Tuna Noodle Casserole (From Scratch)

Tuna Noodle Casserole (From Scratch)

6 servings
This easy tuna noodle casserole without cream of mushroom soup is the upgraded version of a classic! Made with real ingredients, and ready in under 30-minutes, this one pot meal is sure to be a hit with your family.

Ingredients

  • salted butter
    2 tbsp
  • all-purpose flour
    2 tbsp
  • chicken broth
    2 c
  • whole milk
    2 c
  • salt
    1 tsp
  • garlic powder
    ½ tsp
  • black pepper
    ½ tsp
  • egg noodles
    8 oz
  • 1/2 Cups frozen peas
    1
  • tuna packed in water
    2 can
  • Optional toppings for serving: freshly chopped parsley

Directions

  1. 1

    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.

  2. 2

    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.

  3. 3

    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.

  4. 4

    Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are soft and most of the mixture has been soaked up by the noodles.

  5. 5

    Add in the tuna. Stir in the tuna to distribute throughout.

  6. 6

    Add toppings if desired and enjoy!

Tuna Noodle Casserole (From Scratch)

Tuna Noodle Casserole (From Scratch)

20 min6 servings323 cal

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About this Recipe

The Ultimate From-Scratch Tuna Noodle Casserole (No Canned Soup!)

Say goodbye to the outdated, canned-soup versions of your childhood favorite! This Tuna Noodle Casserole (From Scratch) recipe is a truly upgraded classic, bringing rich, homemade flavor to your dinner table in under 30 minutes. Forget the mystery ingredients – we're talking about real butter, flour, milk, and broth coming together to create a luscious, creamy sauce that perfectly coats tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, and sweet peas. It's the ultimate easy dinner recipe and a fantastic 30-minute meal that promises pure comfort without compromise.

What makes this one-pot meal truly special is its incredible depth of flavor achieved with simple, everyday ingredients. By building the sauce from scratch, you get a much fresher, more vibrant taste than any shortcut can provide. This isn't just a quick weeknight dinner; it's a nostalgic dish reinvented to be genuinely delicious and satisfying for the whole family.

Tips for a Perfect Casserole

  • Creamy Perfection: Ensure your sauce thickens nicely by whisking continuously when adding the flour and then the liquids. It should be rich but still pourable.
  • Veggie Variations: While frozen peas are traditional, feel free to toss in other quick-cooking frozen vegetables like corn, diced carrots, or a medley mix for extra color and nutrition.
  • Texture is Key: Don't forget those optional toppings! A sprinkle of crushed butter cracker crumbs, toasted breadcrumbs, or even crushed potato chips adds a delightful crunch that elevates every bite of this Midwestern recipe. A dusting of Parmesan cheese is also a delicious addition.
  • Serving Suggestions: This hearty casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some warm, crusty bread to sop up every last bit of that amazing sauce.

This Tuna Noodle Casserole isn't just a meal; it's a warm hug in a bowl, proving that classic comfort food can be both quick and incredibly flavorful.

Frequently Asked Questions