Craving comfort food that's easy to whip up? This Classic Creamy Tuna Noodle Bake is a nostalgic favorite that's perfect for busy weeknights. It's creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it a family-friendly dish everyone will love.
The backbone of this dish starts with egg noodles, which are the perfect base for absorbing all that creamy goodness. Butter is used to sauté the vegetables, giving them a rich flavor. Speaking of veggies, the onion and celery add a subtle sweetness and crunch. The condensed cream of mushroom soup is the ultimate time-saver, bringing creaminess and depth to the sauce. Whole milk helps thin the soup just enough for a smooth, velvety texture. For color and a pop of sweetness, we add frozen peas. Then comes the star of the show: tuna, providing protein and that signature tuna casserole flavor. A generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese adds a creamy, tangy element, while breadcrumbs create a crunchy topping. Finally, a bit of salt and black pepper to taste, rounding out the flavors just right.
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette. For a complete meal, serve it with some garlic bread on the side to soak up any extra sauce.
First, get your oven preheating to 375°F. While that's happening, give your 9x13-inch baking dish a good coating of cooking spray. This will help prevent anything from sticking. Next, cook your egg noodles according to the package directions until they're al dente. You want them firm enough to hold up in the bake. Once done, drain them and set them aside for a bit.
Now, grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and celery, sautéing them until they're nice and soft — this should take about 5 minutes. With the veggies softened, stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup and whole milk, mixing until you have a smooth, creamy sauce.
Time to add the peas, tuna, and shredded cheddar cheese to your skillet. Stir everything together until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined. This is where the magic happens as all the flavors start to meld together.
Now, take your cooked noodles and combine them with the tuna mixture in the greased baking dish. Mix everything well so the noodles are evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top to give your bake a golden, crunchy finish.
Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbling. Once out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes before serving — this helps it set up a bit so it slices nicely.
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