Favorite Tuna-Noodle Casserole
A creamy, comforting tuna noodle casserole with vegetables and Parmesan cheese, perfect for family dinners and easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. medium egg noodles ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 12 1/2 oz. can tuna in water, drained and flaked ⓘ
- 10 3/4 oz. can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 10 oz. frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and drained ⓘ
- 1 c. milk ⓘ
- 4 1/2 oz. jar sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 2 oz. jar sliced pimiento, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- red pepper rings and fresh parsley sprigs (garnishes) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook noodles according to package directions; drain well and set aside.
- Saute chopped celery and onion in melted butter in a Dutch oven until tender.
- Stir in cooked noodles, tuna, cream of mushroom soup, frozen chopped broccoli, sliced mushrooms, sliced pimiento, milk, and salt if desired.
- Spoon mixture into a lightly greased 2 1/2-quart casserole; sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours if storing.
- Bake, uncovered, at 375°F for 50 to 60 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
- Garnish with red pepper rings and fresh parsley sprigs before serving, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a little sour cream or cream cheese to the mixture. You can also substitute the tuna with canned salmon or shredded chicken for variation. If you want to add more vegetables, diced bell peppers or peas work well. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta instead of egg noodles.
Serving Suggestions
This tuna-noodle casserole pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it with crusty bread for a comforting dinner. For a twist, try serving along with mustard-grilled shrimp for an exciting combination of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but be sure to cover to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Favorite Tuna-Noodle Casserole contains roughly 435 calories, with 18g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (65% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), and protein (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 944mg per serving (41% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When ready to bake, remove the cover and bake as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer not to use cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute with homemade white sauce or a different canned soup, like cream of chicken or cream of celery. This will alter the flavor slightly but still provide a creamy base.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, this casserole can be frozen before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. To bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed, or bake from frozen, adding additional time as needed.
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).