Do you love tuna noodle casserole? This dish is a classic for a reason. It's hearty, filling, and packed with flavor. Plus, it's easy to make and doesn't contain any canned soups! You'll be impressing your family and friends in no time with this dish.
This classic casserole recipe is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you're looking for an easy weeknight meal or something to bring to a potluck, this dish will not disappoint. So go ahead and give it a try!
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Tuna Noodle Casserole
Tuna noodle casserole is classic comfort food that is both easy to make and delicious. This recipe features tender noodles coated in a creamy homemade sauce, topped with flavorful tuna, and a salty potato chip crisp on top. It's the perfect dish for a winter dinner party or a cozy night in. Plus, it reheats well so you can enjoy it for leftovers the next day!
If you want a meat-free option, then you might like this creamy mushroom casserole or a traditional spinach mushroom ricotta stuffed pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 medium red onion
- 4 tablespoons butter (60g)
- 10 ounces oyster mushrooms (300g)
- 2 fresh thyme sprigs
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (23g)
- 1 ยผ cup milk (313)
- 2 cups mushroom broth (500ml)
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce (10ml)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (15ml)
- 2 (5oz) cans of tuna in water (282g)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (83g)
- 12 oz egg noodles (350g)
- 1 cup plain potato chips (34g)
- Fresh dill to garnish
Note: I recommend white albacore tuna, but if you aren't sure what tuna to use, you can check out this article for more information on the different options in the market.
Kitchen Tools Needed
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Whisk
- 9"x13" baking dish
How to Make Tuna Noodle Casserole
Video Recipe
Before you begin cooking, I recommend prepping everything to make the process easier. That means measuring ingredients out ahead of time, slicing the onions, chopping the mushrooms, and draining the tuna. Once that is done, preheat the oven as directed to 375ยฐF/190ยฐC and prepare your baking dish with non-stick spray on the bottom and sides. I used a 9"x13" pan for this casserole.
Now, create the mushroom sauce by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the sliced onions. Cook them for 5 minutes, stirring regularly.
Then, add the sliced or diced oyster mushrooms to the skillet, and cook these for 10 minutes. Continue stirring regularly to prevent burning. They are done when they have reduced, are brown, and have little to no liquid remains.
Next, add the fresh thyme leaves and the flour. Stir to coat the mushroom and onions. Then cook this for an additional minute before pouring in the milk and mushroom stock. Once all liquid is in the pan, you will whisk it together to make sure no lumps from the flour have formed.
Add in the hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce, then bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, add the shredded cheese and stir until it has melted and the sauce has thickened nicely.
Then, add the dry noodles and drained tuna and stir together.
Let it come back to a boil, then remove it from the heat and pour it into your prepared baking dish.
Top with the potato chips, then cover the pan with a layer of aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes.
Before serving, sprinkle the top with fresh chopped dill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Put Egg in Tuna Casserole?
No, there is no egg in this tuna casserole. While there are a lot of recipes that use an egg to hold the casserole together, this recipe does not need it. Instead, it has a homemade thickened mushroom sauce and pasta to help combine all ingredients.
How Do You Keep Tuna Noodle Casserole From Drying Out?
There are a few things you can do to prevent your tuna casserole from drying out. First and foremost, following the recommended measurements and cooking times helps significantly.
Secondly, make sure you have more sauce than pasta. The pasta will soak up some of the sauce while it cooks, and this is when it can dry out. Thus the first tip is necessary to make sure you don't have this issue.
Lastly, covering the casserole to prevent burning also helps it to not dry out too fast while cooking. Make sure it is hot and bubbling with the pasta al dente, but don't overcook it.
What Chips Should I Use As a Topping?
There are a lot of different chips that you can use as a topping. Typically, you will use plain flavored ridged or waved chips.
If you want to add a different flavor to this recipe, you can add cheddar-flavored chips, sour cream and onion chips, or even BBQ chips. These different flavored chips will lend different flavors to the casserole. You could even use a shrimp-flavored chip for a bit of extra flavor.
How Long is Tuna Casserole Good For?
Tuna casserole will last for about 3 to 4 days when it is stored in the refrigerator. If it is stored in the freezer, it will last for up to 3 months.
