Pin it A comforting, creamy baked casserole featuring tender noodles, savory tuna, and a golden, crispy onion topping—perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
I first tried this casserole at a neighborhood potluck, and now it's my go-to comfort dish whenever we need something warm and filling. The crispy onions on top always get rave reviews.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 340 g (12 oz) wide egg noodles
- Protein: 2 cans (each 170 g/6 oz) tuna in water, drained
- Vegetables: 1 cup frozen peas, 1 small onion (finely chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional), 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Sauce: 1 can (295 g/10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- Topping: 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions (store-bought), 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish.
- Cook Noodles:
- Boil egg noodles in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Sauté chopped onion and garlic in a skillet over medium heat until soft (about 3 minutes). Add mushrooms if desired and continue cooking until tender.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together condensed soup, milk, sour cream, shredded cheese, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Gently stir in cooked noodles, drained tuna, peas, sautéed vegetables, and parsley.
- Assemble & Top:
- Spread mixture in prepared baking dish. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over casserole, then top with crispy onions.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered 25-30 minutes, until bubbling and topping is golden brown.
- Rest:
- Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Pin it This casserole always brings back memories of cozy family nights when everyone gathered around the table for second helpings. Even the kids dig into the crunchy topping!
Required Tools
Large pot, skillet, mixing bowls, whisk, 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish, measuring cups, and spoons are all you need to make this hearty meal.
Allergen Information
This dish contains wheat, milk, fish, and possibly soy. Always double-check labels if you have sensitivities or allergies.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 430 calories, 18 g fat, 43 g carbohydrates, and 25 g protein for a balanced dinner option.
Pin it Serve this casserole right from the oven with a side salad for a comforting meal everyone will love.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of noodles work best for this dish?
Wide egg noodles are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce well and provide a tender bite.
- → Can I use fresh onions instead of fried onions for the topping?
Fresh onions can be sautéed for added flavor, but crispy fried onions give a distinctive crunchy texture that complements the bake.
- → Is it possible to add different vegetables?
Yes, mushrooms and peas work well, and you can also include other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients.
- → How can I make the dish more flavorful?
Adding a splash of hot sauce or a bit of lemon juice to the sauce enhances the depth and brightness of flavors.
- → What protein alternatives can be used?
Substitute tuna with canned salmon or cooked shredded chicken to vary the protein while keeping a similar texture.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days for best freshness.