Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe
Add Preferred SourceThis classic Tuna Noodle Casserole is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for those nights when you just need a little comfort food. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some tuna into your diet in the tastiest way possible!
Why You Will Love Making Tuna Noodle Casserole
There are plenty of reasons to fall for this classic comfort food. Here’s why it’ll be your new go-to recipe:
- Quick to prep: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you can have this casserole ready in 35 minutes.
- Perfect for leftovers: It tastes even better the next day, making your meal planning a breeze.
- Versatile: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have in your pantry or fridge.
- Kid-friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy the creamy texture and cheesy flavor.
- Comforting: Just one bite will remind you of home, perfect for any day you need a little extra comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make This Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe with Step-By-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Ready to get cooking? Here’s how you can make this delicious casserole in your own kitchen:
Cook the pasta
Begin by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Remember to drain it well once it’s done!
Prepare the sauce
Preheat your oven to 355°F (180ºC). While the oven warms up, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
Add the olive oil, and once it’s hot, toss in the garlic and onion. Cook them until they’re just wilted, about 7 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour and stir well to combine.
SERIOUSLY GOOD
CASSEROLES
37 EASY RECIPES designed for days when you want one dish to do all the work for you. Expect rich, mouthwatering layers that are just begging to be on your dinner table.
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Cook until it’s slightly thickened, then gradually whisk in the milk. Keep cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Combine the ingredients
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese until it melts completely and blends into the sauce.
Gently fold in the drained tuna, season with salt and pepper to taste, and then add the cooked noodles.
Stir everything together well to ensure the noodles are evenly coated with the cheesy sauce.
Add the topping and bake
In a separate bowl, mix together the Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and melted butter for the topping.
Grease a casserole dish, pour in the tuna noodle mixture, and evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb topping over it.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Serve and enjoy
Sprinkle some fresh parsley over the baked casserole to add a touch of color and freshness. Serve hot, and enjoy your homemade tuna noodle casserole!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 10 ounces egg noodles short
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red onion diced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese
- 4 cans tuna in water drained
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley to serve
For the Panko topping:
- ½ cup Panko
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Video
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain.10 ounces egg noodles
- Preheat the oven to 355°F (180ºC).
- Heat a non-stick skillet and add the olive oil, once it’s hot, fold in the garlic and onion and cook until wilted about 7 minutes.2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 cloves garlic, 1 red onion
- Add the flour, mix well, and cook until slightly thickened, then whisk in the milk until fully combined and continue cooking for a couple of minutes or until desired thickness is achieved.3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 4 cups milk
- Remove the mixture from heat, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well incorporated. Gently fold in the flaked tuna and season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, add the cooked noodles and mix thoroughly until everything is evenly distributed.2 cups Cheddar cheese, 4 cans tuna in water, Salt and pepper
- In a bowl, mix all the panko topping ingredients.¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan, 2 tablespoons melted butter, ½ cup Panko
- Grease a baking dish and pour the tuna mixture. Top with the panko mixture and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve with fresh parsley and enjoy!Fresh parsley
Notes
- Tuna: Opt for tuna in water for a lighter casserole, or use oil-packed tuna for a richer flavor.
- Customize your veggies: Add frozen peas, corn, chopped carrots, or even mushrooms to sneak in some extra veggies.
- Cheese: While Cheddar is great, try mixing in some mozzarella, Gouda, or Parmesan for a different taste.
- Crunchy topping alternatives: If you’re out of Panko, crushed potato chips or Ritz crackers make a great substitute for a crispy finish.
- Make it gluten-free: Swap regular noodles for gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free flour to cater to dietary needs.
- Cooking the roux: Don’t rush cooking the flour and fat mixture; let it cook for a few minutes to avoid a floury taste.
- Add a splash of color: Fresh parsley not only adds flavor but also makes your dish pop with color.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Cool: Let the casserole cool to room temperature before you pack it up.
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze the casserole either baked or unbaked. If unbaked, add the topping after thawing and before you bake it. It can last in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the top and cover with aluminum foil. Warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
- Microwave: If you’re short on time, you can also microwave portions. Just cover the dish with a wet paper towel to avoid drying out the pasta.
Nutrition
SERIOUSLY GOOD
CASSEROLES
37 EASY RECIPES designed for days when you want one dish to do all the work for you. Expect rich, mouthwatering layers that are just begging to be on your dinner table.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
∙ French Toast Casserole
∙ Crack Chicken Casserole
∙ Four Cheese Ravioli Casserole
∙ Ratatouille Casserole
∙ Sweet Potato Casserole
...and much more!
Includes ad-free recipes like:
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
To make your tuna noodle casserole even better, here are some handy tips:
- Tuna: Opt for tuna in water for a lighter casserole, or use oil-packed tuna for a richer flavor.
- Customize your veggies: Add frozen peas, corn, chopped carrots, or even mushrooms to sneak in some extra veggies.
- Cheese: While Cheddar is great, try mixing in some mozzarella, Gouda, or Parmesan for a different taste.
- Crunchy topping alternatives: If you’re out of Panko, crushed potato chips or Ritz crackers make a great substitute for a crispy finish.
- Make it gluten-free: Swap regular noodles for gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free flour to cater to dietary needs.
- Cooking the roux: Don’t rush cooking the flour and fat mixture; let it cook for a few minutes to avoid a floury taste.
- Add a splash of color: Fresh parsley not only adds flavor but also makes your dish pop with color.
How to Store Leftover Tuna Noodle Casserole
Got leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to keep them tasty for your next meal:
- Cool: Let the casserole cool to room temperature before you pack it up.
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze the casserole either baked or unbaked. If unbaked, add the topping after thawing and before you bake it. It can last in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the top and cover with aluminum foil. Warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
- Microwave: If you’re short on time, you can also microwave portions. Just cover the dish with a wet paper towel to avoid drying out the pasta.
Our Top 3 Money-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Saving a bit of cash while cooking can make all the difference. Here are three great ways to keep your pocket happy while making our easy tuna casserole recipe:
- Canned goods deals: Tuna and other canned items often go on sale. Keep an eye out and buy in bulk.
- DIY breadcrumbs: Make your own breadcrumbs with leftover bread — just toast and pulse in a food processor.
- Cheese ends: Buy ends of cheese blocks at a discount and grate them yourself.
What to serve with Tuna Noodle Casserole
Here are some ideas to complement your tuna noodle casserole:
Fresh Salad
Kick off with something light and crunchy. A fresh green salad with a zesty dressing can balance the richness of the casserole. Try mixing some spring greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a vinaigrette.
Steamed Vegetables
A side of steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans adds color and nutrition without overwhelming the main dish. Just a bit of salt, pepper, and a dab of butter can elevate these veggies.
Simple Soup
Start with a light soup, like a clear vegetable or chicken broth, to introduce the meal without filling up too quickly. It’s a cozy addition, especially on cooler days.
