Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole – Creamy, Cheesy, and Comforting

Introduction

This Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole is one of those timeless dishes that never goes out of style. Creamy, hearty, and baked until golden, it’s a one-pan wonder that feels like a warm hug on a cold night. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving a retro-style dinner, this casserole is pure comfort.

Why I Love This Recipe

It’s budget-friendly, simple to prepare, and endlessly satisfying. The creamy sauce, melty cheese, and crispy cracker topping make every bite rich and nostalgic. Plus, you can easily make it ahead of time or freeze for later, making it a go-to for busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

• 12 oz egg noodles (or preferred pasta)
• 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained and flaked
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery)
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup frozen peas
• ½ cup grated cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp melted butter

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Substitutions and Add-Ins

• Soup: Swap for cream of celery for a lighter, brighter flavor.
• Peas: Try mixed vegetables or sautéed mushrooms for variation.
• Cheese: Mozzarella, Swiss, or a sharp white cheddar also work great.
• Tuna: Real flaked tuna or even canned salmon are delicious here.

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the Noodles

Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook egg noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Prepare the Casserole Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add tuna, frozen peas, cheddar cheese, and cooked noodles. Stir until evenly mixed.

4. Assemble

Transfer the mixture into the prepared dish. Spread evenly and sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top.

5. Make the Topping

In a small bowl, combine crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle this golden topping over the casserole.

6. Bake

Bake for 20–25 minutes until hot and bubbly, with a golden topping.

7. Cool & Serve

Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli for a complete meal.

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Tips for Success

• Undercook the pasta slightly so it holds up in the oven.
• Mix gently to avoid breaking up the noodles.
• Make ahead and refrigerate—just bake an extra 10 minutes if cold.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This casserole is delicious on its own, but a side of garlic bread or roasted veggies never hurts. Want to round it out?

Pair with:

• This Blueberry Lemonade for a refreshing contrast
• These Chicken Enchiladas for a second pan of comfort
• Or go full retro with This Dorito Casserole

And don’t skip dessert—These Peanut Butter Brownies are an unbeatable finish.

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Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven or microwave individual servings.

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Final Thoughts

This Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole is a true comfort food classic—familiar, filling, and full of flavor. Whether it’s your first time making it or you’ve been enjoying it for decades, it’s a dish that always delivers.

Try it tonight and let me know what you think! Tag @chefmaniac with your nostalgic bakes—we love seeing your spin on the classics.