When storing this casserole, make sure you do so in an airtight container. If you are keeping the food in the casserole dish, use a casserole dish that comes with a tight fitting lid, as this casserole dish with lid. You can, of course, always portion it into smaller containers or just wrap the dish with plastic wrap tightly.
Can I Freeze Tuna Noodle Casserole?
Yes, tuna noodle casserole can be frozen. I like to use thick sealable plastic bags when I am storing this in the freezer. Another tip is to store it in individual serving sizes. That way you can just grab one serving out of the freezer when you are ready to eat it. You will be able to grab it from the freezer and enjoy a quick dinner for one without having to thaw the entire container. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven and enjoy!
More Casserole Recipes
Casseroles are the heart of our dinner time. A delicious creamy sauce or baked meat and potatoes dish is always there to comfort and satisfy. If you need more casserole inspiration for your menu, check out some of our favorite classic main dish choices below. These are great for the whole family, and ideal for those
who prefer make-ahead or freezer meal options. Make sure that you bookmark these, print out the recipes, or pin them to Pinterest to make soon.
- Stuffed Pepper Casserole
- Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
- BBQ Spiced Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Ham and Potato Casserole
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
- Sloppy Joes Casserole
Tuna Noodle Casserole with Crispy Topping
A delicious tuna noodle casserole with a homemade mushroom sauce and crispy topping is a perfect comfort food meal everyone enjoys!
Ingredients
- 1 medium red onion, sliced
- 4 tablespoons butter (60g)
- 10 ounces oyster mushrooms (300g)
- 2 fresh thyme sprigs, leaves only
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (23g)
- 1 ยผ cup milk (313)
- 2 cups mushroom broth (500ml)
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce (10ml)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (15ml)
- 2 (5oz) cans of tuna in water, drained (282g)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (83g)
- 12 oz egg noodles (350g)
- 1 cup plain potato chips (34g)
- Fresh dill to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F/190°C and spray a 9"x13" baking dish with non-stick spray then set it aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add in the sliced onions, and cook, stirring regularly, until they are soft and starting to brown.
- To the skillet, add the oyster mushrooms, and cook for 10 minutes or until they are browned and all moisture has evaporated. Make sure to stir regularly to prevent burning.
- Now, add the thyme and flour and stir to coat the mushroom and onion mixture. cook for 1 minute.
- Then, pour in the milk and mushroom stock. Whisk constantly to prevent lumps. Then, add in the hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce and stir.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the shredded cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted.
- Then add in the noodles and drained tuna. Once it reaches boiling again, pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Top with potato chips and cover loosely with aluminum foil then bake for 20 minutes.
- Sprinkle with fresh chopped dill before serving.
Notes
For a unique flavor, use equal amounts of buffalo seasoned tuna packets in place of plain canned tuna.
Recommended Products
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OXO Good Grips 3- Piece Wooden Utensil Set -
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Plastic Measuring Cups and Spoons Set 14 Piece. Includes 11 Colorful Measuring Cups and Spoons Set and 3 Plastic Liquid Measuring Cups. Nesting Measuring Set for Space Saving Storage. Dishwasher-Safe
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STAUB Ceramics Oval Baking Dish, 9-inch, Dark Blue
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GreenLife Bakeware Healthy Ceramic Nonstick, 13" x 9" Rectangular Cake Baking Pan, PFAS-Free, Turquoise
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 378Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 72mgSodium: 628mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 2gSugar: 5gProtein: 18g
Sheila Thomas
I just made this. I read the recipe several times and nowhere does it say to cook the pasta, so I added it uncooked. I'm now realizing that was a mistake. Shame to waste all those lovely ingredients and tasty sauce. You may want to fix this. ๐
Katie Hale
Hi Sheila!
I am sorry you had a poor experience. I have reviewed this again and the recipe is correct in showing that the pasta is added into the sauce dry and the combination of sauce and the time shown should result in a soft noodle.
It is important to use egg noodles and not a traditional dry pasta when following this method. The popular brand No Yolk is a good choice.
If you want to use a macaroni or small pasta you will need to cook it for 1/2 the recommended time on the package then drain and add just before baking.