Ultimate Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, creamy tuna noodle casserole fresh from the oven. This classic family dinner recipe combines tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, sweet peas, and melted cheese in a creamy sauce that everyone loves. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this tuna noodle bake delivers nostalgia and flavor in every bite.

This recipe brings back the best of retro dinner classics while using simple, wholesome ingredients. The combination of textures – from the soft noodles to the crisp topping – creates a dish that’s both satisfying and memorable. It’s the kind of comfort food that brings families together around the dinner table.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces egg noodles
• 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna in water, drained
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add celery and onion, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes). Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Step 3: Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Cook until the sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes). Stir in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheese until melted. Fold in cooked noodles, tuna, and peas until evenly combined.

Step 5: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and breadcrumbs.

Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Expert Tips

For the best results, use high-quality tuna packed in water rather than oil. The water-packed variety gives you more control over the flavor and prevents the casserole from becoming greasy. If you’re feeding a crowd, this recipe doubles beautifully – just use a larger baking dish.

For extra creaminess, try stirring in a tablespoon of cream cheese along with the cheddar. The texture becomes incredibly rich and velvety. This casserole also freezes wonderfully – prepare it up to the baking step, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.

For more comforting family dinner ideas, check out our Smoky Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta for another quick weeknight meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of noodles?
Yes! While egg noodles are traditional, you can substitute with wide egg noodles, rotini, or penne. Just adjust cooking time according to package directions.

How do I make this dish ahead of time?
Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the refrigerator.

What vegetables can I add?
Try adding diced carrots, mushrooms, or corn for extra nutrition and variety. For more vegetable-packed meals, try our Ultimate Broccoli Salad as a side dish.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

For more easy casserole inspiration, browse our collection of family-friendly casserole recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights.

Ultimate Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

This classic family dinner recipe combines tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, sweet peas, and melted cheese in a comforting creamy sauce. It’s an easy weeknight meal that brings nostalgia and flavor to the dinner table with its satisfying combination of textures.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 8 ounces egg noodles
• 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna in water, drained
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

 

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add celery and onion, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes). Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Cook until the sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes). Stir in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheese until melted. Fold in cooked noodles, tuna, and peas until evenly combined.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and breadcrumbs.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, use high-quality tuna packed in water rather than oil. For extra creaminess, add a tablespoon of cream cheese. This recipe doubles beautifully for crowds and freezes well for up to 3 months.