Contents
- 1 The Comfort of Creamy Noodles
- 2 My First Casserole Chaos
- 3 Why This Dish Shines
- 4 A Dish With History
- 5 Ingredients:
- 6 How to Make Upgraded Tuna Noodle Casserole
- 7 3 Fun Twists on Classic Tuna Casserole
- 8 Serving Ideas for a Cozy Meal
- 9 Keep It Fresh or Freeze It
- 10 Fix Common Casserole Hiccups
- 11 Your Questions, Answered
- 12 From My Kitchen to Yours
- 13 Upgraded 30-Minute Tuna Noodle Casserole
The Comfort of Creamy Noodles
The smell of butter toasting flour takes me back to rainy afternoons at my grandma’s house. She’d stir a pot of creamy noodles while I watched, sneaking bites of tuna straight from the can. Ever wondered how you could turn a simple casserole into something unforgettable? This dish wraps you in warmth, like a hug from someone who loves you. The creamy sauce, tender noodles, and salty tuna make it a winner every time. What’s your go-to comfort food on a chilly day?My First Casserole Chaos
My first try at this recipe ended with a flour explosion. I whisked too fast, and white powder flew everywhere like tiny snowflakes. But the mess taught me something—cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about joy. Even with flour on my shirt, the casserole tasted like home. Now I laugh when things get messy. Have you ever had a kitchen disaster that turned out okay?Why This Dish Shines
– The roux adds richness, turning broth and milk into velvety sauce. – Crunchy toppings (like chips or crackers) give a fun contrast to creamy noodles. Which flavor combo surprises you most—Parmesan or corn flakes? This dish is all about balance. Every bite mixes comfort with a little excitement. Try it and taste the magic yourself.A Dish With History
Tuna noodle casserole became popular in the 1950s, when canned food was king. It was cheap, filling, and easy for busy families to make. *Did you know some versions use mushroom soup instead of a roux?* Today, we’ve upgraded it with fresh touches, but the heart stays the same. Share your family’s twist on this classic—I’d love to hear!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Salted butter | 2 Tablespoons | |
| All-purpose flour | 2 Tablespoons | |
| Chicken broth | 2 Cups | |
| Whole milk | 2 Cups | |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | |
| Garlic powder | ½ teaspoon | |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon | |
| Egg noodles | 8 ounces (about 4 cups) | |
| Frozen peas | 1 + ½ Cups | |
| Tuna packed in water | 2 (5 ounce) cans | Drained |
| Optional toppings | As needed | Freshly chopped parsley, crushed butter cracker crumbs, toasted bread crumbs, crushed corn flakes, crushed potato chips, shredded or grated Parmesan cheese |
How to Make Upgraded Tuna Noodle Casserole
Step 1 Melt butter in a pot over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1-3 minutes. The mix should look like wet sand. This roux thickens the sauce. Step 2 Slowly pour in chicken broth while whisking. Add milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Bring to a low boil. Stir often to avoid lumps. Step 3 Toss in noodles and frozen peas. Stir well. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until noodles are tender. The sauce will thicken as it cooks. Step 4 Fold in drained tuna gently. Heat through for 1-2 minutes. Don’t overmix—tuna flakes should stay chunky. (*Hard-learned tip: Use a fork to flake tuna first!*) What’s your go-to casserole topping? Share below! Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Yield: 6 servings Category: Dinner, Comfort Food3 Fun Twists on Classic Tuna Casserole
Spicy Kick Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Top with crushed chili-flavored chips. Cheesy Bliss Mix in 1 cup shredded cheddar. Sprinkle extra on top before serving. Veggie-Packed Swap peas for broccoli or spinach. Add sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor. Which twist would you try first? Vote in the comments!Serving Ideas for a Cozy Meal
Pair with garlic bread or a crisp green salad. Add extra crunch with toasted breadcrumbs. Drink ideas: Iced tea (non-alcoholic) or a light lager (alcoholic). Both cut the richness nicely. Which would you choose tonight? Tell us below!
Keep It Fresh or Freeze It
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to keep it creamy. Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before warming. *Fun fact*: My grandkids love this casserole cold straight from the fridge! Batch-cook tip: Double the recipe and freeze half for busy nights. Why this matters? Meal prep saves time and cuts stress. Ever tried freezing this dish? Share your tricks below!Fix Common Casserole Hiccups
Sauce too thin? Simmer longer or add a sprinkle of flour. Noodles mushy? Cook them 1 minute less next time. Tuna too fishy? Swap in canned chicken or rinsed chickpeas. Why this matters? Small tweaks make big flavor wins. My neighbor Jane swore she hated tuna—until she tried this version. What’s your go-to fix for soggy noodles?Your Questions, Answered
Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes! Use GF noodles and cornstarch instead of flour. Q: How far ahead can I prep it? A: Assemble up to 1 day before baking. Add toppings last. Q: Best milk swap for dairy-free? A: Unsweetened almond or oat milk works well. Q: Can I halve the recipe? A: Absolutely. Use a smaller pot and adjust cook time. Q: Crunchy topping ideas? A: Try crushed pretzels or fried onions for extra texture.From My Kitchen to Yours
This casserole has warmed my family’s table for years. I hope it becomes your weeknight hero too. Tag @SavoryDiscovery on Pinterest with your creations! Did you add a twist? Tell me in the comments. Happy cooking! —Elowen Thorn
Upgraded 30-Minute Tuna Noodle Casserole
Description
A quick and comforting classic with a creamy sauce, tender noodles, and flavorful tuna.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Make the roux. Start by melting the butter in a large saucepan, stock pot, or Dutch oven over medium. Add the flour and whisk for 1-3 minutes. We’re making a ‘white roux’ to thicken our sauce, so it should have an off-white to light tan color and the texture of wet sand.
- Make the sauce and cook the noodles. Slowly add in the chicken broth to the roux, whisking continuously. Stir in the milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Bring the mixture to a low boil.
- Add the noodles and peas and stir to combine. Bring the sauce back up to a low boil, and then reduce the heat to medium-low to simmer.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are soft and most of the mixture has been soaked up by the noodles.
- Add in the tuna. Stir in the tuna to distribute throughout.
- Add toppings if desired and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crunch, try adding toasted breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips as a topping.
Tuna, Noodle Casserole, Comfort Food, Quick Meal