Tuna-Noodle Casserole
Tuna-Noodle Casserole is a comforting classic that combines tender noodles, creamy mushroom soup, and flaked tuna for a hearty dish. With the added pop of peas and optional garlic, it's a family-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. Creamettes medium noodles ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 (5 oz.) can evaporated milk ⓘ
- 1/2 c. sour cream ⓘ
- 1 (6 1/2 oz.) can tuna, drained and flaked ⓘ
- 1/2 c. frozen peas, thawed and drained ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can mushroom pieces, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, optional ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole dish.
- Top with potato chips or cheese, or leave plain.
- Bake in a 350° oven until hot and bubbly, about 35 to 40 minutes.
- Refrigerate any leftovers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt. If you're looking to add more flavor, consider incorporating some chopped bell peppers or celery. You can also use whole wheat noodles for a healthier twist. For an added crunch, top with crushed potato chips or a sprinkle of breadcrumbs before baking. This Tuna-Noodle Casserole is a great dish that tastes best when made earlier in the day.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Tuna-Noodle Casserole with a simple side salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Oyster Cracker Snack for a crunchy side or even a slice of garlic bread. For a heartier option, consider serving with steamed vegetables or a fruit salad. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or as a comforting weeknight dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings for a quick meal, but be sure to cover the dish to retain moisture. This makes for an easy quick one dish meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna-Noodle Casserole contains roughly 266 calories, with 8g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (14% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (12% 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 tuna?
Yes, you can use fresh tuna, but it will require cooking beforehand. Poach or grill the tuna until it's fully cooked, then flake it into the mixture. Keep in mind that using fresh tuna will give a different texture and flavor compared to canned.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to add any vegetables you enjoy, such as bell peppers, spinach, or corn. Just make sure they're cooked and cooled before mixing them in to maintain the right texture and flavor balance.
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).