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Ultimate Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole - Creamy Comfort Food Bake

This classic tuna noodle casserole combines tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, sweet peas, and a creamy sauce that bakes to golden perfection. It's an easy one-dish family dinner that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, featuring a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 8 ounces wide egg noodles
  • 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna in water, drained
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and whisk continuously for 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually pour in milk and broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
  4. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and stir in 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese until melted.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, drained tuna, peas, and creamy sauce. Gently fold everything together until well combined.
  6. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, remaining 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Choose quality tuna packed in water rather than oil for a lighter casserole. Don't overcook noodles - cook just until al dente since they'll continue cooking in the oven. You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate, then add 5-10 minutes to baking time.