Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole

Tuna Noodle Casserole is a timeless comfort food that brings together tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, sweet peas and a creamy, cheesy sauce in one cozy baked dish.

Finished with a buttery breadcrumb topping and melted cheddar, this Easy Weekday Casserole delivers the perfect balance of creamy texture and golden crunch.

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Easy to prepare and family-friendly, tuna noodle casserole works just as well for busy weeknights as it does for make-ahead meals and nostalgic dinners at home.

Why You’ll Love This Tuna Noodle Casserole

This tuna noodle casserole brings together creamy, cheesy comfort with simple pantry staples for an easy, satisfying family dinner.

• Classic comfort flavors: Tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, peas, and creamy celery soup create a nostalgic, cozy dish.
• Cheesy and creamy: Melted cheddar throughout and on top adds rich flavor without being heavy.
• Crispy topping contrast: Buttery breadcrumbs and Parmesan create a golden, crunchy finish that balances the creamy base.
• Weeknight-friendly: Straightforward prep and bake time make this casserole easy to pull together on busy evenings.

This tuna noodle casserole is a timeless, crowd-pleasing meal that delivers comfort, flavor, and ease in every bite.

A special thanks to Culinary.net for this classic recipe.

What to Serve with Tuna Noodle Casserole

This classic, creamy casserole pairs best with lighter sides and fresh flavors that balance its richness:

• Simple green salad: Crisp lettuce with a light vinaigrette adds freshness and cuts through the creamy sauce.
• Steamed or roasted vegetables: Green beans, broccoli or carrots bring color and a clean, savory contrast.
• Crusty bread or dinner rolls: Perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce and adding texture.
• Tomato or cucumber salad: Bright, juicy vegetables add acidity and keep the meal feeling balanced.
• Iced tea or sparkling water: Refreshing drinks cleanse the palate and complement the comforting dish.

These pairings keep tuna noodle casserole comforting yet well-rounded, making it ideal for easy weeknight dinners or family meals.

Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole

This Tuna Noodle Casserole is a classic comfort dish made with tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, sweet peas and a creamy, cheesy sauce, finished with a golden breadcrumb topping for extra crunch.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

For Tuna Noodle Casserole, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

• Large pot: to cook the egg noodles
• Colander: to drain the cooked noodles
• Large mixing bowl: to combine noodles, tuna, soup, milk, cheese, and seasonings
• Measuring cups and spoons: to measure milk, cheese, and seasonings accurately
• Can opener: to open tuna and soup cans
• 9-by-13-inch casserole dish: to assemble and bake the casserole
• Aluminum foil: to cover the casserole during the first bake
• Small mixing bowl: to mix breadcrumbs and melted butter
• Spatula: to stir and spread the casserole evenly
• Chef’s knife: to chop fresh parsley
• Cutting board: to prep parsley
• Oven mitts: to safely handle the hot casserole dish

These tools make it easy to assemble, bake, and finish a classic tuna noodle casserole with a perfectly creamy center and golden, crunchy topping.

Ingredients

These ingredients come together to make a classic, creamy tuna noodle casserole with tender noodles, melty cheese, and a crisp breadcrumb topping.

• egg noodles
• peas (canned or frozen)
• light chunk tuna in water
• cream of celery soup
• milk
• cheddar cheese
• celery salt
• black pepper
• fresh parsley
• nonstick cooking spray
• breadcrumbs
• butter
• Parmesan cheese

How to Make Tuna Noodle Casserole

Preheat the oven to 350 F and cook the egg noodles according to package directions, then drain.

In a large bowl, combine the egg noodles, peas, tuna, soup, milk, 1¼ cups cheddar cheese, celery salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons parsley.

Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray, add the tuna mixture, cover with foil, and bake 20 minutes until hot and bubbly.

While the casserole bakes, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter. Remove the dish from the oven, uncover, and top with the breadcrumb mixture and remaining cheddar cheese.

Return to the oven and bake uncovered for 5–10 minutes, until the breadcrumbs are golden and the cheese is melted. Sprinkle with Parmesan and additional parsley, if desired, before serving.

More Tuna Recipes

Discover more tuna recipes that make this simple ingredient fresh, flavorful, and easy to enjoy.

• Mediterranean Tuna Salad
• Spicy Tuna Wraps
• Elegant Yellowfin Tuna Pasta Salad
• Best Tuna Patties
• Healthy Tuna Pasta Casserole
• Avocado Tuna Melt

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