Save A comforting, creamy classic featuring tender noodles, savory tuna, and a golden, crunchy onion topping — perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Growing up, my family always looked forward to tuna noodle casserole night. It was the first meal I ever learned to prepare on my own, and now I love passing this tradition down with a few special touches.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 340 g (12 oz) egg noodles
- Seafood: 2 cans (each 170 g/6 oz) tuna in water, drained
- Vegetables: 1 cup frozen peas, thawed, 1 small onion, finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 cup sliced button mushrooms (optional)
- Sauce: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 cups whole milk, 120 ml (½ cup) sour cream, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Cheese: 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- Topping: 1 cup crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Prep the oven:
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking dish.
- Cook the noodles:
- Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the sauce:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add chopped onion and mushrooms. Sauté 4 – 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly. Cook until sauce thickens, about 3 – 4 minutes.
- Combine ingredients:
- Stir in sour cream, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and thyme. Remove from heat. Add drained tuna, peas, cheddar cheese, and cooked noodles to the sauce. Mix gently until combined.
- Assemble and bake:
- Spoon mixture into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle crispy fried onions evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for 25 – 30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Save When we bring this bubbly casserole to the dinner table, it always sparks stories and laughter around the family. The crispy onion topping is my kids' favorite part and they love helping sprinkle it on before baking.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, whisk, baking dish (23 x 33 cm / 9 x 13 inch), mixing utensils
Allergen Information
Contains: Milk (butter, cheese, milk, sour cream), Wheat (noodles, flour), Fish (tuna), Eggs (egg noodles), and possibly Gluten (noodles, crispy onions). Always check packaging for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 430, Total Fat 17 g, Carbohydrates 44 g, Protein 25 g
Save Enjoy this comforting classic straight from the oven. A simple, heartwarming meal that brings everyone to the table!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of noodles work best for this dish?
Egg noodles work well due to their tender texture that holds the creamy sauce nicely.
- → Can I use fresh onions instead of crispy fried onions for topping?
Fresh onions can be sautéed and added inside, but to achieve the signature crunch, crispy fried onions are recommended as topping.
- → How can I make the sauce thick and creamy?
Cooking butter, flour, and milk into a roux then whisking in sour cream, mustard, and seasonings creates a rich and creamy sauce.
- → Is it possible to include vegetables in this dish?
Yes, peas and mushrooms are great additions, adding color, texture, and flavor.
- → What is a good alternative to sour cream in the sauce?
Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute to add creaminess with a slight tang.