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The Ultimate Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole

A hearty slice of tuna noodle casserole with a crispy, golden-brown topping served on a white plate.
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This recipe delivers the creamy, cheesy comfort of a classic tuna noodle casserole using simple ingredients. It is a satisfying, budget-friendly family favorite perfect for any weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 12 ounces egg noodles
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 (5 ounce) cans tuna in water, drained well
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup crushed potato chips or panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
  3. While the noodles cook, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and celery. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.
  4. Whisk the flour into the butter mixture. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  5. Gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce is smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes.
  6. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  7. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely into the sauce.
  8. Gently mix in the drained tuna, cooked egg noodles, and frozen peas until everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
  9. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish.
  10. Sprinkle the crushed potato chips or panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.
  11. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
  12. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before you serve it.

Notes

  • For an extra cheesy flavor, substitute half of the cheddar cheese with Gruyère or Monterey Jack.
  • If you skip the potato chips, you can mix 1 tablespoon of melted butter with 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs and sprinkle that over the top before baking for a crisp topping.
  • This recipe makes a great homemade tuna helper alternative when you want to skip the boxed mixes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumdrizzle.com/tuna-noodle-casserole-ultimate-comfort-food/