Classic Canned Tuna Casserole with Crushed-Cracker Top

Name: Classic Canned Tuna Casserole with Crushed-Cracker Top
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 340 g egg noodles (uncooked); 2 cans tuna (drained, 170 g each); 1 cup frozen peas (thawed); 1 cup cheddar cheese (grated); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 medium onion (finely chopped); 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and levelled); 2 cups milk; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup crackers (crushed); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

40 min 6 servings Easy

All Recipes

Enjoy a comforting tuna noodle casserole made with a from-scratch cream sauce and a crunchy cracker topping.

Prep

15 min

Cook

25 min

Total

40 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Tuna casserole is a timeless dish that brings together the convenience of canned tuna with the comforting flavours of a homemade cream sauce. This version is especially satisfying, thanks to a crunchy crushed-cracker topping that adds texture and depth. Our recipe is perfect for those who want a quick and hearty meal using pantry staples. It's an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you're looking for an easy dish to warm you up on a chilly day.

Instructions

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Cook the noodles

Boil the egg noodles in salted water until al dente, about 6 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Pro tip: Avoid overcooking noodles as they will continue to cook in the oven.

Prepare the cream sauce

In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.

Pro tip: Ensure flour is fully incorporated to avoid lumps.

Thicken the sauce

Gradually whisk in the milk, salt, and pepper. Cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.

Pro tip: The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.

Combine ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, tuna, peas, cheddar cheese, and cream sauce. Mix until evenly coated. Ensure the tuna is heated to an internal temperature of 145°F / 63°C by probing the center of a tuna chunk. The tuna should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.

Prepare the topping

In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers with the melted butter.

Pro tip: Pre-toast the crackers for extra crunch.

Assemble the casserole

Transfer the noodle mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly on top.

Bake the casserole

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

Pro tip: Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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Tips & Tricks

Use high-quality canned tuna for best flavour.
Pre-toast crackers for extra crunch.
Don't overcook the noodles to avoid mushiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in a tuna casserole?

Each serving of this tuna casserole contains approximately 450 calories.

What can I substitute for crackers in tuna casserole?

You can use breadcrumbs or panko as a substitute for crackers for a similar crunchy topping.

Can I make tuna casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake.

How long does tuna casserole last in the fridge?

Store any leftover tuna casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

What type of tuna is best for casserole?

High-quality canned tuna, such as albacore or light tuna, works best for flavour and texture in casseroles.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this tuna casserole with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine or iced tea. Make ahead by assembling the casserole up to a day in advance and storing it in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the oven when you're ready to bake. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.