Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

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This Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole is the ultimate in cozy, affordable comfort food. Made with pantry staples like canned tuna, egg noodles, and cream of mushroom soup, it’s an easy one-dish dinner that delivers creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and kid-approved flavor—all baked to perfection in under an hour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Budget-friendly: Made with low-cost ingredients

• Family-approved: Creamy, cheesy, and kid-friendly

• Quick prep: Just 10 minutes of hands-on time

• Freezer-friendly: Perfect for make-ahead meals

Ingredients Breakdown

Base Ingredients:

• 8 oz egg noodles – Soft and comforting, the classic base for any tuna casserole.

• 2 cans tuna, drained – A budget-friendly protein that’s mild and satisfying.

• 1 can cream of mushroom soup – Adds creaminess and savory depth to the sauce.

Creamy Add-Ins:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Melty, sharp cheese that brings creamy richness.

• 1 cup frozen peas – A pop of color and subtle sweetness for balance.

Seasoning:

• Salt and pepper to taste – Simple but essential for flavor balance.

Topping:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs – Creates a crispy, golden crust for contrast.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Want it extra creamy? Add ½ cup sour cream or a splash of milk to the tuna mixture.

• Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

• Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a flavor twist.

• Add sautéed onions or mushrooms for more depth.

Tasty Variations

• Tuna-Free Option: Swap the tuna for cooked chicken or turkey.

• Low-Carb Version: Use cooked spaghetti squash or cauliflower rice.

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free noodles and soup.

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a green salad or steamed broccoli for balance.

• Serve with buttery garlic bread or dinner rolls for a hearty meal.

• Add a glass of white wine like Chardonnay for an elegant touch.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze the fully baked casserole for up to 2 months—wrap tightly in foil.

• Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. Add breadcrumbs just before baking.

What’s the best tuna to use?

Chunk light or solid white albacore tuna in water both work well. Just drain thoroughly before mixing.

Can I use a different soup?

Absolutely. Cream of celery or cream of chicken also work for a different flavor profile.

Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

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• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This easy, creamy tuna noodle casserole is a nostalgic weeknight winner, packed with tender egg noodles, cheesy goodness, and hearty tuna. Topped with golden breadcrumbs, it’s the ultimate cozy dinner you can make in under an hour

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz egg noodles

• 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup frozen peas

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the Noodles

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Boil the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Tuna Mixture

• In a large mixing bowl, combine:

  • Drained tuna

  • Cream of mushroom soup

  • Shredded cheddar cheese

  • Frozen peas

  • Salt and pepper

• Stir until fully combined.

3. Combine with Noodles

• Add the cooked egg noodles to the tuna mixture.

• Mix gently until everything is evenly coated.

4. Assemble the Casserole

• Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.

• Spread it out evenly and sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top.

5. Bake

• Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbling around the edges

Notes

• This recipe is perfect for using up pantry ingredients.

• To feed a crowd, simply double the recipe and bake in two dishes.

• For a richer flavor, add a sprinkle of Parmesan with the breadcrumbs.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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