How to Make the Perfect Tuna Noodle Casserole
American · Easy · 45 min · 6 servings
Classic egg noodles baked with flaked tuna, sweet peas, and a creamy mushroom sauce topped with golden breadcrumbs is the definition of old school comfort food. It is budget friendly, filling, and surprisingly popular with children who love the mild flavors and satisfying crunch on top.
Why this recipe works
This Tuna Noodle Casserole recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 45 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 430 calories with 24g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 300 g egg noodles
- 340 g canned tuna in water drained
- 400 ml condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 150 g frozen peas
- 200 ml whole milk
- 60 g panko breadcrumbs
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Cook egg noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water for 1 minute less than package directions as they will finish cooking in the oven. Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl combine condensed cream of mushroom soup with milk and stir until smooth. Add drained tuna, frozen peas, and cooked noodles and mix until everything is evenly combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the noodle mixture into a greased 9x13 baking dish and spread it out evenly. Scatter panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top and drizzle with a little melted butter.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Bake at 190 degrees C for 25 to 30 minutes until the casserole is hot and bubbling throughout and the breadcrumb topping is golden and crisp. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- canned tuna → canned salmon or shredded rotisserie chicken
- egg noodles → penne or rotini pasta
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overcooking the noodles before baking which results in a mushy casserole after it comes out of the oven
- Using dry breadcrumbs without any butter which produces a pale powdery topping instead of a golden crust
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 430 calories, 24g protein, 51g carbs, 14g fat, 4g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →