Uncommonly Amazing Tuna Noodle Casserole

A white casserole dish of tuna noodle casserole is on the table next to a plate of the casserole and some parsley. You can see a few mushrooms and plenty of parmesan cheese in the dish!

5 from 3 votes

Uncommonly Amazing Tuna Noodle Casserole

Tuna Noodle Casserole should always be an amazing dish. A simple white sauce, flavorful veggies, and good quality tuna make this classic a go to dinner again. No cans of soup needed - just basic groceries and about 30 minutes of cooking. When it comes to creamy and comforting casseroles, this one is a home run! If you have had a bad experience with tuna noodle this is the one to change your mind!

Prep Time35 mins

Cook Time5 mins

Total Time40 mins

Course: dinner

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 403kcal

Ingredients

8 oz pasta I use spirals
4 Tbsp. butter
½ sweet onion diced
4 stalks celery diced
6 oz Cremini mushrooms sliced
¾ tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper coarsely g round
4 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
2 cups milk whole preferred
5 oz Albacore tuna or use 10oz if you want extra tuna!
½ cup Panko bread crumbs optional see note
½ cup parmesan cheese optional see note

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Cook noodles according to package directions. Add salt to the cooking water if not directed by package.
Meanwhile add butter, onion, celery, mushrooms, salt and pepper to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring often, for about 10 minutes or until the veggies are soft and have taken on a golden color.
Add the flour and cook another minute – the pan will be dry. Slowly stir in milk until the mixture thickens to the texture of thin gravy.
If your tuna is canned in water or oil drain the can. Gently stir in tuna trying to leave some nice chunks. Use 1 or 2 cans depending on your preference. Stir the noodles in and taste for salt and pepper. If your tuna is not overly salty you may need another ¼ tsp. of salt.
Pour the mixture into a 2 ½ quart casserole dish. Top with bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Broil for 1-3 minutes until the top is nicely browned.
Serve hot. If you choose to microwave leftovers consider adding a spoon of milk to each portion you are reheating.

Notes

Cheese and Breadcrumbs: Some people like a crunchy top to their tuna casserole and some don’t. I like mine just right out of the pan – no cheese or breadcrumbs. Also if you are going to broil the top use an oven proof skillet if you have one. Then you can just add the topping to your skillet and broil – no need for that extra dish!

Choosing Good Tuna: Tuna should not taste “fishy”. If it does you have got a bad brand of tuna! I never buy Bumblebee or Chicken of the Sea. My favorite brand is Wild Planet. Look for tuna where the ingredients are only tuna and salt. Generally I buy Albacore. If you are using the Wild Planet Albacore don’t drain it! Add all the good juice.

Nutrition