Old-School Tuna Noodle Casserole (20 Minutes)

Alright, picture this: a cozy kitchen filled with the unmistakable aroma of creamy sauce and toasted crunchy topping, just like Grandma used to make on chilly weeknights. This Old-School Tuna Noodle Casserole is one of those timeless dishes that feel like a warm hug from the inside out. It’s simple, comforting, and comes together in just 20 minutes—which is perfect when you want something hearty but don’t want to spend hours cooking. Plus, that nostalgic blend of tender noddles, flaky tuna, and crispy onions? Pure magic. Let me show you how to turn pantry staples into the ultimate cozy comfort food!

Quick Facts

• Yield: Serves 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

• 8 ounces egg noodles
• 2 (5-ounce) cans tuna packed in water, drained
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional, but I love the pop of green)
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sauce / Garnish:

• 1 1/3 cups French fried onions (the crunchy topping is a must!)

How I Make It

Step 1:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles until just al dente—about 6-7 minutes. Drain and set aside. Remember, noodles will finish cooking in the oven, so don’t overdo it here!

Step 2:

While the pasta cooks, grab a medium bowl and stir together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This forms your creamy, flavorful sauce base—don’t skip the seasonings; they really wake up the flavor.

Step 3:

Gently fold the drained tuna, cooked noodles, frozen peas, and shredded cheddar cheese into your sauce mixture. The cheese adds that gooey richness we all crave in this casserole!

Step 4:

Pour everything into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Smooth it out evenly with a spatula so every bite gets that perfect cream-to-noodle ratio.

Step 5:

Sprinkle the French fried onions liberally on top. This crunchy layer brings the casserole to life with a golden, crispy finish that makes this dish so beloved.

Step 6:

Bake uncovered in a preheated 375°F oven for about 10 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the onions turn golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes—then scoop out warm, comforting bites packed with creamy, cheesy goodness.

Variations & Tips

• Swap out peas for frozen corn or chopped green beans for a different veggie twist.
• Add a handful of chopped mushrooms to the sauce for extra umami.
• Use cheddar-jack cheese for a sharper, melty mix.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or Greek yogurt for milk and use low-fat soup.
• If you’re short on time, microwave the peas to thaw quickly instead of cooking from frozen.
• Keep an eye on the fried onions in the oven; they can go from golden to burnt in a flash!

How I Like to Serve It

This casserole is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, especially when paired with a simple green salad dressed with tangy vinaigrette. It also shines at potlucks or casual family gatherings where everyone loves a nostalgic dish. During cooler months, I like to serve it with a side of steamed broccoli or roasted carrots to add some brightness to the plate.

Notes

• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to keep it creamy.
• You can easily double this recipe for a bigger family or freezer-friendly meal prep—just use a larger baking dish and adjust baking time slightly.

Closing: There’s something incredibly satisfying about this simple, classic casserole—it’s quick comfort food that never fails to bring everyone around the table with smiles.