Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe Easy Homemade Crispy Topping Delight
A quick and easy tuna noodle casserole with a creamy sauce, tender noodles, and a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping. Perfect for cozy family dinners and crowd-pleasing comfort food.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces (225 grams) egg noodles, cooked al dente
- 2 cans (5 ounces/142 grams each) chunk light tuna, drained well
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk, whole or 2%
- 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup (115 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) frozen peas, thawed (optional)
- 1/4 cup (40 grams) finely chopped onion
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 cup (90 grams) plain breadcrumbs (Panko preferred)
- 3 tablespoons (42 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons (15 grams) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley or Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of egg noodles and cook for 6-7 minutes until just al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, 2 cans drained chunk light tuna, 1 cup milk, 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup thawed frozen peas, and 1/4 cup finely chopped onion.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste. Mix gently but thoroughly.
- Pour the mixture into the greased casserole dish and spread evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine 1 cup plain breadcrumbs, 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (if using), and 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley or Italian seasoning. Stir until crumbs are evenly coated.
- Evenly distribute the breadcrumb mixture over the casserole surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. Tent with foil if topping browns too fast.
- Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Do not overcook noodles as they will continue cooking in the oven. Drain tuna thoroughly to avoid watery casserole. Butter the breadcrumbs well for a crispy topping. Mix ingredients gently to avoid breaking noodles. Use sharp cheddar for best flavor. Cover with foil if topping browns too quickly. Rest casserole before serving for better texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6th of casserole
- Calories: 375
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 25
Keywords: tuna noodle casserole, comfort food, casserole recipe, easy dinner, crispy topping, creamy casserole, family meal