Description
Creamy Tuna Noodle Bake is a classic comfort food casserole featuring tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, and a rich, cheesy sauce made from cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, and cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make dish is topped with buttery breadcrumbs and baked until golden and bubbly, perfect for a warm, satisfying meal any night of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water or oil, drained and flaked
- 8 oz egg noodles (or any pasta you prefer)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken if you prefer)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or sour cream for a tangy twist)
- 1/2 cup milk (adjust for creaminess)
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional, for added texture)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (optional)
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish or similar-sized baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
- Cook the Noodles: Prepare the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, and milk, stirring until smooth. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, mixing thoroughly to create a creamy and flavorful sauce.
- Assemble the Casserole: Fold the drained and flaked tuna and frozen peas (if using) into the sauce mixture. Then add the cooked noodles, stirring gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly for uniform cooking and browning.
- Top the Casserole: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter until coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole surface. For an extra cheesy finish, sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese on top of the breadcrumbs.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbling around the edges, and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill before serving to add a touch of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to incorporate more vegetables and flavors.
- Swap cheddar cheese for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend to vary the taste and texture.
- For a spicy kick, add hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños to the sauce mixture.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free cream soup alternative.
- Adjust milk quantity to achieve your preferred creaminess level in the sauce.
