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USA · Food

Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole

25 min
820 kcal
4 servings

By eatmundo · July 5, 2026

Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole🇺🇸AI-generated image

Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world

2 matches

Dishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole. The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

Same technique: Casserole bake60 recipes from 16 countries

A quintessential American comfort food, this casserole combines tender egg noodles, flaky canned tuna, and sweet peas in a creamy, savory sauce, often topped with crunchy breadcrumbs or cheese. It's a nostalgic, easy-to-make meal that has graced dinner tables for generations.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole from another cuisine is Cheese and Onion Pie (United Kingdom): the two share 53% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

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Adapt this recipe:
4 servings

How to Make It

  • 1

    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook 8 oz (225 g) egg noodles according to package directions; drain. Meanwhile, melt 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chopped onion and chopped celery for 5-6 minutes, until softened.

  • 2

    In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, the softened onion and celery, 2 cans (5 oz / 142 g each) of drained tuna, 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk, 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream, 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas and 1 cup (115 g) of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

  • 3

    Pour the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.

  • 4

    In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup breadcrumbs with the remaining 2 tbsp butter, melted, and the remaining 1/2 cup (60 g) shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.

  • 5

    Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

  • 6

    Let stand for a few minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is tuna noodle casserole?

Tuna noodle casserole is a baked American comfort food dish consisting of egg noodles, canned tuna, and peas in a creamy sauce made from condensed mushroom soup, milk and cream. It is typically served as a main course for dinner.

What kind of pasta should I use for Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole?

Traditional recipes call for medium egg noodles, which provide a tender texture and absorb the creamy sauce beautifully. You can also use elbow macaroni or other small pasta shapes if preferred.

Which type of canned tuna is best for this casserole?

For a classic flavor and texture, use chunk light tuna in water, drained well. Albacore tuna can be used for a milder flavor and firmer texture, but avoid tuna in oil as it can make the casserole greasy.

How can I prevent my tuna noodle casserole from drying out during baking?

Make sure the sauce is moist before baking. The milk and heavy cream in this recipe help. Do not overbake: everything is already cooked, so 20-25 minutes uncovered is enough to heat it through. If the topping browns before the center is bubbling, lay a sheet of foil loosely over the top for the remaining minutes.

When should I add the breadcrumb topping to ensure it's crispy, not soggy or burnt?

In this recipe the topping goes on before baking. Because the casserole bakes uncovered for only 20-25 minutes, the buttered breadcrumb and cheddar topping crisps and turns golden without burning. Coat the crumbs evenly with the melted butter and spread them in a thin, even layer so they do not turn soggy.

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