Baked Tuna Noodle Casserole
A comforting baked tuna casserole featuring tender tuna, peas, onions, and a creamy sauce, topped with crunchy bread crumbs—perfect for family dinners or quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 1 envelope Lipton chicken noodle soup mix ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- white pepper ⓘ
- 2 cups drained cooked peas ⓘ
- 1 cup soft buttered bread crumbs ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups boiling water ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 (7 oz) can tuna, drained and flaked ⓘ
- 1 cup drained cooked or canned small white onions ⓘ
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, cook the Lipton chicken noodle soup mix in 2 1/2 cups boiling water.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
- In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons butter or margarine.
- Blend in 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour and a few grains of white pepper.
- Gradually stir in the hot soup and cook until thickened.
- Add the drained and flaked tuna, then fold in the cooked peas and drained small white onions.
- Turn the mixture into a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Top with soft buttered bread crumbs.
- Bake for 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture before baking. If you don’t have Lipton chicken noodle soup mix, you can use homemade chicken broth with seasonings as a substitute. Additionally, swapping white pepper for black pepper will work if that’s what you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a side of Golden Carrots And Onions for a colorful and nutritious meal. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables also complements the dish well. For a heartier option, serve alongside crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes. Cover with foil to retain moisture while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Tuna Noodle Casserole contains roughly 1172 calories, with 28g protein, 162g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (103% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (97% of the Daily Value), and protein (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 840mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional, you can substitute with any short pasta like rotini or shells. Just ensure to cook the pasta al dente before mixing it into the casserole, so it doesn’t become mushy during baking.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.
Can I add more vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other vegetables such as chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach for added nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to cook any fresh vegetables before adding them to the mixture to ensure they are tender when served.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).