Description
This classic Tuna Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners. Featuring tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, creamy mushroom soup, and crunchy cornflake topping, it combines rich flavors and textures into one satisfying bake. Ready in just 35 minutes and serving 8, it’s an easy-to-make casserole that’s both nostalgic and delicious.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 16 ounces egg noodles (one package)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2-3 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 ounces tuna (2 cans, packed in water)
- 10 1/2 ounces Cream Of Mushroom Soup (1 can)
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
- 1-2 tablespoons melted butter
Garnish (Optional)
- Extra cheddar cheese
- Extra chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Cook Egg Noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add egg noodles and cook for 6 minutes, which is about half the recommended time on the package to ensure they remain firm. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Sauté Vegetables: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables begin to soften but remain slightly crisp. Season with salt to taste.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked noodles, sautéed vegetables, tuna, cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, cheddar cheese, frozen peas, and salt until evenly combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it out in an even layer for even cooking.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes, cheddar cheese, and chopped parsley. Stir in the melted butter until all the topping ingredients are fully coated.
- Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the cornflake mixture evenly over the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with extra cheddar cheese and parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting tuna casserole!
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can substitute whole milk with low-fat milk and use reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
- Make sure not to overcook the egg noodles to prevent the casserole from becoming mushy.
- If you prefer a creamier casserole, add an extra 1/4 cup of milk when mixing the ingredients.
- You can swap peas with other vegetables like green beans or corn according to your preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
