Favorite Noodle Casserole
A comforting noodle casserole with tuna, vegetables, and creamy sauce, baked to bubbly perfection. Ideal for family dinners and versatile with optional add-ins for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 6 to 8 oz. medium noodles ⓘ
- 1 cup celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup green pepper
- 1/4 cup onion ⓘ
- 1 to 2 cups tuna, chicken or turkey ⓘ
- 1 small jar pimento ⓘ
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup Best Foods mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 cup cream of celery or cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated cheese ⓘ
- 1 can water chestnuts (optional) ⓘ
- peas (optional) ⓘ
- sour cream (optional) ⓘ
- slivered almonds (optional) ⓘ
- 1 small can mushrooms (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook noodles as directed on the package.
- Mix celery, green pepper, onion, tuna, pimento, mayonnaise, and optional ingredients if using, then combine with cooked noodles in a baking dish.
- Heat soup with 1/2 cup milk and melt cheese into the soup mixture.
- Add the soup and cheese mixture to the noodle mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, or at 350°F for 40 to 45 minutes until bubbly.
- Optional: add bread crumbs during the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or extra mayonnaise to the noodle mixture. You can substitute the tuna, chicken, or turkey with canned salmon or even a plant-based protein for a vegetarian option. If you want more crunch, mix in some crushed crackers or breadcrumbs before baking. For a twist, try adding a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
Serving Suggestions
This noodle casserole is hearty enough to be a main dish, but pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it alongside garlic bread or rolls for a comforting dinner option. For an added touch, garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of additional cheese before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power, covering them to retain moisture, for about 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Favorite Noodle Casserole contains roughly 368 calories, with 9g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (47% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 750mg per serving (33% 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 make this noodle casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This ensures even cooking throughout.
What can I substitute for cream of celery soup?
If you don't have cream of celery soup, you can use cream of mushroom soup or even make your own by blending cooked celery with heavy cream. Another option is to use a homemade white sauce as a base for a fresher taste. Just season it to your liking.
Is it possible to freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed. Note that the texture may change slightly after freezing.
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).