Tuna Noodle Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Classic

Fancy a bit of proper comfort food? I'm talking about something that warms you from the inside out. You know, like a hug from your nan? Well, this tuna noodle casserole recipe is just the ticket.

It's cheesy tuna casserole recipe bliss, and I'm gonna show you how to make it!

What is this Classic?

This classic tuna noodle casserole is like a time capsule. It brings back memories, right? Originating as a budget friendly casserole recipes , it’s a creamy, cheesy delight.

This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal.

Easy Peasy!

Honestly, this easy tuna noodle casserole is dead simple. We are talking about a little prep and a bake. It's perfect if you are just starting out, I tell you.

The dish takes about 50 minutes from start to finish and will yield 6 servings.

Why You'll Love It

One of the best bits? Tuna is packed with protein. A serving of creamy tuna noodle bake makes the perfect family meal.

Plus, it's a great way to use up stuff from the pantry. What makes this recipe special? I will tell you later in the story.

Time to grab the ingredients. Are you ready?

Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. For this tuna noodle casserole recipe , quality ingredients make a massive difference. Like, seriously.

Main Players

Egg Noodles: 1 pound (450g) . Don't overcook them!
Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (115g) . The real deal!
Yellow Onion: 1 medium (about 1 cup / 150g ), chopped.
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is always best, innit?
All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup (30g) . Plain and simple does the trick.
Whole Milk: 3 cups (710ml) . Makes it nice and creamy.
Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon . A little earthy magic!
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon , or to taste. Seasoning is key!
Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon , or to taste. Adds a wee bit of kick.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups (225g) , divided. Mature cheddar melts beautifully.
Tuna in Water: 2 (5 ounce / 142g each) cans , drained. Good quality tuna is crucial.
Frozen Peas: 1 (10 ounce / 283g) package , thawed (or 1 cup fresh).
Potato Chips (Optional): 1/2 cup (50g) crushed. Or breadcrumbs.

The egg noodles should be top-notch. Fresh pasta or good dried pasta is great. For the tuna, go for responsibly sourced albacore.

It makes a world of difference. Honestly, the quality of the tuna is key.

Seasoning Notes

Thyme is your hero here. But a pinch of paprika can add a smoky depth. For flavour enhancers? A dash of Worcestershire sauce is secret weapon.

If you don't have thyme, rosemary will do in a pinch. It gives off a similar vibe.

I use this recipe all the time for easy tuna noodle casserole . Also works for budget friendly casserole recipes .

Equipment Needed

Large pot
Colander
Large skillet or saucepan
9x13 inch baking dish

You don't need fancy gear for this tuna noodle casserole recipe . A basic skillet and a baking dish are all you need.

If you don't have a colander, just use a large bowl to drain the noodles. I had to make a classic tuna noodle casserole using my Grandma's cast iron pan last time! Also, for a crispy cheesy taste you can use a broiler!

Cooking Method

Alright, let's talk shop. We're diving into how to nail this tuna noodle casserole recipe like a pro. This isn't just throwing stuff together.

It's about creating a comfort food casserole recipe masterpiece. Seriously, this brings me back to my student days. I lived on this stuff!

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission

First things first, the mise en place . Sounds fancy, right? It just means "everything in its place". Honestly, this is where half the battle is won.

Chop that onion. Mince the garlic. Drain the tuna like your life depends on it. Seriously, soggy tuna is a NO.

Get your noodles measured. It's about twenty minutes of work for a great reward!

Time saving tip? Get the cheese shredded beforehand. Pre-shredded is fine. We aren't judging. If you are making this tuna casserole with egg noodles then make sure those noodles are within arms reach!

step-by-step: From Chaos to Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Don't skip this. A cold oven is a sad oven.
Cook the egg noodles according to the packet. Aim for al dente . Remember, they'll cook more in the oven. Mushy pasta is a tragedy.
Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the onion until soft. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in flour. Cook for 1 minute to make that roux!
Whisk in the milk gradually until smooth. Simmer until thickened. 5- 7 minutes . Keep stirring! No one wants lumps.
Stir in thyme, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups cheddar until melted. Yum!
Combine noodles, sauce, tuna, and peas in a big bowl. Mix well. This is where the magic happens.
Pour the mixture into your baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese. Sprinkle with crushed potato chips if you are feeling wild.
Bake for 20- 25 minutes . Until bubbly and golden. Let stand for a few minutes before serving.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Casserole Game

Use good tuna, okay? It makes a difference. Albacore is a good choice. But whatever budget friendly casserole recipe you choose is okay!

