Save A comforting creamy classic featuring tender noodles savory tuna and a golden crunchy onion topping — perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
This casserole brings back warm memories of chilly evenings spent gathered around the table when everyone wanted seconds. It's a dish I prepare for easy weeknight dinners and it always disappears fast.
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
- Prep and Cook Noodles:
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking dish. Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Creamy Base:
- 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.
- Create Sauce:
- Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk stirring constantly. Cook until sauce thickens about 3–4 minutes. Stir in sour cream Dijon mustard salt pepper and thyme. Remove from heat.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add drained tuna peas cheddar cheese and cooked noodles to the sauce. Mix gently until combined.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Spoon mixture into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle crispy fried onions evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until bubbly and golden. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Save Everyone in my family—even picky eaters—digs into this casserole without hesitation and we always share a laugh over who claims the last bite of crispy topping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot straight from the oven with a fresh green salad and a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc for a comforting meal that feels special.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides about 430 calories 17 g total fat 44 g carbohydrates and 25 g protein making it a well-balanced option for dinner.
Variation Ideas
Try a splash of lemon juice or chopped parsley for brightness. Swap cheddar for Swiss or Monterey Jack cheese or add more vegetables such as bell peppers for extra color.
Save This nostalgic classic is simple to make and sure to please—perfect comfort food for sharing.
Kitchen Guide
- → What type of noodles works best?
Egg noodles provide the perfect balance of texture and absorb the creamy sauce well, but other short pasta like shells or rotini can also be used.
- → Can I substitute the tuna with another seafood?
Yes, canned salmon or cooked crab meat can be used as alternatives, offering different flavors while maintaining the protein component.
- → How do I achieve a crispy onion topping?
Store-bought crispy fried onions are convenient, but you can also fry thinly sliced onions until golden brown and crunchy at home.
- → Is it possible to make it vegetarian?
Replacing tuna with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or artichokes and ensuring vegetable-based broth or sauces are used can create a vegetarian version.
- → What side dishes pair well with this dish?
Fresh green salads, steamed vegetables, or a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc complement its rich and creamy profile well.