Mom's Tuna Noodle Casserole
- SERVES
- 4
- COOK TIME
- 40 Min
There's something about a tuna casserole that always takes us back to our childhood. It was one of Mom's specialties, and boy did she make it look simple! Luckily, our easy tuna filled version of Mom's Tuna Noodle Casserole is so creamy and delicious, you'll want to make it again and again. Plus, just like Mom used to do with her perfect tuna mixture - we snuck in the peas!
What You'll Need
- 1 (12-ounce) package medium egg noodles
- 2 (10-3/4-ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 1/2 cup milk
- 1 (12-ounce) can chunk tuna, drained and flaked
- 2 cups frozen peas
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup coarsely crushed potato chips
What to Do
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Prepare noodles according to package directions; drain.
- In a large bowl, combine soup and milk; mix well. Add noodles, tuna, peas, butter, salt, and pepper. Pour mixture into prepared casserole dish then top evenly with potato chips.
- Bake 30 to 35 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through. Serve immediately.
Check This Out!
- If you liked this weeknight dinner recipe, be sure to check out our Pork Chop Casserole, Easy Beefy Casserole, or Quick Chicken Marsala!
- We've got loads more easy noodle casseroles, from beef to chicken, vegetarian and more! Check it out! Or check out some of our favorite old-fashioned recipes for more classic hits.
- Don't forget to check out our other tuna noodle casseroles (below) and this amazing collection of Homestyle Tuna Casserole Recipes!
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| Family-Favorite Tuna Noodle Casserole |
- Did You Know?: In the 1950s, many Americans were looking for quick and easy ways to feed their family for cheap. The Tuna Noodle Casserole was created to be a simple dinner that's quick and budget-friendly. Since its beginnings, tuna noodle casserole has become a very popular dinner recipe across the United States. The basic requirements for a tuna noodle casserole recipe include a can of tuna, a can of vegetables, a can of soup and a package of egg noodles. Other tuna noodle casserole recipes add-ins range from chopped mushrooms and onions to frozen peas or shredded cheddar cheese. Our recipe for Mom's Tuna Noodle Casserole is an old-fashioned version just like the one we grew up with. Pull this bubblin' hot casserole out of the oven and the gang will surely say, "OOH IT'S SO GOOD!!®"
How do you make your tuna noodle casserole recipe? Let us know in the comments below!
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Cowboy Chef Jeff
Jul 14, 2020
My tuna casserole recipe calls for 1 bag of wide egg noodles, fresh sliced mushrooms, 2 cans cream of celery soup, 2 cups milk, 1 jar sliced pimentos, 2 cans tuna, and Italian bread crumb topper
Cowboy Chef Jeff
Jul 14, 2020
My mom never used vegetables in her tuna casserole. She used 1 bag of Penn Dutch home style egg noodles (they were 16 oz. bags back then) 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup, 1 can milk, 1 can of tuna (they were bigger back then too) and Italian bread crumb topping.
Eri
Feb 20, 2020
My mom used to make almost the exact same recipe, though she often added some jarred pimientos and/or made some quick cheese rolls from BisQuik, shredded cheese, pimientos, rolled it into a log, then cut into rounds and topped the casserole and baked. I think that was our family's favorite!
mmpenfield50 01920 51
Jan 05, 2019
I don't know if it was the Almond milk I used or the cheaper brand chips but mine was soup and as it was cooking it was sweet and burned smell so don't use anything but regular milk and good brand chips. But I will make it again using the ingredients called for.
Test Kitchen Team
Jan 07, 2019
Hello there. We're sorry to hear about your experience. Most likely the almond milk did make it sweeter. However, the cheaper brand chips shouldn't have caused an issue. We'd love to hear your results once you remake it. Thanks for reaching out!
