Tuna Noodle Casserole

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

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4.8 from 6 votes Only logged in users can rate recipes

Last Updated on May 7, 2025 by Barbara

Budget-Friendly Tuna Noodle Casserole

If you are on a budget, then this tuna noodle casserole is for you. It’s the ultimate comfort food for anyone on a budget. Packed with pantry staples and freezer-friendly ingredients, it’s an easy, delicious meal that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole delivers big flavor without a big price tag.

Tuna Noodle Casserole
Tuna Noodle Casserole
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What You Will Need

Ingredients for Tuna Noodle Casserole

Ingredients for Tuna Noodle Casserole
  • Tuna: Canned tuna adds a lean, budget-friendly source of protein and a mild, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with creamy sauces.
  • Onion: Diced onion brings a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth, balancing the richness of the casserole.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: This condensed soup provides a velvety, umami-packed base that binds all the ingredients together with minimal effort.
  • Evaporated Milk: Evaporated milk lends a creamy texture and slight caramelized sweetness without watering down the casserole like regular milk might.
  • Frozen Petite Peas: Petite peas contribute a pop of color, tender bite, and a hint of natural sweetness, all at an economical price.
  • Egg Noodles: Egg noodles serve as the hearty, starchy backbone of the dish.
  • Breadcrumbs: A sprinkling of breadcrumbs adds a crunchy topping that contrasts nicely with the creamy interior.
  • Butter: Butter enriches both the sauce and breadcrumb topping, adding a silky mouthfeel and golden color.
  • Garlic Powder: Garlic powder infuses the casserole with warm, garlicky notes without the extra prep of fresh garlic.
  • Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper brightens the flavors with a gentle heat and aromatic spice.
  • Salt: Salt enhances all the flavors, ensuring that each component of the casserole tastes balanced and well-seasoned.

Watch the Video for Tuna Noodle Casserole

Instructions for Tuna Noodle Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Step 2: Prepare Egg Noodles

Egg Noodles for Tuna Noodle Casserole

In a large pot, bring water and ½ teaspoon of salt to a rolling boil. Add the egg noodles and cook for about 9 minutes until al dente. Drain and transfer the noodles to a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Tuna Noodle Casserole

Add the frozen peas, cream of mushroom soup, drained tuna, and diced onion to the baking dish. Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons of salt, 1½ teaspoons of garlic powder, and 2 teaspoons of black pepper. Pour in the evaporated milk and stir until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Baking the Tuna Noodle Casserole

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Preparing the Breadcrumb Topping

Topping for Tuna Noodle Casserole

While the casserole bakes, combine the breadcrumbs and softened butter in a small bowl. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.

Step 6: Second Bake

Tuna Noodle Casserole

After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the buttery breadcrumbs over the top. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crisp.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a salad or vegetable such as asparagus, broccoli or Brussel sprouts for a more balanced meal.
  • A side of garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls pairs beautifully with the creamy casserole.
  • For extra flavor, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice.

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Simply cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap or transfer portions to meal prep containers.
  • Freezer: To freeze, let the casserole cool completely. Portion into freezer-safe containers or cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating (Oven): Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Preheat oven to 350°F, cover the casserole with foil, and bake for 20–25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the topping.
  • Reheating (Microwave): For single servings, microwave on high for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until warmed.

Enjoy this budget-friendly tuna noodle casserole anytime you need a comforting, wallet-friendly meal. If you haven’t grabbed my cookbook yet, check the comments below for more delicious, budget-savvy recipes!

Other Great Recipes

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Recipe by Soul Food Cooking
4.8 from 6 votes Only logged in users can rate recipes
Course: MainCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

45

minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 tuna, drained

  • diced onion

  • 2 cream of mushroom soup

  • 12 ounces evaporated milk

  • 3 cups frozen petite peas

  • 12 ounces egg noodles

  • 4 tablespoons breadcrumbs

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • garlic powder

  • 2 teaspoons black pepper, divided

  • salt, divided

Directions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  • In a large pot, bring water and ½ teaspoon of salt to a rolling boil.
  • Add the egg noodles and cook for about 9 minutes until al dente. Drain and transfer the noodles to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Add the frozen peas, cream of mushroom soup, drained tuna, and diced onion to the baking dish. Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons of salt, 1½ teaspoons of garlic powder, and 2 teaspoons of black pepper. Pour in the evaporated milk and stir until everything is well combined.
  • Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
  • While the casserole bakes, combine the breadcrumbs and softened butter in a small bowl. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
  • After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the buttery breadcrumbs over the top. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crisp.

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