Description
This Creamy Tuna Noodle Bake is a comforting and hearty casserole combining tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, and a rich, creamy sauce made from cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Topped with a golden, buttery breadcrumb crust and melted cheddar and Parmesan cheese, this classic dish is baked to bubbly perfection, making it an easy and satisfying meal for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water or oil, drained and flaked
Pasta
- 12 oz egg noodles (or any pasta of your choice)
Sauces and Dairy
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Oils and Fats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using tuna in water)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for topping)
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Noodles: Boil the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and if you are using tuna packed in water, toss the noodles with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent them from sticking together.
- Make the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated. Add salt and pepper to your taste.
- Add the Tuna: Gently fold the drained and flaked tuna into the creamy sauce mixture, making sure the tuna is evenly distributed without breaking it up too much.
- Combine Noodles and Sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the tuna sauce mixture. Stir gently until all the noodles are coated evenly in the creamy sauce.
- Assemble the Bake: Pour the tuna and noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter until the crumbs are well coated. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole to create a crispy, golden crust after baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly with a golden brown, crispy topping.
- Serve: Remove the baked casserole from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it on its own or paired with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Notes
- Use tuna packed in oil for richer flavor, or tuna in water for a lighter dish.
- If you want a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- For extra veggies, consider adding cooked peas, corn, or chopped spinach to the sauce before baking.
- Mayonnaise and sour cream contribute to the creaminess; you can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.