Tuna Noodle casserole

There are some meals that just wrap you in a warm hug. This sopa de atún y fideos is absolutely one of them for me. It’s a classic tuna noodle casserole, a dish that’s pure comfort food. The creamy sauce clinging to tender noodles, savory tuna, sweet peas, all topped with crunchy crackers—it’s pure magic.

Honestly, I whip this up whenever I need a quick weeknight dinner solution. It’s also a fantastic dish to bring to potlucks. Everyone always asks for the recipe! It reheats beautifully, making leftovers a real treat. This recipe simply never disappoints.

Why I Love This Tuna Noodle Casserole

This tuna noodle casserole is my weeknight hero! It’s incredibly easy to make. Plus, the flavor is just amazing. It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure. Everyone always devours it. It’s also super versatile. You can tweak it easily. It’s truly a comforting classic. Definitely a go-to for busy evenings.

Tuna Noodle Casserole Ingredients

The beauty of this tuna noodle casserole lies in its simple yet satisfying ingredients. Together, they create a symphony of creamy, savory, and comforting flavors that just taste like home. It’s so easy to bring this classic dish together. I love how familiar flavors create something so special.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Wide Egg Noodles: These provide the perfect chewy base for our creamy sauce. Their width holds onto all that deliciousness.
Butter: Our essential foundation for sautéing and a key player in building a rich sauce.
Onion and Celery: These aromatics add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the sauce. They are the unsung heroes here.
Garlic: Because no savory dish is complete without it! Garlic brings a wonderful punch.
All-Purpose Flour: This helps thicken our sauce, making it wonderfully creamy. It’s key for that velvety texture.
Chicken Stock and Milk: These liquids form the creamy, dreamy sauce base. Together, they create magic.
Salt, Pepper, and Italian Seasoning: These are our flavor enhancers. They brighten everything up.
Shredded Cheese: Melty cheese makes everything better, right? It adds a gooey, savory layer.
Canned Tuna: The star of our show! Make sure it’s drained well.
Frozen Peas: These add a pop of color and a touch of sweetness. They also bring a nice texture.
Ritz Crackers: For that iconic, crunchy topping. They add the perfect finishing touch before baking.

Substitutions and Tips

Don’t have celery? You can skip it or use a bit more onion. For a richer sauce, try using half-and-half instead of milk. If you don’t have Ritz crackers, panko breadcrumbs or crushed saltines work too. Feel free to add a dash of paprika for color. You can also use vegetable stock if preferred. Many of my friends even add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra zing. Exact ingredient amounts are in the recipe card below.

Enjoy bringing this classic tuna noodle casserole to life!

How to Make Tuna Noodle Casserole

Making this classic tuna noodle casserole is straightforward. Follow these simple steps. You’ll have a delicious meal ready quickly.

Cook the Noodles

First, cook your wide egg noodles. Use plenty of salted water. Cook them until they’re al dente. This means tender but still firm. Avoid overcooking them. Mushy noodles aren’t ideal. Drain the noodles well. Rinse them under cold water. This stops the cooking process. Set your cooled noodles aside. They are now ready for the casserole dish.

Sauté the Aromatics

Melt the butter in a large skillet. Use medium heat for this. Add your diced onion and celery. Cook them until they soften. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic. Cook for another minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic. This aromatic base is crucial. It builds our flavor foundation.

Create the Creamy Sauce

Whisk in the all-purpose flour. Stir it constantly for 2-3 minutes. This cooks out the raw flour taste. Reduce the heat to low. Slowly pour in the chicken stock. Whisk until smooth. Then, gradually add the milk. Keep whisking. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. It will start to thicken. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Continue stirring until the sauce is nicely thickened.

Combine and Season

Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese. Let it melt completely into the sauce. This makes it extra creamy. Gently combine the drained tuna and frozen peas. Mix them thoroughly. Then, pour this creamy sauce mixture over the cooked noodles. Stir everything together gently. Ensure all the noodles are coated well.

Assemble and Bake the Tuna Noodle Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Pour the noodle mixture into a casserole dish. Smooth the top evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the entire casserole. Next, evenly distribute the crushed Ritz crackers. These crackers give a wonderful crunch. Cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. You want the top to be lightly browned. The tuna noodle casserole should be bubbly.

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How to Store Tuna Noodle Casserole

Leftovers are fantastic! Cool the tuna noodle casserole completely. Store it in an airtight container. It will keep well in your refrigerator for about 3-4 days. This tuna noodle casserole is perfect for lunches. Just reheat a portion in the microwave. You can also reheat the entire dish in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Enjoying this classic dish later is easy.

Tips for Success with Tuna Noodle Casserole

• Cook noodles al dente. They finish cooking in the oven.
• Don’t skip rinsing noodles. This prevents sogginess.
• Sauté onions and celery well. This adds sweet flavor.
• Use good quality tuna. It makes a difference.
• Adjust seasonings to your taste. Taste the sauce before adding it.
• Use fresh cheese for melting; pre-shredded can be dry.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for Tuna Noodle Casserole

Gathering your tools makes making this tuna noodle casserole a breeze. You’ll need a large pot. A good skillet is also essential. Don’t forget measuring cups and spoons. A whisk is helpful for the sauce. A casserole dish is a must. A baking dish works too.

• Large pot for cooking noodles
• Large skillet or Dutch oven for sauce
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Spatula or spoon

Serving Suggestions for Tuna Noodle Casserole

This classic tuna noodle casserole is hearty on its own. It pairs wonderfully with these simple sides. Try a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette. Steamed green beans or broccoli are also great choices. A side of crusty bread is always a hit. Enjoy your delicious meal!

• Crisp green salad
• Steamed vegetables
• Crusty bread

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this tuna noodle casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! Assemble the casserole completely, but skip the cracker topping. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. Add the crushed crackers just before baking. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. It’s a great make-ahead tuna noodle casserole option.

What kind of noodles are best for tuna noodle casserole?

Wide egg noodles are traditional. They hold the creamy sauce wonderfully. However, rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni also work well. Use any short pasta shape that you have on hand. The goal is a pasta that can stand up to the sauce. This tuna pasta bake is quite forgiving.

How can I make my tuna noodle casserole creamier?

For an extra creamy tuna noodle bake, use a mix of milk and heavy cream or half-and-half. You can also stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the end. Melting more cheese into the sauce helps too. This ensures a super velvety texture.

Can I freeze leftover tuna noodle casserole?

Yes, you can freeze leftover tuna noodle casserole. Cool it completely first. Portion it into freezer-safe containers. It should keep well for about 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently in the oven or microwave. This tuna noodle casserole is still delicious later.