Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Featured in: Cozy Everyday Meals

This comforting casserole features tender egg noodles enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce infused with savory tuna and aromatic herbs. The blend is enriched with peas, mushrooms, and cheddar, then topped with golden, crispy fried onions for a delightful crunch. Baking melds all flavors while preserving the creamy texture, resulting in a hearty, satisfying dish perfect for a family meal. Simple preparation ensures an easy yet flavorful cooking experience.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 08:33:00 GMT
A bubbly Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with golden crispy onions, ready for a delicious, comforting meal. Save
A bubbly Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with golden crispy onions, ready for a delicious, comforting meal. | meanwhilerecipe.com

A comforting classic casserole featuring tender egg noodles, savory tuna, and a rich creamy sauce, all topped with golden crispy onions for irresistible crunch.

This casserole has been a family favorite for years it brings together simple ingredients into a hearty dish perfect for any occasion

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 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

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) Lightly grease a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish
Step 2:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente Drain and set aside
Step 3:
While noodles cook 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
Step 4:
Sprinkle flour over onions and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook the flour
Step 5:
Gradually whisk in milk and broth Cook whisking until the sauce thickens about 3 4 minutes
Step 6:
Remove from heat Stir in sour cream salt pepper thyme and parsley
Step 7:
Add drained tuna peas mushrooms (if using) and shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce Stir until evenly combined
Step 8:
Add cooked noodles and gently fold until everything is well mixed
Step 9:
Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish Spread evenly
Step 10:
Top with crispy fried onions
Step 11:
Bake uncovered for 25 30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbling and the onions are golden brown
Step 12:
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving
This warm, creamy tuna noodle casserole features flaky tuna in a rich sauce with crunchy onions. Save
This warm, creamy tuna noodle casserole features flaky tuna in a rich sauce with crunchy onions. | meanwhilerecipe.com

This dish always brings us together on busy weeknights sharing stories and laughter over a warm comforting meal

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

The baked Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole, a classic comfort food dish, smells savory and is ready to serve. Save
The baked Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole, a classic comfort food dish, smells savory and is ready to serve. | meanwhilerecipe.com

This casserole is a simple hearty dish perfect for comforting family dinners

Recipe FAQ

What type of noodles work best in this dish?

Wide egg noodles are ideal thanks to their texture and ability to hold the creamy sauce well.

Can I substitute the tuna with other proteins?

Yes, alternatives like canned salmon or cooked chicken work well for variation.

How do crispy onion toppings affect the dish?

They add a contrasting crunch and a golden, savory finish enhancing both texture and flavor.

Is it possible to make this dish lighter?

Using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and opting for reduced-fat cheese can lighten the dish while maintaining creaminess.

What spices complement the creamy sauce?

Dried thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper bring aromatic depth and balance to the creamy base.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, peas and sliced mushrooms can be added for extra texture and flavor.

Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Tender noodles and savory tuna blend in a rich sauce topped with crispy golden onions for a comforting main dish.

Time to Prepare
20 mins
Time to Cook
30 mins
Complete Time
50 mins
Created by Meanwhilerecipe Clara Bennett

Recipe Category Cozy Everyday Meals

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 6 Number of Servings

Diet Considerations None specified

Ingredient List

Pasta

01 12 oz wide egg noodles

Sauce

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
05 2 cups whole milk
06 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
07 1/2 cup sour cream
08 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
10 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
11 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley

Filling

01 2 cans (5 oz each) solid white tuna in water, drained and flaked
02 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
03 1 cup sliced white mushrooms (optional)
04 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Topping

01 1 1/2 cups store-bought crispy fried onions

Steps

Step 01

Prepare baking dish and oven: Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 02

Cook noodles: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook egg noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 03

Sauté aromatics: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chopped onion for 3 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Step 04

Make roux: Sprinkle flour over onions and stir continuously for 1 minute to cook the flour.

Step 05

Add liquids: Gradually whisk in milk and broth, cooking until sauce thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 06

Season and enrich sauce: Remove from heat and stir in sour cream, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley.

Step 07

Combine filling: Add tuna, peas, mushrooms if using, and cheddar cheese to the sauce. Stir to combine evenly.

Step 08

Incorporate noodles: Fold cooked noodles gently into the sauce mixture until well combined.

Step 09

Assemble casserole: Transfer mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 10

Add crispy topping: Sprinkle the store-bought crispy fried onions evenly over the casserole.

Step 11

Bake: Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbling and onions are golden brown.

Step 12

Rest and serve: Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tools Needed

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Whisk
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing spoon

Allergy Notes

Examine all food items for allergens and consult your doctor for concerns.
  • Contains wheat (noodles, flour), dairy (milk, butter, sour cream, cheese), fish (tuna), eggs (egg noodles), and possible soy (crispy onions).
  • Crispy onions may contain gluten or other allergens – verify packaging details.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

These details are meant for reference, not as a substitute for medical guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 410
  • Fats: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Proteins: 25 g