Crunchy Tuna Casserole
A creamy, crunchy tuna casserole featuring egg noodles, vegetables, and a crispy breadcrumb topping, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine cooked and drained egg noodles, condensed mushroom soup, and sour cream in a large bowl.
- Add cooked peas and carrots, sliced mushrooms, drained tuna, thyme, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture into an oiled 2-quart casserole dish.
- In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs and melted butter.
- Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes or until hot, bubbly, and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like parsley or dill instead of thyme. If you want a creamier texture, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. You can also swap the frozen peas and carrots for a mixed frozen vegetable blend. To enhance the crunch, try adding some grated cheese to the breadcrumb topping. This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This crunchy tuna casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli for a balanced meal. Consider serving it with a side of garlic bread for a comforting touch. If you enjoy classic comfort food, browse more American recipes for inspiration on hearty family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings, but be sure to cover them to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crunchy Tuna Casserole contains roughly 181 calories, with 10g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (132% of the Daily Value), iron (64% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (62% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1340mg per serving (58% 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 fresh tuna instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tuna, but be sure to cook it first and then flake it before adding to the casserole. Fresh tuna will provide a different texture and flavor compared to canned, resulting in a more gourmet dish.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. Note that the texture may slightly change after freezing.
What can I add for extra protein?
To boost protein content, consider adding cooked chicken or shredded cheese to the casserole. Alternatively, you can mix in some cooked quinoa or beans for a nutritious twist, making it a heartier meal that the whole family will enjoy.
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).