Description
This Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole is a classic, creamy, and comforting American dish featuring tender egg noodles mixed with tuna, peas, and a cheesy mushroom sauce, all baked to golden perfection with a crunchy buttery cracker topping. Perfect for a hearty family meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta & Tuna
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained and flaked
Sauce & Mix-ins
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
Topping
- 1/2 cup crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and for easy serving.
- Cook noodles: Boil the egg noodles according to the package directions until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain well to avoid excess water in the casserole.
- Mix sauce and seasonings: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to create a creamy sauce base.
- Combine all main ingredients: Fold the drained tuna, thawed peas, cooked egg noodles, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce mixture, ensuring everything is well incorporated.
- Assemble casserole: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly for consistent cooking.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole’s surface.
- Prepare cracker topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer to add a crunchy baked crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
- Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream to lighten the dish or use cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or diced onions to the mix for extra depth and taste.
- For a crunchy topping alternative, try crushed potato chips or panko breadcrumbs.
