Save A comforting, creamy baked casserole featuring tender noodles, savory tuna, and a golden, crispy onion topping—perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
I first made this casserole for a weeknight family dinner and it quickly became a requested favorite. The mix of tender noodles, hearty tuna, and creamy sauce feels extra cozy, especially with the crunch from the onion topping.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 340 g (12 oz) wide egg noodles
- Protein: 2 cans (each 170 g/6 oz) tuna in water, drained
- Vegetables: 1 cup frozen peas, 1 small onion finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional), 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Sauce: 1 can (295 g/10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- Topping: 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions (store-bought), 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Dish:
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish.
- Cook Noodles:
- Cook the egg noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Saute Vegetables:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, saute the chopped onion and garlic in a bit of oil until soft (about 3 minutes). Add mushrooms if using and cook until tender.
- Prepare Sauce:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed soup, milk, sour cream, shredded cheese, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the cooked noodles, drained tuna, peas, sauteed vegetables, and parsley to the bowl. Stir gently to combine.
- Assemble:
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Add Topping:
- In a small bowl, toss breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the casserole, then top with crispy fried onions.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
- Rest:
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Save This dish always reminds me of cozy Sunday dinners at my grandma's house, when everyone would rush to get a scoop while the onions were still hot and crunchy.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this casserole with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. It also works well alongside roasted vegetables for a more festive meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions uncovered in the oven to restore the crispy topping.
Make It Your Own
Add a sprinkle of paprika or swap in different cheeses for extra flavor. For a lighter version, use low-fat dairy products without losing the creamy texture.
Save This classic recipe brings warmth and nostalgia to the table—with simple comfort you can share again and again.
Recipe FAQs
- → What kind of noodles work best?
Wide egg noodles hold the creamy sauce well and create a satisfying texture when baked.
- → Can I substitute the protein?
Yes, canned salmon or shredded cooked chicken can be used instead of tuna to vary the flavors.
- → How do I get the topping crispy?
Mixing breadcrumbs with melted butter and layering crispy fried onions on top ensures a golden, crunchy finish.
- → Can I prepare it ahead of time?
You can assemble the dish in advance and refrigerate it, then bake when ready to serve for convenience.
- → Are there lighter ingredient options?
Using low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese can lighten the dish without sacrificing flavor.