Description
This Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish combining tender medium egg noodles, creamy mushroom sauce, flavorful chunk light tuna, and a crispy golden breadcrumb topping. Ready in under 30 minutes using simple pantry staples, it’s a perfect, budget-friendly meal for families or busy weeknights, with flavors that meld beautifully as leftovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces medium egg noodles
- 2 cans (5 ounces each) chunk light tuna in water, drained
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Topping
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the medium egg noodles according to package instructions, usually 6-8 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in tuna and veggies: Add the drained canned tuna and frozen peas to the sauce mixture. Fold gently to combine without breaking up the tuna too much.
- Combine noodles and sauce: Pour the cooked noodles into the sauce bowl and toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated in the creamy tuna sauce.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the noodle mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Prepare breadcrumb topping: Melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Stir in breadcrumbs and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown and crisp.
- Bake: Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs over the cheese layer. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Notes
- Drain tuna well to avoid soggy casserole.
- Do not overcook noodles; slightly undercook since they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for richer flavor.
- Watch breadcrumbs while toasting to avoid burning.
- Allow casserole to rest 5-10 minutes after baking to set and improve slicing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: tuna noodle casserole, easy casserole, comfort food, quick dinner, family meal, creamy casserole, pantry staples