Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

This Tuna Noodle Casserole is loaded with veggies, chunks of wild albacore tuna, and coated with a deliciously light and creamy sauce! It’s a quick and budget-friendly meal you can prepare months ahead of time or whip up for an easy family dinner.

The comforting flavors, affordability, and convenience of this healthy tuna casserole with egg noodles are so hard to resist! Made extra nutritious with albacore tuna, a variety of vegetables, and a creamy sauce, this simple dinner idea is loaded with savory flavors.

Tuna noodle casserole is a classic American dish. Not only is it a breeze to put together, but the ingredients are simple, budget-friendly, and delicious. I’ve taken a few of the classic ingredients and swapped them for healthier alternatives without skipping the flavor. It’s a win-win!

If you love this healthy tuna recipe, then you’ll have to try my Quinoa Tuna Salad and Green Tuna Salad. Both of these dishes are easy to make, great for a crowd, and have big flavors!

Ingredients

A traditional tuna casserole may include ingredients like; tuna, noodles, cheeses, milk, cream of mushroom soup, flour and broth. Some of the typical veggies you see are; peas, carrots, onions, and mushrooms. This is a flexible recipe and you can adjust to your liking.

Here are the ingredients you will need to make my healthy tuna casserole with egg noodles.

1. Canned tuna – easy, affordable and a healthy option.
2. Egg noodles – but you can use rotini, macaroni, fusilli, or any gluten-free pasta
3. Veggies – carrots, onions, garlic, peas and corn
4. Sauce – the sauce is made with chicken stock, all-purpose flour to thicken the sauce, heavy cream and cheese
5. Breadcrumbs – or parmesan cheese for a bit of crunch
6. Salt and pepper
7. Parsley or cilantro – for aromatics

What kind of tuna is best for tuna casserole?

Tuna casseroles are famous for being quick and simple, which is why canned tuna is always the way to go. I prefer to use canned albacore tuna because it tastes less fishy and has a nice, thick texture rather than being flaky and small (like chunk light tuna).

What makes this tuna casserole healthy?

Most tuna casseroles are made with cream of mushroom soup, egg noodles, peas, and tuna before adding breadcrumbs or potato chips on top. While these traditional ingredients are completely savory and delicious, there are a few easy adjustments we can make to load this casserole with nutrients and lower the sodium.

My healthy tuna casserole recipe is made with canned albacore tuna, which is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids and low in calories. Instead of mixing the filling with a can of cream of mushroom soup, I used a mix of milk, heavy cream, and chicken stock so the finished result isn’t as salty. Lastly, I’ve added carrots and corn as well as frozen peas to give it an extra healthy twist!

How to make tuna casserole bake

• In a large pot boil the egg noodles, then drain and set them aside.
• Meanwhile, in a large skillet sauté the onion and carrots in a skillet over medium-high heat.

• After a few minutes, add the garlic, peas, and corn. Stir in the flour so everything is well coated. Next, whisk in the chicken stock, then the milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and tuna. Let it simmer for a few minutes.

• Now that the sauce is ready, you can add the noodles! Finish by stirring in the cheddar cheese.

• Transfer the filling to your prepared baking pan and sprinkle the breadcrumbs or parmesan cheese on top.
• Bake until the pasta starts to turn golden and crispy, then serve with fresh thyme, basil or herb of choice and enjoy!

Tips and variations

• Toppings – Breadcrumbs or parmesan cheese baked onto the casserole will give it a crunchy finish.
• Feel free to add even more vegetables! Celery, broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms would all be delicious.
• While baking, make sure the casserole is uncovered so the breadcrumb topping can crisp up.
• Dairy free – Swap the cream and milk for dairy free milk or cashew cream.
• Gluten free – Use your favorite gluten free pasta noodles, use any gluten free flour you like, and top the casserole with parmesan cheese or gluten free breadcrumbs.

What to serve with baked tuna casserole

A hearty, healthy casserole always goes so well with a few light dishes on the side. Try serving a scoop of the warm casserole next to caesar salad, dinner rolls, carrot fries, potato salad, or a roasted vegetable salad. 

Can I make tuna casserole ahead of time?

You can! Go ahead and assemble the unbaked casserole or keep the baked leftovers stored away for later. Cover the baking dish and store the unbaked and baked casserole in the fridge or freezer.

Make sure to fully thaw the frozen casserole before baking. Then add the breadcrumbs or parmesan on top and bake according to the recipe instructions.

More comforting recipes

• Broccoli Cheese Casserole with Crispy Onions – again, a comforting casserole but with a healthy twist. You’ll love this around the holidays.
• Smoked Salmon Breakfast Casserole – you can truly eat this for breakfast, lunch or dinner!
• Sweet Potato Casserole – maple syrup infused sweet potato topped with cinnamon crumble pecans!
• Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta – what could be more comforting than these pasta shells stuffed with ground beef and topped with marinara sauce and cheese!