Description
This creamy tuna noodle bake is a comforting casserole combining tender egg noodles with a rich, cheesy sauce and flaky tuna. Topped with a golden, buttery breadcrumb crust, this classic dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Casserole Ingredients
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water or oil, drained and flaked
- 12 oz egg noodles (or any pasta of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using tuna in water)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook the Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions, then drain and set aside. If you’re using tuna in water, toss the cooked noodles with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to keep them from sticking together.
- Make the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well mixed and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the Tuna: Add the drained tuna to the sauce mixture and gently fold in until the tuna is evenly combined.
- Combine Noodles and Sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the tuna mixture and stir until everything is coated in the creamy sauce.
- Assemble the Bake: Pour the tuna and noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly and top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve as is, or pair with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Using tuna in water helps reduce added fat; if used, adding olive oil to the noodles prevents sticking.
- Panko breadcrumbs give a crispier topping than regular breadcrumbs.
- This dish reheats well and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or chicken for a different flavor.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat sour cream and mayonnaise.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
