This old fashioned tuna casserole recipe is a classic dish that has withstood the test of time. This easy casserole is a frugal, hearty and versatile recipe, perfect for a large family meal.

Who doesn’t love a classic tuna casserole recipe? This easy tuna casserole is a classic comfort food, made with simple ingredients, perfect for as an easy dinner that will quickly become a family favorite.

A homemade tuna noodle casserole recipe is made with a roux that is mixed with corn, buttery ritz crackers and flaky tuna fish, served hot and bubbly. It will remind you of simpler times, something straight from your grandmother’s recipe box.

Canned tuna is one of those pantry staples that has a reputation for being frugal, but it deserves more credit. It’s so versatile and can be used in all sorts of family recipes from a simple casserole to burgers! 

How to make an old fashioned tuna noodle casserole

Ingredients

• 1lb medium egg noodles
• 4 Tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, sliced
• 4 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1-5oz can solid white albacore tuna
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350F. Spray a casserole pan with cooking spray.

Cook noodles to al dente according to package directions in a large pot of water.

In a medium saucepan, melt butter. Add the onion and celery and cook until the onion is translucent, usually about 3 minutes.

Add the garlic and continue cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

Remove vegetables to a small bowl.

Place 2 more tablespoons of butter in the same saucepan and melt. Stir in the all-purpose flour until you form a golden brown roux. Whisk the milk into the roux, and then add the broth and spices. Increase the heat to medium-high until boiling. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for two minutes, then remove the creamy sauce from heat.

In a small frying pan, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the crushed Ritz crackers and cook for two minutes.

n a large mixing bowl, stir tuna with the vegetables, corn, browned crackers and sauce.

Place the cooked egg noodles in the casserole dish and then pour the tuna mixture on top.

Top with shredded cheddar cheese and more crushed crackers.

Bake on the middle rack of oven for a total time of 30-35 minutes, until the sauce is set and the cheese is completely melted.

What to Serve with a Cheesy Tuna Casserole 

A classic tuna noodle casserole recipe is best to serve with a side of homemade buttermilk biscuits or cheddar biscuits and a green salad. This classic dinner is super versatile too. Vegetable such as peas, green beans or carrots also work great as a side dish!

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Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

Yield: 6-8

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

This old fashioned tuna casserole recipe is a classic dish that has withstood the test of time. This easy casserole is a frugal, hearty and versatile recipe, perfect for a large family meal.

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Ingredients

• 1lb egg noodles
• 4 Tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, sliced
• 4 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1-5oz can tuna
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Cook the egg noodles according to package directions.
3. In a medium-sized saucepan, melt 1 Tablespoon of the butter over medium heat.
4. Add the onion and celery to the butter and cook until onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
5. Add the garlic and continue cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Remove vegetables to a small dish.
7. Place 2 Tablespoons of butter in the same saucepan and melt. Stir in the all-purpose flour until you form a brown roux.
8. Whisk the milk into the roux, and then add the broth and spices. Increase heat to medium-high until boiling.
9. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for two minutes, then remove from heat.
10. In a small frying pan, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the crushed Ritz crackers and cook for two minutes.
11. Place the cooked egg noodles in a casserole dish, then stir in the vegetables (including the corn), tuna and dill sauce (will still be quite thin).
12. Top with shredded cheese and Ritz crackers.
13. Bake for 35-30 minutes, until the sauce is set and the cheese is completely melted.

Notes

What to Serve with a Cheesy Tuna Casserole 

A classic tuna noodle casserole recipe is best serve with a side of homemade buttermilk biscuits or cheddar biscuits and a green salad. This classic dinner is super versatile too. Vegetable such as peas, green beans or carrots also work great! 

Can I make this Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! This is one of our favorite recipes to meal prep or make ahead of time. You can prep it in advance and bake it later. Tuna Noodle Casserole is a good meal to freeze as well.

You can freeze it before or after you bake it. Wrap the baking dish with plastic wrap and freeze for 3-4 months. If you are freezing after the tuna bakes, just be sure to let it cool down completely to room temperature before putting it in the freezer.

Store leftovers in an airtight container.

What can I substitute the crackers for in an old-fashioned tuna casserole?

Potato chips or bread crumbs are a great option to use as a substitute.

Did you make this recipe?

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