Save A comforting classic casserole featuring tender egg noodles, savory tuna, and a rich creamy sauce, all topped with golden crispy onions for irresistible crunch.
I have made this casserole many times for family dinners and it never fails to impress with its creamy flavor and crunchy onion topping.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) wide egg noodles
- Sauce: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 small yellow onion finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic minced, 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk, 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- Filling: 2 cans (5 oz/140 g each) solid white tuna in water drained and flaked, 1 cup (120 g) frozen peas thawed, 1 cup (100 g) sliced white mushrooms (optional), 1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- Topping: 1 1/2 cups (75 g) store-bought crispy fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Cook Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce:
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle flour over onions and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook the flour.
- Make Cream Sauce:
- Gradually whisk in milk and broth. Cook whisking until the sauce thickens about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in sour cream salt pepper thyme and parsley.
- Add Filling:
- Add drained tuna peas mushrooms if using and shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce. Stir until evenly combined.
- Combine:
- Add cooked noodles and gently fold until everything is well mixed.
- Assemble:
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly.
- Add Topping:
- Top with crispy fried onions.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbling and the onions are golden brown.
- Rest:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Save This recipe always brings the family together around the table sharing stories and enjoying every bite.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, whisk, 9x13-inch baking dish, mixing spoon
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (noodles flour) Dairy (milk butter sour cream cheese) Fish (tuna) Eggs (egg noodles) Possible soy (crispy onions). Crispy onions may contain gluten or other allergens check packaging for details. Always verify labels if you have allergies or sensitivities.
Nutritional Information
Calories 410 Total Fat 16 g Carbohydrates 43 g Protein 25 g per serving
Save Enjoy this creamy tuna noodle casserole fresh out of the oven with a crispy golden topping for the perfect comfort meal.
Kitchen Questions
- → What type of noodles work best?
Wide egg noodles are ideal for providing a tender yet firm texture that holds the creamy sauce well.
- → Can I use other seafood instead of tuna?
Yes, canned salmon or cooked chicken can be used as alternatives for a different flavor profile.
- → How can I make the sauce thicker?
Cooking the flour in butter before adding milk and broth helps create a thick, creamy base. Make sure to whisk continuously to avoid lumps.
- → What gives the casserole its crunchy topping?
Crispy fried onions added on top before baking provide a golden, crunchy contrast to the creamy filling.
- → Are mushrooms required in this dish?
Mushrooms are optional but add an earthy flavor that complements the tuna and cheese well.