Old Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole

The comforting aroma of a bubbling Old Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole fresh from the oven instantly transports you back to simpler times. This nostalgic dish combines tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, and a creamy sauce that melts together into the ultimate comfort food classic. Whether you’re craving a taste of childhood or looking for a budget-friendly dinner option, this Old Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole delivers warmth and satisfaction with every bite. You’ll learn how to create this timeless family favorite with a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Old Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole stands out as a beloved classic for good reason. The contrast between the crispy, golden breadcrumb topping and the creamy, savory filling creates an irresistible textural experience that satisfies on multiple levels. The dish comes together with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something substantial but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

What makes this recipe special is its perfect balance of nostalgia and practicality. Using pantry staples that you likely already have on hand, this traditional tuna pasta bake transforms simple ingredients into something greater than the sum of its parts. The tender egg noodles provide the perfect backdrop for the flaky tuna and creamy sauce, while the peas add pops of sweetness and color throughout.

Plus, this casserole is extremely versatile – it can be prepared ahead of time, feeds a crowd affordably, and reheats beautifully for leftovers the next day. It’s the definition of comfort food that nourishes both body and soul.

Ingredients

For this classic Old Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole, you’ll need:

• 8 oz (225g) egg noodles, medium width
• 2 cans (5 oz each) chunk light tuna in water, drained
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream
• 1 cup (150g) frozen peas, thawed
• 1 cup (100g) celery, finely diced (about 2 stalks)
• 1/2 cup (75g) onion, finely diced (about 1/2 medium onion)
• 1 cup (113g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tbsp (15ml) butter
• 1/2 cup (30g) bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

The cream of mushroom soup provides a rich base for the sauce, while the combination of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses adds depth of flavor. Using good quality chunk light tuna ensures the perfect texture and mild flavor that works harmoniously with the other ingredients.

Pro Tips

Choose the Right Tuna: For the best Old Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole, use chunk light tuna packed in water rather than oil. It maintains a cleaner flavor that won’t overpower the other ingredients and blends better with the creamy sauce. Drain it thoroughly and gently flake it with a fork to maintain nice chunks throughout the casserole.

Perfect Your Noodles: Slightly undercook your egg noodles by about 1-2 minutes less than the package directions indicate. They’ll continue cooking in the oven, and this prevents them from becoming mushy in the final dish. Rinsing the noodles in cold water after draining stops the cooking process and removes excess starch that could make your casserole gummy.

Create Texture Contrast: The difference between a good and great tuna casserole lies in the topping. For the perfect crispy top, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese, then spread evenly over the casserole. For extra crunch and flavor, consider toasting the breadcrumbs in a dry skillet before mixing with butter – this adds another dimension of texture that elevates the entire dish.

Instructions

Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook for 2 minutes less than the package instructions indicate – they should be slightly firm. Drain the noodles, rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process, and set aside.

Step 2
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced onions and celery, cooking until they’re softened but not browned, about 4-5 minutes. The vegetables should be translucent and aromatic. This step builds the flavor foundation for your Old Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole.

Step 3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream, whisking until smooth. This creates the creamy base that will bind all your ingredients together. Add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper, stirring to incorporate.

Step 4
Gently fold in the drained tuna, being careful not to break it up too much – you want those lovely chunks to remain intact. Add the sautéed vegetables, thawed peas, and 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture. Stir carefully until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 5
Add the cooked egg noodles to your creamy mixture, folding gently until the noodles are completely coated. Pour everything into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.

Step 6
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried parsley. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over your casserole for that classic golden, crunchy topping.

Step 7
Bake uncovered in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crispy. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to portion.

Variations

Mediterranean Twist: Transform your Old Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole by adding 1/2 cup of chopped artichoke hearts, 1/4 cup of sliced kalamata olives, and substituting the cheddar with 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese. Sprinkle with some dried oregano and a squeeze of lemon juice for a Mediterranean-inspired variation that’s bright and tangy.

Deluxe Version: Elevate this classic tuna pasta casserole by adding 1 cup of sautéed sliced mushrooms and 1/4 cup of diced roasted red peppers. Replace the cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery soup and add 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard for complexity. Top with crushed potato chips instead of breadcrumbs for an extra indulgent twist.

Gluten-Free Option: This comfort food favorite can easily be made gluten-free by using gluten-free egg noodles or pasta. Replace the condensed soup with a homemade white sauce (2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons gluten-free flour, 1 cup milk, and 1/2 cup chicken broth). Ensure your breadcrumbs are gluten-free or substitute with crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping.

Storage and Serving

Your Old Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. When reheating, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through.

For serving, pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. The refreshing crunch of the salad complements the creamy texture of the casserole perfectly. For a complete meal, add some steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus on the side.

For a special touch, serve each portion with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and an extra grating of Parmesan cheese. If you’re feeding a crowd, this casserole makes an excellent potluck dish – simply transport it in the baking dish and reheat at your destination if needed.

FAQs

Can I make this Old Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Add the breadcrumb topping just before baking, and you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
You can use cream of celery or cream of chicken soup as direct substitutes. Alternatively, make a homemade version by sautéing 1/2 cup mushrooms in 2 tablespoons butter, adding 2 tablespoons flour to create a roux, then whisking in 1 1/4 cups milk until thickened.

Can I use different types of pasta?
While egg noodles are traditional, you can substitute other medium pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or fusilli with good results. Just remember to cook them slightly al dente since they’ll continue cooking in the oven.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
The casserole is done when it’s bubbling around the edges, the top is golden brown, and a knife inserted in the center comes out hot. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F.

Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Diced carrots, bell peppers, or even broccoli florets make great additions. Just make sure to pre-cook firmer vegetables until they’re tender-crisp before adding them to the casserole.

Conclusion

This Old Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole is comfort food at its finest — creamy, satisfying, and wrapped in the warm embrace of nostalgia. It’s the perfect balance of tender noodles, flaky tuna, and a velvety sauce that comes together in a dish that feels like a hug from the inside out. It’s the kind of recipe that proves simple ingredients can create extraordinary meals when combined with care and tradition. Whether you’re serving it to your family on a weeknight or bringing it to a potluck dinner, this timeless classic continues to earn its place at the table, one delicious bite at a time.

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