Ina Garten’s Cozy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe for Beginners

Tuna noodle casserole stands as a quintessential comfort food that warms both heart and stomach with its nostalgic embrace.

Generations of home cooks have transformed this humble dish into a cherished family favorite.

Classic ingredients meld together, creating layers of creamy texture and satisfying flavors that dance across your palate.

Memories of childhood dinners often resurface with each comforting bite of this beloved recipe.

Hearty and filling, the casserole represents more than just a meal – it symbolizes connection and shared moments around the family table.

Simple yet extraordinary, this dish bridges culinary traditions with its unpretentious charm and universal appeal.

Rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying, this recipe promises a delightful journey through flavor and comfort: grab your fork and dive in!

Flavor Swaps for Tuna Noodle Casserole Fans

• Seafood Symphony: Replace tuna with crab or shrimp for an oceanic upgrade, keeping the creamy texture and comforting essence of the original casserole.
• Green Goddess Remix: Add chopped spinach or kale to boost nutritional value, creating a veggie-packed version that maintains the classic casserole's creamy consistency.
• Protein Power Swap: Substitute tuna with shredded rotisserie chicken or diced ham for a heartier protein option that transforms the dish's flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Use gluten-free egg noodles and replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can enjoy this classic comfort meal.

End Notes on Ina Garten Tuna Noodle Casserole

Comfort cuisine reaches new heights with Ina Garten’s classic tuna noodle casserole.

Classic ingredients merge into a nostalgic masterpiece that whispers home and warmth.

Creamy textures embrace hearty noodles with rich cheese and delicate tuna.

Mediterranean flavors dance through each carefully crafted bite of this timeless dish.

Generations of home cooks have cherished similar recipes, making this version a contemporary celebration.

Calling all passionate home chefs: dive into this remarkable recipe, share your culinary adventure on social media, spark conversations with fellow cooking enthusiasts, and spread delicious inspiration across your networks.

Why Ina Garten Tuna Noodle Casserole Is a Classic

• Comfort Food Champion: This tuna noodle casserole wraps you in pure nostalgia with its creamy, cheesy embrace that reminds you of home-cooked meals from childhood.
• Quick Weeknight Warrior: Whip up this delicious dish in under 45 minutes, making it a perfect solution for busy families craving a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Texture Party in Every Bite: Experience a delightful contrast between the crispy golden breadcrumb topping and the creamy, soft noodle interior that keeps your taste buds dancing with excitement.

Ingredients for Ina Garten Tuna Noodle Casserole

Main Ingredients:

• Egg Noodles: Wide, hearty noodles perfect for classic casserole texture and comfort food appeal.
• Tuna: Protein-rich canned fish that adds substantial flavor and nutritional value to the dish.

• Celery, Onion: Aromatic vegetables that provide a savory base and subtle crunch to the casserole.
• Frozen Peas: Sweet, tender green vegetables that add color and light freshness to the mixture.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy base that helps bind ingredients and adds rich, umami flavor.
• Milk: Liquid component that helps create smooth, cohesive texture in the casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that provides depth of flavor and creamy consistency.

• Breadcrumbs: Crunchy topping that adds textural contrast and golden-brown appearance.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that provides a light, green garnish and subtle herbal note.
• Butter: Essential for sautéing vegetables and adding rich flavor to the dish.

How to Prepare Ina Garten Tuna Noodle Casserole

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C) and get ready for some delicious comfort food magic.

Step 2: Cook The Noodles

Boil egg noodles following package instructions until they reach perfect al dente texture. Quickly drain and rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process.

Step 3: Sauté Veggie Base

• Celery
• Onion

Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables become tender and fragrant.

Step 4: Create Casserole Mixture

• Cooked noodles
• Sautéed celery and onion
• Defrosted peas
• Drained tuna
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk
• Cheddar cheese
• Chopped parsley

Stir everything together until well blended.

Step 5: Prepare Topping

Sprinkle a delightful mixture of breadcrumbs and cheese evenly across the casserole surface.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes until the topping turns golden brown and the casserole starts bubbling with excitement.

Serve hot and enjoy this classic comfort dish that brings warmth to your table!

Best Tips for Ina Garten Tuna Noodle Casserole

• Sauté Veggies for Depth: Cooking celery and onions in olive oil releases natural sugars, creating a richer base flavor that elevates the entire casserole.
• Craft Homemade Mushroom Sauce: Ditch the canned soup and create a creamy sauce from scratch using fresh mushrooms, heavy cream, and herbs for a more sophisticated and delicious result.
• Experiment with Cheese Varieties: Swap traditional cheddar for gruyere or mozzarella to introduce new taste profiles and add exciting complexity to the classic dish.
• Prevent Watery Casserole: Thoroughly drain cooked noodles to remove excess moisture, ensuring a creamy and well-textured final product that holds together perfectly.
• Customize with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley, thyme, or chives on top to add a burst of freshness and bright color to the comforting casserole.

Storing Ina Garten Tuna Noodle Casserole

• Sealed Container Method: Nestle your leftover tuna casserole in an airtight glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Refrigerate immediately after cooling to lock in freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Professional chefs recommend using clear containers so you can easily track how long the dish has been stored.
• Freezer-Safe Preservation: Carefully portion the casserole into individual serving sizes before freezing. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn. Label each container with the date and contents to maintain optimal tracking of your meal's lifespan.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator for best texture restoration.

Ina Garten Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s tuna noodle casserole brings classic comfort with modern elegance. Creamy pasta, tender tuna, and crispy breadcrumb topping create a nostalgic dish that delights home cooks and promises satisfying warmth at dinner.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups (340 grams) egg noodles
• 1 can (142-170 grams) tuna, drained
• 1 cup (100 grams) cheddar cheese, grated
• 10 ½ ounces (298 grams) condensed cream of mushroom soup (undiluted)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• ⅔ cup (100 grams) frozen peas, defrosted

Topping and Additional Ingredients:

• ½ cup (50 grams) panko breadcrumbs
• ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) whole milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ cup (50 grams) cheddar cheese, grated

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C), creating an ideal environment for baking the casserole.
2. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions until they reach a perfect al dente texture. Immediately drain and rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process and prevent overcooking.
3. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, then gently sauté chopped celery and diced onions for 5 to 7 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
4. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine cooked egg noodles, sautéed vegetables, thawed green peas, drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, shredded cheddar cheese, and freshly chopped parsley.
5. Carefully transfer the mixed ingredients into a 2-quart casserole dish, ensuring an even distribution of components.
6. Sprinkle a generous layer of breadcrumbs and additional grated cheese over the top, creating a crispy and flavorful topping.
7. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, watching for a golden-brown topping and bubbling edges that indicate the dish is perfectly heated through.

Notes

• Elevate the dish’s richness by sautéing celery and onions in olive oil, adding depth beyond traditional butter.
• Craft a homemade mushroom sauce that transforms the entire casserole’s flavor profile from standard canned soup.
• Experiment with cheese varieties like gruyere or mozzarella to introduce unexpected taste dimensions.
• Thoroughly drain pasta to prevent excess moisture, ensuring a perfectly textured casserole.
• Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a bright, fresh finish that cuts through the creamy richness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg