Save Pin A comforting, creamy classic featuring tender noodles, savory tuna, and a golden, crunchy onion topping — perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
I first made this casserole when my aunt visited for a weekend stay. She loved the savory flavor and the crunchy topping, so we now make it every time our family gets together for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 340 g (12 oz) egg noodles
- Seafood: 2 cans (each 170 g/6 oz) tuna in water, drained
- Vegetables: 1 cup frozen peas, thawed, 1 small onion, finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 cup sliced button mushrooms (optional)
- Sauce: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 cups whole milk, 120 ml (½ cup) sour cream, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Cheese: 1 cup (about 100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- Topping: 1 cup crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven:
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking dish.
- Cook Noodles:
- Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add chopped onion and mushrooms and sauté 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Make Sauce:
- Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly. Cook until sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add Seasonings:
- Stir in sour cream, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and thyme. Remove from heat.
- Combine Mixture:
- Add drained tuna, peas, cheddar cheese, and cooked noodles to the sauce. Mix gently until combined.
- Assemble Casserole:
- Spoon mixture into prepared baking dish.
- Add Topping:
- Sprinkle crispy fried onions evenly over the top.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Save Pin Every time we set this casserole on the table, everyone, especially the kids, can’t wait to scoop a generous serving. We always end up with empty plates and requests for seconds.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, whisk, baking dish (23 x 33 cm / 9 x 13 inch), mixing utensils
Allergen Information
Contains milk (butter, cheese, milk, sour cream), wheat (noodles, flour), fish (tuna), eggs (egg noodles), and possibly gluten (noodles, crispy onions). For packaged ingredients, check the label if you need to avoid specific allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 430. Total Fat: 17 g. Carbohydrates: 44 g. Protein: 25 g (per serving).
Save Pin Enjoy this cheesy classic straight from the oven. Serve with a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use fresh onions instead of crispy fried ones?
Fresh onions provide flavor but won’t offer the same crunchy texture. For the classic topping, crispy fried onions are ideal.
- → What type of noodles works best here?
Egg noodles yield a tender, chewy bite that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
- → Can I substitute sour cream with something else?
Greek yogurt can be used as a tangy alternative, lending creaminess without overpowering other flavors.
- → Is there a way to make this dish less rich?
Using low-fat milk and reducing the cheese amount can lighten the casserole while maintaining taste.
- → What’s a good pairing to serve alongside?
A crisp green salad and a glass of dry white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complement the casserole nicely.
- → Can mushrooms be omitted?
Yes, mushrooms are optional and omitting them won’t affect the essential flavors significantly.