Name: Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 ounces egg noodles, cooked and drained; 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna in water, drained and flaked; 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup milk; 1 cup frozen peas, thawed; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons melted butter

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If you’re looking for a nostalgic, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug from your childhood, Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole checks every box. This classic, creamy casserole blends tender noodles, flaky tuna, and melty cheese in one bubbling dish, all topped with a buttery, golden crust. Quick to prepare and ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as cozy as it is delicious. With every forkful, you get a taste of homey comfort that’s never out of style.

Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole so wonderful: each ingredient is familiar, easy to find, and plays a key role in the dish’s deliciousness. From the hearty noodles to the cheesy finish, nothing is complicated — just luscious layers of flavor and texture.

Egg noodles (12 ounces): The base of the casserole, these noodles are wonderfully tender and soak up all the creamy goodness.
Tuna in water (2 cans, 5 ounces each): Use quality canned tuna for fresh flavor; draining it well ensures a non-soggy casserole.
Cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): This classic shortcut creates a rich, savory sauce with minimal effort.
Milk (1/2 cup): Helps thin the sauce just enough so your casserole stays perfectly creamy.
Frozen peas (1 cup, thawed): Pops of green add color, sweetness, and balance to every bite.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Cheddar melts into everything, offering a sharp bite and irresistible gooeyness.
Sour cream (1/2 cup): Provides extra creamy richness and some welcome tang.
Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Just a subtle note to brighten and deepen the flavors.
Salt and pepper: Don’t forget to season to taste — it brings all the flavors together!
Crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs (1 cup): The classic topping that bakes up crisp and golden.
Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Tossed with the topping, it ensures every bite is gorgeously crunchy.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C), and spray or butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step ensures the casserole won’t stick and gives it the perfect environment for bubbling up beautifully.

Step 2: Combine the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, scoop in the cooked noodles, tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk, peas, cheddar, sour cream, garlic powder, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Give it all a good stir so everything is evenly coated and enticingly creamy. This is where the magic begins!

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the noodle and tuna mixture into your prepared dish and smooth it out so it’s spread evenly. Every scoop should have a bit of everything for the ultimate Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole bite.

Step 4: Add the Crunchy Topping

In a separate bowl, toss the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter until every crumb glistens. Scatter this mixture all over the top of your casserole — this step guarantees that crave-worthy, golden crunch.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide your casserole into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. It’s done when the top is beautifully browned and the sides are bubbling. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving, so everything sets up nicely for easier scooping.

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole

Garnishes

For an extra pop of flavor and color, sprinkle over fresh chopped parsley or a little extra shredded cheddar cheese right before serving. A dusting of paprika can also give a gentle warmth and extra appeal, making your Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This dish loves a simple side — think crisp green salad with a zippy vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or roasted carrots. These light, vibrant accompaniments bring balance and let the casserole take center stage at the table.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to change things up, try baking individual portions in ramekins for a personalized touch. Or, serve on a big platter family-style, topped with extra cheddar and parsley so everyone can help themselves to their favorite comfort food classic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making leftovers especially delicious for a next-day lunch or quick dinner.

Freezing

This casserole freezes like a dream! Assemble it up to the point before baking, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra 10–15 minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop leftovers in a 350°F oven until warmed through (cover with foil to keep the topping from over-browning). For single servings, a quick zap in the microwave also works — just add a splash of milk to keep things creamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While egg noodles are classic for Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole, you can swap in rotini, penne, or any pasta you have on hand — just cook until al dente for best results.

Is it okay to use fresh vegetables instead of frozen peas?

Of course! Feel free to add fresh veggies like diced celery, bell pepper, or mushrooms. Lightly sautéing them first will bring out their flavor and ensure they bake up beautifully tender.

Can I make Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to one day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before popping it in the oven.

What are the best substitutes for cream of mushroom soup?

If you prefer, swap in cream of celery or cream of chicken soup — both work well and give the Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole a unique twist while keeping the comfort factor high.

How do I get a super crispy topping?

For an extra-crunchy finish, broil the casserole for a minute or two right at the end of baking, just watching closely so the topping turns perfectly golden, not burnt!

Final Thoughts

Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole is the kind of dish that brings joy to any table, brimming with comforting flavors and easy charm. I hope you’ll give this classic a try and make it part of your own family traditions — after all, there’s nothing better than sharing a favorite comfort food with the people you love.

Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that is easy to make and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. Creamy and flavorful, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

12 ounces egg noodles, cooked and drained
2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna in water, drained and flaked
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Topping:

1 cup crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the Casserole: In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk, peas, cheddar cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Add the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture over the top of the casserole.
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.