Rnbowgrl
Jul 31, 2018
To this day, I can honestly say...Tuna noodle casserole is one of my top 3 favorite meals of all time and I would probably eat it every day if you let me. I've never had it with potato chips before but it seems many people make it that way. Saltines have always been the route I've gone...I just love when the casserole gets those crispy edges and I love the aroma that lingers while it's baking. The only thing missing is parmesan cheese!
msdeb21
Mar 13, 2018
I love comfort food like tuna noodle casserole. This recipe is different from my usual recipe, so I will make this next week. I think tuna casserole makes a great weeknight meal. We like to have our tuna casseroles with a fresh loaf of bread and a side salad. Can't wait to try this one!
scottgoodman 23764 81
Nov 21, 2017
I cut this in half and it made 6 servings. I made it in a 9x9 square glass oven ware. I used canned French fried onions instead of potato chips. It was delicious. I also spritzed my serving (s) with lemon juice right before eating. MM good.
chef Happy
Dec 11, 2016
Can't wait to try. I remember my girlfriend made this back in the 60's.
Tammy
Nov 14, 2016
Wow, I remember this! Everyone is so right, it is pure comfort food. Doubly so now, since it takes you back to your childhood! This would also be a very budget friendly meal for families. You can change up the add-ins to make it work for your own family too. My daughter despises peas, so I would think you could add in another vege in place of peas.When my Mom made this, she always added just a pinch of dill. I love the idea of crunching up potato chips to add in when reheating as left overs. I am definitely making this...TONIGHT!
grammarobin 475831 0
Jan 13, 2016
I use cream of chicken soup as well as cream of mushroom soup it gives it more flavor.
Scarlett Vale
Jul 30, 2015
This is true comfort food. My mom made this very often when we were kids, we loved our "Tuna Roona". The main differences are that she used two cans of tuna, and only used La Sueur peas, which don't get mushy. She also used sour cream instead of milk, which made it super creamy and gave the dish a delicious tang. And we preferred it topped with lots of shredded Cheddar cheese instead of the chips. Reheats beautifully the next day, too!
chris28304 7517324
Jul 26, 2015
This always turns out good and tastes even better the following day. Unfortunately the potato chips don't stay crunchy. When I have chips left over I crush them up and mix them in when eating the following day.
seacowfan 1302884
Feb 09, 2015
Been a family favorite for years and years...I never tried potato chips on top but what a great idea!! Fantastic!! I do put grated sharp cheddar cheese with the soup and milk.
pandabear9417
Jan 26, 2015
I have made this recipe several times and it is good -- it can serve as many as 6 unless you have people with large appetites )
tinysnickers 27127 99
Jan 26, 2015
THIS WAS THE FIRST THING I EVER MADE WHEN I GOT MARRIED 50 YEARS AGO, AND IT IS STILL ONE OF MY FAVORITES.
yarddawg1 1743032
Jan 26, 2015
We dress this up in our family with white wine, tablespoon of curry power, chopped green onions and a dash of nutmeg...YUM!
BeckySue
May 11, 2016
I've seen nutmeg in a number of savory dishes before, but I've never been brave enough to try it! Perhaps I should add a sprinkle to a spoonful and see what I think before adding it to the whole recipe. Does it need curry, too, with the nutmeg?
cindywilsey 827766 5
Apr 03, 2017
No one has bothered to reply, so I shall toss in my two cents worth. Nutmeg is excellent in any cream sauce - it is quite common in Scandinavian North German cooking - it is also the key to finishing an authentic Fettucine Alfredo. However, nutmeg can easily overwhelm the flavor profile of any recipe, so use lightly. For a recipe this size, I would try about 1/4 teaspoon - it will effect the flavor but not take over. Anytime you are using white sauce or a can of 'cream of' soup, a healthy pinch of nutmeg can add a lot. Also try adding 1/2 cup minced onion - when I am in a hurry I toss in 1/4 cup dried minced onion with a scant 1/4 cup of liquid of some sort to the recipe as I am assembling it. Hope this helps.
Member 0828805
Dec 18, 2014
Have been making this since High School Home Ec. class many, many years ago. I enjoy seeing how others add/change the recipe up a bit to make it their own. Thanks for a reminding me of a comfort food I make too rarely.
