Timeless Tuna Casserole

Name: Timeless Tuna Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz egg noodles; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 stalks celery, diced; 1 cup frozen peas; 2 cans (10 oz each) cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup whole milk; 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained; 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated; Salt and pepper to taste

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 30 min

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

Be the First to Review!

This Timeless Tuna Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for a cozy family dinner. It's straightforward to make, packed with flavor, and has a crunchy, cheesy topping that's hard to resist.

Save Print Jump to Recipe

Ingredients for Timeless Tuna Casserole

This dish begins with egg noodles, which provide a sturdy base and soak up all the delicious flavors. Butter is used for sautéing the vegetables, giving them a rich flavor. When it comes to veggies, we've got onion, garlic, and celery, which together create a savory base. Frozen peas add a pop of color and sweetness, making the dish more vibrant.

The creamy component comes from cream of mushroom soup and whole milk, which blend together to create a luscious sauce. Tuna provides the protein, and it's essential to drain it well to avoid excess liquid. Cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese give that classic cheesy pull and a bit of sharpness, while breadcrumbs add crunch. Finally, season with salt and pepper to bring all the flavors together.

Tips & Tricks

For extra crunch, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mix.
Make sure to drain the tuna well to prevent a soggy casserole.
You can prepare this casserole a day in advance and bake it the next day.

Serving Suggestions

This tuna casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad drizzled with a simple vinaigrette. You might also like to serve it alongside some crusty bread to soak up any extra creamy sauce, making it a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of cream of mushroom soup?: Yes, you can sauté fresh mushrooms with the onions and garlic, then add a bit of flour and milk to create a homemade mushroom sauce.
Is there a substitute for whole milk?: You can use any milk of your choice, though whole milk provides a richer texture. For a dairy-free version, try almond or oat milk.
Can I freeze the casserole?: Absolutely. After baking, let it cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Timeless Tuna Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it'll be ready to bake the casserole once everything is assembled. As the oven heats, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. You want them al dente, as they'll continue to cook a bit in the oven. Once done, drain and set them aside.

Next, grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced celery. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they're nice and soft. This step boosts the flavor, making the dish truly savory.

Stir in the frozen peas, cream of mushroom soup, and whole milk. Mix everything until well combined. The peas will thaw quickly in the hot mixture. Now, gently fold in the drained tuna and cooked noodles, ensuring everything is well mixed.

Transfer this mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole. It will melt and form an irresistible golden crust.

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You're looking for a top that's golden brown and bubbly. Once done, let it cool slightly before serving. This resting time helps the casserole set, making it easier to serve.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Easy to prepare with minimal fuss.
Family-friendly and kid-approved.
Perfect for using pantry staples.
Great for meal prep and leftovers.
Warm, comforting, and satisfying.

Ingredients

12 oz egg noodles

2 tbsp unsalted butter

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 stalks celery, diced

1 cup frozen peas

2 cans (10 oz each) cream of mushroom soup

1 cup whole milk

2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained

1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.

3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté onion, garlic, and celery until soft, about 5 minutes.

4. Stir in the peas, cream of mushroom soup, and milk; mix until well combined.

5. Add the drained tuna and cooked noodles, stirring gently to combine.

6. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

7. In a small bowl, combine cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese; sprinkle evenly over the tuna mixture.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

9. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Save Print

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!