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    Home » Recipes

    Tuna Noodle Casserole from Scratch

    by Patti Estep · Feb 14, 2024

    Jump to Recipe
    Tuna noodle casserole in a baking dish
    Tuna noodle casserole dish above a pan of bechamel sauce.

    Learn how to make a classic tuna noodle casserole from scratch without using canned soup. It's easy and makes a nice meatless option for dinner.

    Tuna noodle casserole in a square ceramic baking dish.

    I've made tuna noodle casserole many times with canned soup as the base. However, I wanted to make one with a homemade sauce. It was so easy, and I can't believe it took me so long to try it.

    Ingredients for tuna noodle casserole. Egg noodles, canned tuna, milk, flour, butter and seasonings.

    Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole from Scratch

    I always make this tuna casserole with egg noodles. You could probably substitute pasta. I think a short pasta such as penne or elbow macaroni would work well.

    In the past, I also would have used tuna packed in water, but this time I tried one packed in oil. Just so you know this is a little on the rich side, but I bet it would be tasty with a chunk light tuna too. However, I definitely liked this tuna casserole without using soup as the sauce better.

    The same goes for the sauce. I used whole milk. I think 2% would be fine. I'm not sure about skim but you could go the other way and use cream.

    Two cans of tuna were a good ratio for us but I would also consider trying it with 3 cans for a greater protein-to-starch ratio.

    White sauce in pan with whisk

    The sauce is a typical white or bechamel sauce where you make a roux with butter and flour and then add your liquid.

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    Other than your typical salt and pepper, I wasn't sure what to add for seasoning. I decided to add a clove of garlic and paprika, which we liked, but I think this is an area where you could add your own touch.

    You could also add some vegetables such as celery, mushrooms, or peas.

    Tuna noodle casserole with spoon

    Finally, I used some Italian bread crumbs for a crunchy top to this tuna casserole. You could leave them out, or add some cheese to the top for an added flavor and texture boost. I've heard of some people using crushed up Ritz crackers or potato chips but I have never tried them.

    Like so many of my recipes, it's all up to you and what you like best.

    Patti signature


    More Seafood Recipes

    • Tuna and Egg Salad
    • One Pot Shrimp Boil
    • Seafood Jambalaya
    • Steamed Shrimp

    Partial view of a tuna noodle casserole in an aqua baking dish.
    Learn how to make a delicious tuna noodle casserole from scratch.

    Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

    A delicious tuna noodle casserole from scratch is quick and easy to make, and a nice meatless option for dinner.
    4.50 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time 25 minutes mins
    Total Time 45 minutes mins
    Course Dinner Recipes
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6
    Calories 232 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 cans albacore tuna in oil 6 oz.
    • 8 oz egg noodles
    • 1 clove garlic grated
    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • 2 tablespoons flour all-purpose
    • 1 cup whole milk
    • 1 teaspoon hot paprika
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1/4 cup bread crumbs

    Instructions
     

    • Cook the noodles and drain.
    • In a heavy saucepan melt butter.
    • Grate in garlic.
    • Add flour and whisk together on medium heat. Do not let it burn.
    • Add milk and bring to a simmer, continually whisking until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
    • Once thickened remove from stove and add paprika, salt and pepper.
    • Combine cooked noodles and tuna in a mixing bowl.
    • Pour the sauce mixture over the noodles and tuna and stir.
    • Transfer to a buttered baking dish.
    • Top with bread crumbs.
    • Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 25 minutes

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1gCalories: 232kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 8gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 47mgSodium: 282mgPotassium: 178mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 371IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 75mgIron: 1mg

    Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although attempts have been made to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

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    About Patti Estep

    Patti is the creator of Hearth and Vine, a home and garden blog filled with projects to inspire your creative side. She loves crafting, gardening, decorating and entertaining at her home in Pennsylvania. When she is not working on a project at home or searching for treasures at nurseries and thrift stores with her girlfriends, you’ll probably find her with family and friends, at a restaurant, or home party enjoying new and different food adventures.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Vern Blissitt

      July 05, 2017 at 11:41 pm

      My husband and I love Tuna Casserole. We add the small version of green peas, and it sets it all off wonderfully.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        July 06, 2017 at 7:18 am

        Hi Vern,

        I like the idea of adding peas. A great way to get your serving of veggies.

        Thanks for stopping by,
        Patti

        Reply
    2. FrenchGardenHouse

      March 27, 2017 at 4:53 pm

      Thank you Patti! I will try this, it sounds delicious. I need to find some gluten free noodles (allergy plus!) and I will be good to go. This is such a comforting dish, it reminds all of us of our childhoods. Ps. I love your new logo and name!! xo Lidy

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        March 28, 2017 at 7:50 am

        Hi Lidy,
        I think the casserole would be great with gluten free noodles too. Thanks for the kind comment on my logo.
        I am sooo happy with the new look.
        Have a great week!
        Patti

        Reply
    3. Barbara Chapman ~ French Ethereal

      March 24, 2017 at 2:01 pm

      Oh, yum! When I was growing up, my favorite thing to eat was tuna casserole. However, when my kids were born, they never really got into it. Bummer! So... I got out of the habit of eating it. Will have to try your recipe! Looking forward to eating that first delicious bite! {Maybe that good habit of eating tuna all the time will come back. ;)}
      Have a happy weekend,
      Barb 🙂

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        March 24, 2017 at 2:45 pm

        Hi Barb,

        I know what you mean. I haven't made this in a long time and I ended up really liking it, especially with the homemade sauce. It definitely going on the list of things I'll make going forward.
        Have a great weekend, and thank for stopping by,
        Patti

        Reply
    4.50 from 4 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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