AmericanLunch

Recipe Story

origins & traditions

This beloved American comfort food combines tender egg noodles with flaky tuna in a luscious cream sauce, studded with sweet peas and aromatic herbs. The dish is crowned with a golden breadcrumb and cheese topping that adds delightful crunch to every bite. Dating back to the 1950s, this casserole became a staple in American households for its simplicity, affordability, and crowd-pleasing flavors. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings, this one-pot wonder requires minimal prep while delivering maximum comfort. The creamy texture combined with the protein-rich tuna and vegetables creates a well-balanced meal that satisfies both adults and children alike. Best served hot from the oven with a simple side salad.

Instructions

step by step

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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with butter.
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add diced onions and celery, sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 2 minutes to create a roux.
Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Add salt, black pepper, thyme, and paprika. Stir until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Drain tuna and flake it into chunks. Add to the cream sauce along with frozen peas and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese melts.
Add cooked noodles to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Transfer mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter and parmesan cheese.
Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
Top with additional shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

5.0 (65)

A comforting classic American casserole featuring tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, and a rich creamy sauce, topped with golden breadcrumbs and melted cheese for the perfect one-pot family meal.

easy

55 min

6 servings

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

4 cups Noodles, uncooked egg noodles
400 grams Tuna, drained and flaked
2 cups Cheese Cheddar, shredded
1 1/2 cups Peas, frozen

Sauce

2 cups Milk
1 cups Heavy Cream
5 tablespoons Butter, divided
1/4 cups Flour

Aromatics

1 pieces Onions, diced
2 stalks Celery, diced
3 cloves Garlic, minced

Topping

1 cups Breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons Cheese Parmesan, grated

Seasonings

1 1/2 teaspoons Salt
3/4 teaspoons Black Pepper, freshly ground
1 teaspoons Thyme, dried
1/2 teaspoons Paprika

Garnish

2 tablespoons Parsley, chopped (optional)

Chef Tips

expert advice

•For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the cream sauce.

•Fresh mushrooms make an excellent addition - sauté them with the onions and celery.

•To make ahead, assemble the casserole without the breadcrumb topping, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours.

•Add topping just before baking and increase baking time by 10 minutes.

•Crushed potato chips can replace breadcrumbs for a nostalgic twist.

•Add hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

•Fresh dill or parsley stirred into the sauce adds brightness.

Variations & Substitutions

make it your own

•You can substitute canned salmon for tuna, or use a combination of both.

•For a lighter version, use reduced-fat milk and cheese.

Storage & Reheating

keeping it fresh

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap tightly in aluminum foil and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes until heated through. For oven reheating, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until warmed completely. Add a splash of milk if the casserole seems dry. For frozen casserole, thaw completely before reheating using the oven method.