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Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole Creamy tuna noodle casserole fresh from the oven, topped with golden breadcrumbs and vibrant green peas a cozy homemade comfort dish.

Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A warm, creamy, and cheesy tuna noodle casserole perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or make-ahead meals.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 382

Ingredients
  

  • 16 ounces egg noodles cooked to al dente
  • ¼ cup salted butter for sauce base
  • 1 cup cremini mushrooms finely chopped (about 4 ounces, earthy flavor)
  • ¼ cup unbleached all-purpose flour for thickening sauce
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder adds mild garlic flavor
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder enhances savory depth
  • ½ teaspoon parsley dried, for subtle herb flavor
  • 1 teaspoon salt to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground recommended
  • 4 cups milk whole or 2% for creamy sauce
  • 2 cups shredded co-jack cheese divided, for creamy and topping
  • 1 cup frozen peas do not thaw
  • 10 ounces canned tuna drained (2 cans, packed in water)
  • 1 cup crushed saltine crackers for crunchy topping

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch deep casserole dish. prep
  2. Cook the egg noodles 1 minute less than the package directions for al dente. Drain and toss with a small drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. prep
  3. In a large, deep skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the chopped mushrooms and sauté for 6–7 minutes until they turn golden brown and tender. prep
  4. Increase heat to medium and stir in the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste. mix
  5. Gradually whisk in the milk, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer 5–7 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. mix
  6. Stir in half of the shredded co-jack cheese until fully melted and smooth. mix
  7. Fold in the drained tuna and frozen peas, stirring gently to combine. mix
  8. Add the cooked noodles and mix everything until evenly incorporated. assemble
  9. Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. assemble
  10. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, then evenly scatter the crushed saltine crackers. assemble
  11. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until the casserole is heated through and the crackers are golden brown. finish
  12. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to make slicing easier. finish

Nutrition

Serving: 250ServingCalories: 382kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 19gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 79mgSodium: 522mgPotassium: 343mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 599IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 268mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This creamy, cheesy tuna casserole is the ultimate comfort food for weeknight dinners. Perfect for make-ahead meals or freezer-friendly prep.

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