Save to Pinterest A comforting classic casserole featuring tender egg noodles, savory tuna, and a rich creamy sauce, all topped with golden crispy onions for irresistible crunch.
This recipe has been a family favorite for years, bringing warmth and smiles to every dinner table.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) wide egg noodles
- Sauce: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk, 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- Filling: 2 cans (5 oz/140 g each) solid white tuna in water, drained and flaked, 1 cup (120 g) frozen peas, thawed, 1 cup (100 g) sliced white mushrooms (optional), 1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- Topping: 1 1/2 cups (75 g) store-bought crispy fried onions
Instructions
- Step 1 Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C):
- Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Step 2 Cook noodles:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3 Prepare sauce base:
- While noodles cook, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Step 4 Add flour:
- Sprinkle flour over onions and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook the flour.
- Step 5 Whisk in liquids:
- Gradually whisk in milk and broth. Cook, whisking, until the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
- Step 6 Season sauce:
- Remove from heat. Stir in sour cream, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley.
- Step 7 Combine filling:
- Add drained tuna, peas, mushrooms (if using), and shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce. Stir until evenly combined.
- Step 8 Add noodles:
- Add cooked noodles and gently fold until everything is well mixed.
- Step 9 Assemble casserole:
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly.
- Step 10 Add topping:
- Top with crispy fried onions.
- Step 11 Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the onions are golden brown.
- Step 12 Rest:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Save to Pinterest Gathering around this casserole has created many cherished family moments filled with laughter and satisfaction.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, whisk, 9x13-inch baking dish, mixing spoon
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (noodles, flour), dairy (milk, butter, sour cream, cheese), fish (tuna), eggs (egg noodles), possible soy (crispy onions).
Nutritional Information
Calories: 410, Total Fat: 16 g, Carbohydrates: 43 g, Protein: 25 g per serving
Save to Pinterest This casserole is perfect for cozy family dinners and leftovers make excellent next-day meals.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of noodles work best?
Wide egg noodles are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce well and provide a tender base.
- → Can I substitute tuna with another protein?
Yes, canned salmon or cooked chicken are excellent alternatives to create similar flavors.
- → How do I achieve the crispy onion topping?
Use store-bought crispy fried onions, sprinkled evenly on top before baking to add crunch.
- → Is there a way to lighten the sauce?
Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt and opt for reduced-fat cheese for a lighter variation.
- → Can mushrooms be omitted or replaced?
Mushrooms are optional and can be left out or swapped with other vegetables like bell peppers.
- → How long should the casserole bake?
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbling and onions turn golden brown.