Patricia Weigand
Nov 22, 2014
This is comfort food at its best. This is exactly how I've made tuna casserole for years ... got the recipe from my mom.
codcut
Aug 28, 2014
Just read the comments and I don't get why some ppl change the whole recipe! Some memories can not be messed with, and this is one of them.
codcut
Aug 28, 2014
This is exactly like my mom and my grama made it, right down to the potato chips. Now, this is how I make it as well as my girls. Thanks for bring back a small slice of nostalgic thoughts.
IvyTamwood
Dec 18, 2013
This is a PERFECT base recipe I made a few changes I used whole wheat egg noodles with chicken soup base added to the water and boiled them two minutes less than the instructions call for I sauted onion then added everything to that pot I used two cans of tuna instead of one I used the peas that you steam in the bag and prepared them in the microwave with a minute less than suggested time I mixed up a tiny bit of cornstarch and water because I wanted to make sure it didn't turn out soupy but it really wasn't necessary I added a little onion and garlic powder and some red pepper I sprinkled a little bit of sharp cheddar over the top followed by the potato chips tuna casserole HAS to have those And I covered it with foil until the last minutes so that the chips…Read More didn't burn The only thing that was really necessary to add was the extra can of tuna I think I would do it the same next time but would definitely add mushrooms
grannyblu
May 16, 2014
IvyTamwood ...yeah I loved this recipe too instead of noodles I used rice instead of tuna I used chicken instead of mushroom soup I used chicken noodle soup instead of peas I used corn instead of potato chips I used crushed crackers
mmpenfield50 45143 44
Nov 06, 2013
This is the exact recipe my Mother made. Why mess with perfection. My Sister makes it without the peas, celery and onion. Boring but yummy too. Potato chips are a nice touch, so would be the water chestnuts.
jerric3
Aug 07, 2013
I loved this recipe! I made a few alterations...substituted mixed veggies....broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower. Didn't have any french fried onions, so I chopped and added some fresh onions to the mix. I also added some Italian seasoned bread crumbs, sliced fresh tomatoes, and some grated cheese to the top. I've already added this one to my "recipe folder"!
emmit01 8004686
Apr 03, 2013
I have a husband with bigtime food allergies and one thing he can eat is tuna. I make something along the lines of this but to make it healthy and to stretch our budget I add mi ed veggies or broccoli,cauilflour, carrots and mybe mushrooms which are awsome in this. Cheese? You could.Breadcrumbs, why not. Fried onions sure it's all anout what you and your family like. I am disabled and when I feel up to cooking I like to have some left over that freeze well too for the times I don't feel like or cannot cook. This is one of those recipes that taste better the next day.
Mary Merry Retired
Jan 24, 2013
I grew up eating a similar recipe. Not sure of the french fried onion topper. My family recipe was chopped onion and celery, water chestnuts, and either cream of celery, or cream of mushroom soup. Then topped with crushed corn flakes, or bread crumbs. The same measurements fed our family of six with hearty portions and 2nds for my hungry teenage brothers! It is now a family recipe for over 50 years.
soozyb63
Jan 11, 2013
this is an awsome but basic recipe....I add fresh onion, whatever vegie I have (sauted) , fresh or canned mushrooms, and a cup of sour cream. a family fav....left overs do not last long. plus dried oriental noodles...but think I will try the fried onion topping next time.
Diceyk
Jan 05, 2013
Grew up with my Mom making this recipe when I was very young. I have also made it many different ways, with different soups (mushroom, celery, chicken), with crushed potato chips instead of the fried onions and diced onion and celery added. But the couple suggestions that haven't been mentioned yet that I've used was 3-4 diced boiled eggs and several slices of Velvetta cheese cut into chunks or strips and stirred in the sauce mixture, then baked after your potato chips or fried onions have been added on top. It is a family hit with the eggs and cheese added and it does taste great! Just thought I'd share additional extra's to try. :)
arleenh
Jan 02, 2013
I have found that adding a can of drained, diced water chestnuts (with or without the diced celery) adds a new texture and twist on the flavor. I also often use 1 can of cream of celery soup and 1 can of cream of mushroom soup and sometimes add a half cup or so of mayonnaise and it comes out very good.