Avoid overcooking the noodles. Undercooking is your friend. Seriously.

Don't skip the topping. Trust me. It adds crunch. If you are feeling extra fancy, add some breadcrumbs too.

And there you have it! The ultimate tuna noodle casserole. Perfect every time.

Recipe Notes for Your Best Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

Right, so you're about to dive into this tuna noodle casserole recipe . Ace! Before you get started, let's chew the fat about a few bits and bobs that'll help you ace it.

Honestly, it's easier than pie, but these tips will make it chef's kiss .

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Okay, so plating a tuna casserole with egg noodles might seem a bit, well, beige. But hear me out! A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top adds a lovely tang.

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives will give it a pop of colour.

I usually serve mine with a simple green salad. The crispness of the lettuce and the sharpness of the vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the casserole.

Sorted. A side of steamed green beans or broccoli also works wonders. Oh, and don't forget some garlic bread on the side.

Bangin'!

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Leftover cheesy tuna casserole recipe ? No worries! Pop it in an airtight container and it'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days.

When you're ready to reheat it, just bung it in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 15- 20 minutes, or until it's heated through.

You can also microwave it, but honestly, the oven gives it a much nicer texture.

Freezing is also an option! Wrap individual portions tightly in cling film and then foil. It will keep for up to 2 months.

Just remember to let it thaw completely in the fridge before reheating. Pro Tip: Thawing it over night on top of the fridge is the best way to ensure a better casserole texture.

Variations: Get Creative!

Fancy a bit of a twist? To make it vegetarian, swap the tuna for some sautéed mushrooms. It adds a lovely earthy flavour.

Or, if you're feeling fancy, some artichoke hearts will do the trick. Easy peasy.

For a healthier spin on this classic comfort food casserole recipes , use whole wheat pasta, swap the milk for skimmed milk, and reduce the amount of cheese.

You know?, a tiny change, but improves health factors. Also, for a richer flavour, you can use heavy cream instead of milk.

If you want to add some extra flavor, try Monterey Jack, Parmesan, or Swiss cheese instead of Cheddar. Sorted.

Nutrition Basics: What's Good For Ya?

This easy tuna noodle casserole provides a good dose of protein from the tuna and dairy. It also contains carbohydrates from the noodles and a little bit of fibre from the peas.

It's not exactly a health food, but it's a balanced meal that'll keep you feeling full and satisfied. Each serving has about 450 calories .

Honestly, everything in moderation, right?

So there you have it! All you need to know to make a killer tuna noodle casserole from scratch . Now go forth and bake! And honestly?, if I can do it, you definitely can! I believe in you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this tuna noodle casserole recipe ahead of time? Like, fancy prepping it on a Sunday for a Wednesday dinner?

Absolutely! You can assemble the tuna noodle casserole ahead of time. Just cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's going in cold from the fridge.

What's the best way to store leftover tuna noodle casserole? I always seem to end up with some.

To store leftover casserole, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, or transfer it to an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. When reheating, you can microwave it (but it might get a bit soggy) or bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

I'm not a huge fan of potato chips on top. What else can I use for a crispy topping on this tuna noodle casserole recipe?

No worries, mate! If potato chips aren't your cup of tea, try using breadcrumbs! Panko breadcrumbs, tossed with a little melted butter and parmesan cheese, make a fantastic crispy topping. You could also use crushed Ritz crackers or even some fried onions like you'd put on a green bean casserole.

Can I make this tuna noodle casserole healthier? My doctor keeps nagging me!

Definitely! You can lighten it up by using whole wheat pasta for extra fiber, swapping whole milk for skim or 1% milk, and reducing the amount of cheese. You could also add some extra veggies, like chopped broccoli or spinach, to boost the nutritional value.

Consider using tuna packed in water rather than oil to cut down on fat.

My casserole is always watery! What am I doing wrong with this tuna noodle casserole recipe?

A watery casserole usually means there's too much liquid. Make sure you drain the tuna really well and don't overcook the noodles slightly undercook them as they'll continue to cook in the sauce. Also, ensure your white sauce is thick enough before adding the other ingredients.

Simmer it for a good 5-7 minutes until it coats the back of a spoon.

I’m allergic to tuna, but I want to make this dish. What other protein can I use in this noodle casserole recipe?

No problem! If you're allergic to tuna, you can easily substitute it with shredded chicken or even cooked flaked salmon. You could also use canned crab meat for something a little different. If you are looking for a non-meat substitute, try sauteed mushrooms with vegetable broth.