Creamy Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole

A comforting, nostalgic dish with tender noodles, flaky tuna, and peas smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with a crispy golden crust. Ready in under an hour for a fuss-free family dinner!

Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 45 mins
Calories: ~400 per serving | Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 8 oz egg noodles
• 2 (5 oz) cans tuna (drained)
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup crushed crackers or potato chips (for topping)
• Optional: ¼ tsp garlic powder or paprika

Instructions

1. Prep & Preheat

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

2. Cook Noodles

• Boil egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Mix Filling

• In a large bowl, combine cooked noodles, tuna, mushroom soup, peas, cheddar cheese, and milk. Season with garlic powder or paprika if using.

4. Assemble & Bake

• Pour mixture into the greased dish. Sprinkle crushed crackers or chips evenly on top.
• Bake 25–30 minutes until bubbly and the topping is golden.

5. Serve

• Let cool 5 minutes before scooping.

Pro Tips

• Avoid soggy noodles: Rinse cooked noodles with cold water to stop overcooking.
• Crispy topping hack: Toss crushed chips/crackers with 1 tbsp melted butter before baking.
• Fresh twist: Swap frozen peas for 1 cup steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms.

Variations

• Soup swap: Use cream of celery or chicken soup instead of mushroom.
• Cheesy upgrade: Add ½ cup cream cheese or Parmesan to the filling.
• Protein swap: Substitute tuna with canned chicken or cooked salmon.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free noodles and soup.

Storage

• Fridge: Store covered for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 mins.
• Freeze: Freeze unbaked casserole (without topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, add topping, and bake.

Serving Ideas

• Pair with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted carrots.
• Drizzle with hot sauce or lemon juice for a zesty kick.

This cozy, budget-friendly casserole is a weeknight hero—creamy, crunchy, and always a crowd-pleaser!