Bobbytail
Dec 16, 2012
This was great! I used a 9x13 baking dish, added a little cheese, and some bread crumbs in addition to the French fried onions. Yes it makes a full pan which is great for plenty of leftovers.
rkabraham45 712964 8
Aug 06, 2012
I cut this recipe in half since it sounded like alot and I'm glad I did since even a half recipe yielded leftovers from my family of 3. First off, I added one rib of sliced celery since that how my mom made it. I also added onion since that was recommended by another reviewer and I prefer onion over French-fried onions any day. My husband and I both like it but agreed that it needed "something", so the next day I added a little cheese to the top of the leftovers and yes, it was better instantly. I've adjusted my new recipe to include the cheese and I'm looking forward to making it again in the future.
poohbear78669 7970 026
Nov 28, 2012
What kind of cheese did you use? How much do you suggest if I'm halving the recipe? Thanks!
Donna2017t 4470705
Aug 01, 2012
Am going to fix this for supper tonight. I am not crazy about tuna casseroles, but this sounds good.
johnscd 3593579
Jul 31, 2012
Serves 4??? Looking at the amount of the ingredients, I would think it would serve closer to 8-12. 2 cans of soup; 12 oz. can tuna, 2 cups of peas??? What size servings is this?
Jbessjr 2476113
Mar 26, 2012
Just made it. Added onion and garlic powder to it. Made a double batch and it was a lot. Very good.
bvthompson 0286889
Feb 04, 2012
very tasty and will do again. Not familiar with "French-fried onions". Can you tell me about this product? Brand name? They look good in the picture! Thank you.
dicarlson76 049290 2
Jan 30, 2012
I thought it was a little tasteless, recipe makes a lot..plenty for 4 pple. too much for 1, wish i would've halved it. Don't think I'll make it again.
er4fun
Jan 24, 2012
Very good! My guy actually asked for the recipe!!! But I accidentally made a short cut. I sprayed my glass pan, mixed ALL the ingredients in the bowl except the onions when I realized the noodles should have been cooked. No worries. I added a cup of water, stirred, and dumped it into the pan. I microwaved for about 6 minutes stirring mid-point. After that, I topped with the onions and baked for about 25 minutes and yum-yum. Everyone asked for seconds!
Crinklepants
Jan 18, 2012
My mother has made this Tuna Noodle dish for decades. My family loves it. All of our dogs love this dish. They realy love Mac and cheese. We use Pimento in this and nothin on top. It genally disappears in a short time. Yum!!
msjude68 8594806
Jan 17, 2012
we thought it was very good but I had to add minced onion to it Iam a onion freak though cant eat to many things without them
jmiolsick 9657016
Jan 17, 2012
When I make Tuna Helper or even make my own Tuna casserole, I like to use Albacore Tuna. It's more firm. Doesn't break down as bad. I've never thought of using french fried onions to put on top. One of these times I'll share my own version of Green Bean Casserole.
pammiller333 78449 92
Jan 17, 2012
I have always made this with crushed potato chips instead of french fried onions. Good comfort food without either topping.
Loretta 619532
Jan 17, 2012
I like recipes that are quick & easy,this sound delicious,going to try this
Trishae
Jan 17, 2012
adding mushrooms is good too! My mother made this when I was growing up, however, she would also add a can of mushrooms and 2 cans of tuna instead of 1.
njd107
Jan 17, 2012
I sautee my onions, soup and butter in a skillet, than I cook what ever noodles, use Kluske noodles last time, and mix with that in the dish to put in oven. Makes it creameier.
nturner59 2922189
Jan 17, 2012
This recipe is simple; and sound simply delicious, I am going to try it
GaryB
Jan 17, 2012
I have been making a recipe like this for years, the one thing that is different is I saute about 1/4 cup dices onions in 2 tablespoons of butter and mix this into the casserole...
GaryB
Jan 26, 2012
I forgot to mention... I only use 1 can of cream of mushroom soup , and I put 1 cup of shredded cheddar (mild) cheese... always been a favorite!
Susielqt
Apr 03, 2011
My family loves tuna casserole but with chopped onion (1 small - about a half cup) added.
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