Pin A comforting classic casserole featuring tender egg noodles, savory tuna, and a rich creamy sauce, all topped with golden crispy onions for irresistible crunch.
This casserole always reminds me of my childhood: my mom would make it on chilly evenings when we craved something cozy and satisfying. The golden onion topping was everyone's favorite part and no one could resist going back for seconds.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) wide egg noodles
- Sauce: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk, 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- Filling: 2 cans (5 oz/140 g each) solid white tuna in water (drained and flaked), 1 cup (120 g) frozen peas (thawed), 1 cup (100 g) sliced white mushrooms (optional), 1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- Topping: 1 1/2 cups (75 g) store-bought crispy fried onions
Instructions
- Prep Oven & Dish:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Cook Noodles:
- Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Cook egg noodles according to package until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Sauce Base:
- While noodles cook, melt butter in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Thicken Sauce:
- Sprinkle flour over onions and stir constantly 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and broth; cook, whisking, until sauce thickens (about 3–4 minutes).
- Season & Combine:
- Remove from heat. Stir in sour cream, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley.
- Add Tuna & Vegetables:
- Add drained tuna, peas, mushrooms (if using), and cheddar cheese to sauce; stir until evenly combined.
- Mix In Noodles:
- Add cooked noodles and gently fold until well mixed.
- Assemble & Top:
- Transfer mixture to baking dish. Spread evenly. Top with crispy fried onions.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until casserole is bubbling and onions are golden brown.
- Rest & Serve:
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Pin This dish quickly became a staple on our family dinner table, and it's still a comfort food favorite for cozy gatherings. Even picky eaters go wild for the crispy topping.
Nutritional Information
Approximate per serving: 410 calories, 16 g fat, 43 g carbs, 25 g protein.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, whisk, 9x13-inch baking dish, mixing spoon
Diet & Substitutions
Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt or use reduced-fat cheese for a lighter take. You can substitute canned salmon or cooked chicken for the tuna if preferred.
Pin Top with a crisp green salad for an easy meal. This casserole makes delicious leftovers—if you have any!
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of noodles are best for this dish?
Wide egg noodles hold the creamy sauce well and provide a tender texture, making them ideal for this casserole.
- → Can I substitute the tuna with another protein?
Yes, salmon or cooked chicken can be used as alternatives if preferred.
- → How do I achieve a crispy topping?
Using store-bought crispy fried onions provides a golden, crunchy topping when baked in the oven.
- → Is it possible to make the sauce lighter?
Replacing sour cream with Greek yogurt and using reduced-fat cheese can lighten the sauce while maintaining creaminess.
- → Can I add extra vegetables to the dish?
Frozen peas and sliced mushrooms can be included for added flavor and nutrients, but feel free to add other favorite veggies.