This Creamy Tuna Noodle Bake is the ultimate comfort food—a warm, cheesy, and savory casserole that brings together tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, sweet peas, and a rich mushroom sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner, this one-pan meal is as satisfying as it is simple.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this tuna noodle bake because it’s hearty, budget-friendly, and kid-approved. It’s a great way to use pantry staples and turn them into a filling meal with minimal effort. The creamy mushroom sauce and melted cheddar create a deliciously rich base, while the peas add a touch of sweetness and color. Plus, it reheats like a dream!
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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12 oz egg noodles
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2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained
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1 cup frozen peas
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
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½ cup sour cream or mayo
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
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½ cup milk
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½ tsp garlic powder
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Salt & pepper to taste
directions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, frozen peas, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream (or mayo), cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Add the cooked noodles to the mixture and stir until fully combined.
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Pour the noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
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Top with additional shredded cheddar cheese.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbling.
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Let it cool slightly before serving.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories per serving: 400 kcal
Variations
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Breadcrumb topping: Add a crunchy topping by sprinkling buttered breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking.
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Add veggies: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, diced carrots, or chopped spinach for extra nutrition.
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Cheese blend: Try a mix of cheddar and mozzarella or add some parmesan for a sharper bite.
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Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free noodles and a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup.
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Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture for a little heat.
storage/reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions on medium power for 1–2 minutes. This dish also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance, refrigerate it, and bake just before serving.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, just blanch them briefly before adding to the mix to ensure they cook evenly.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
Cream of celery or cream of chicken soup are great substitutes if you’re not a fan of mushrooms.
Can I use canned chicken instead of tuna?
Absolutely, canned chicken works well as an alternative to tuna.
Is it okay to use low-fat dairy products?
Yes, you can substitute low-fat sour cream, cheese, and milk, but the casserole may be slightly less creamy.
How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?
Slightly undercook the noodles so they don’t become overdone during baking.
Can I bake it without cheese on top?
Yes, the casserole is still tasty without the cheese topping, though the cheese adds extra flavor and appeal.
What kind of noodles can I use?
Egg noodles are traditional, but rotini, penne, or bow-tie pasta also work.
Can I add herbs for extra flavor?
Yes, thyme, parsley, or dill can add a fresh, aromatic touch.
How do I reheat it without drying it out?
Cover with foil and add a splash of milk or broth before reheating in the oven to retain moisture.
Conclusion
Creamy Tuna Noodle Bake is everything you want in a comforting weeknight dinner: creamy, cheesy, hearty, and incredibly easy to throw together. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping meals ahead of time, this nostalgic favorite is sure to satisfy. Give it a try and enjoy the cozy, delicious flavors in every bite.
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Creamy Tuna Noodle Bake
Creamy Tuna Noodle Bake is a classic comfort food casserole made with tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, sweet peas, and a rich mushroom sauce. Topped with melted cheddar and baked to perfection, this easy, budget-friendly meal is a go-to weeknight favorite the whole family will love.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
12 oz egg noodles
2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained
1 cup frozen peas
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
½ cup sour cream or mayonnaise
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
½ cup milk
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Cook egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
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In a large bowl, combine tuna, peas, mushroom soup, sour cream or mayo, cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Add cooked noodles to the bowl and mix until evenly coated.
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Pour the mixture into the baking dish and spread evenly.
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Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese on top.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbling and golden on top.
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Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
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For added crunch, top with buttered breadcrumbs before baking.
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Slightly undercook noodles before baking to prevent mushiness.
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You can substitute the tuna with canned chicken for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
