simple tuna noodle recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best simple tuna noodle recipe

I’ve been making this simple tuna noodle recipe for years, and it’s still a family favorite. The dish has its roots in American cuisine, where it was popularized in the mid-20th century as a quick and easy meal.

The combination of canned tuna, noodles, and a creamy sauce is a match made in heaven. My kids love it because it’s easy to customize with their favorite vegetables, and I appreciate how it’s a balanced meal that’s packed with protein and fiber.

When I’m short on time or need a comforting meal, this recipe is always a good idea. The best part is that it’s incredibly versatile – we’ve had it for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and even as a leftover-friendly option for busy days.

I’ve experimented with different types of noodles and seasonings over the years, but the classic version remains our favorite. There’s something about the way the pasta absorbs the flavorful sauce that just makes it feel like a home-cooked meal.

Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make – just cook the noodles, mix with canned tuna, mayonnaise, and diced onions, and you’re good to go! My family loves how customizable it is – they can add their favorite veggies or swap out the noodles for gluten-free options.

We often have this for dinner when we’re feeling stressed or need something comforting. It’s also great for packing lunches or taking to potlucks because of its convenience and ease of serving.

Simple Tuna Noodle Casserole

4.7 from 1846 votes

A comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring tender noodles and savory tuna in a creamy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained
8 oz wide egg noodles
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen peas
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
salt and pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
3Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
4Drain the noodles using a colander and set aside.
5In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
6Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
7Stir in the flour to make a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned.
8Gradually whisk in the milk and condensed cream of mushroom soup, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
9Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10Add the drained tuna, frozen peas, and cooked noodles to the saucepan.
11Stir well to combine, ensuring the noodles and tuna are evenly coated in the sauce.
12Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
13Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
14Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden.
15Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
16This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to serve.
17Enjoy your simple tuna noodle casserole warm.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Saucepan
Mixing bowl
Baking dish

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add other vegetables like carrots or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.

Watch Video Of How Simple Tuna Noodle Casserole Works

This simple tuna noodle recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a comforting meal or need something quick and easy to feed a crowd. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is – we’ve had it for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and even as leftovers on busy days.

Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make – just cook the noodles, mix with canned tuna, mayonnaise, and diced onions, and you’re good to go! If you’re looking for ideas on how to serve or store this recipe for later use, consider making individual portions in containers for easy reheating or portioning out into zip-top bags for lunches on-the-go.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Tuna Noodle Casserole

1. What type of noodles should I use?

The best type of noodle to use in this recipe is egg noodles – they hold up well to the creamy sauce and have a nice texture that complements the tuna.

2. Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?

While fresh tuna is delicious, it can be quite expensive and may not be readily available in your area.

3. How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

You can thin out the sauce by adding more mayonnaise or milk if you find it becomes too thick.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

This recipe is perfect for making ahead of time – simply cook the noodles and mix with the remaining ingredients before refrigerating or freezing.

5. What are some good additions to this recipe?

You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables such as diced carrots, peas, or chopped hard-boiled eggs.

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