Ina Garten’s Heartwarming Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe for All Cooks

Comfort food finds its perfect match in this classic Ina Garten tuna noodle casserole recipe that brings warmth to any dinner table.

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with nostalgic flavors, this dish turns simple ingredients into a stellar meal.

The secret lies in its rich, velvety sauce and perfectly cooked noodles that meld together beautifully.

Every forkful promises a delightful blend of tender tuna and crispy breadcrumb topping.

Layers of flavor dance across your palate, creating a symphony of comfort and satisfaction.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this incredibly satisfying casserole that hits all the right notes.

Grab your skillet and get ready to savor a meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 410 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients List for Ina Garten Tuna Noodle Casserole

• Egg Noodles: Tender, wavy strands that provide hearty texture and classic comfort food foundation, choose wide egg noodles for maximum nostalgic flavor.

• Tuna, Peas, Celery, Onion: Protein-packed tuna adds oceanic richness, sweet peas bring vibrant color, celery offers crisp crunch, and onions provide deep savory undertones. Select fresh, firm vegetables and sustainably caught tuna for best results.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Milk, Cheddar Cheese, Parsley, Butter: Cream of mushroom soup creates silky base, milk adds smoothness, sharp cheddar delivers tangy depth, fresh parsley introduces bright herbal notes, and butter ensures rich, golden sautéing. Opt for full-fat dairy and freshly grated cheese for maximum flavor complexity.

• Breadcrumbs, Additional Cheese: Breadcrumbs generate irresistible golden crunch, extra cheese creates indulgent melted layer. Select panko breadcrumbs for superior texture and high-quality cheese for optimal meltability.

Equipment Needed for Ina Garten Tuna Noodle Casserole

• Large skillet: Perfect for sautéing vegetables with butter.
• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients thoroughly.
• 2-quart casserole dish: Ideal for baking the entire casserole.
• Colander: Necessary for draining cooked egg noodles.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helpful for accurate ingredient amounts.

Steps to Make Ina Garten Tuna Noodle Casserole

• Oven Preparation Warm up your oven to create the perfect cooking environment for a delightful comfort meal.
• Noodle Foundation Cook egg noodles until they reach that perfect tender stage, then give them a quick cool-down bath to stop the cooking process.
• Vegetable Softening Gently transform celery and onions into a flavor-packed base by sautéing them until they become wonderfully tender and aromatic.
• Mixture Magic Combine all the star ingredients – from the silky noodles to the flaky tuna, creamy soup, and vibrant peas – in a large mixing bowl, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
• Casserole Assembly Transfer the creamy mixture into a cozy baking dish, then crown it with a crispy, cheesy topping that promises a golden, crunchy finish.
• Final Transformation Slide the casserole into the heated oven and let the magic happen, waiting until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges start to bubble with delicious anticipation.

Flavor Tweaks for Ina Garten Tuna Noodle Casserole

• Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère, monterey jack, or fontina for a unique flavor profile that elevates the classic casserole.
• Swap tuna with rotisserie chicken, cooked salmon, or canned crab meat to create delightful protein variations that keep the dish exciting.
• Mix panko breadcrumbs with crushed potato chips or crackers for an extra crispy and unexpected textural element that adds gourmet flair.
• Incorporate roasted mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or caramelized onions to increase nutritional value and introduce deeper, more complex flavor dimensions.
• Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake for convenient meal planning and stress-free entertaining.

Serve Ina Garten Tuna Noodle Casserole Comfort-Style

• Serve with Crisp Salad: Pair the casserole with a light, tangy green salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy dish.
• Add Fresh Bread on the Side: Warm crusty bread or garlic toast complements the casserole's comforting texture and helps soak up the delicious sauce.
• Garnish with Extra Herbs: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Create a Complete Meal: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans to add nutritional balance and extra veggie goodness to the plate.

How to Store Ina Garten Tuna Noodle Casserole

• Quick Batch Prep: Double the recipe and create multiple meals for busy weeknights, storing extra portions in airtight containers for convenient future dining.
• Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftover casserole in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention in the refrigerator.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual or full casserole portions tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, keeping them frozen for up to 2 months before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning and maintain moisture.

Comforting Ina Garten Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

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

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Description

Ina Garten’s tuna noodle casserole combines classic comfort with refined flavors from her signature culinary style. Crispy golden breadcrumbs and rich creamy sauce make this nostalgic dish irresistible for home cooks seeking a satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (340 g) egg noodles
• 1 can (142-170 g) tuna, drained
• 1 cup (100 g) cheddar cheese, grated
• 10 ½ oz (298 g) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
• ½ cup (50 g) cheddar cheese, grated
• ½ cup (50 g) panko breadcrumbs
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) whole milk
• 2 tbsps butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• ⅔ cup (100 g) frozen peas, defrosted
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and position the rack in the center for optimal baking conditions.
2. Noodle Foundation: Cook egg noodles to al dente perfection, then quickly drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and maintain ideal texture.
3. Vegetable Sauté: In a skillet, melt butter and gently sauté celery and onions until softened and translucent, releasing their aromatic flavors.
4. Harmonious Mixing: Combine the cooked noodles with sautéed vegetables, green peas, tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk, cheddar cheese, and parsley in a large mixing bowl, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Casserole Assembly: Transfer the mixed ingredients into a 2-quart casserole dish, creating an even layer that promises a delightful blend of textures and flavors.
6. Crispy Topping: Generously sprinkle breadcrumbs and additional grated cheese over the surface, crafting a golden, crunchy crown for the casserole.
7. Baking Finale: Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, watching for a beautifully bronzed top and bubbling edges that signal the dish is thoroughly heated and ready to serve.

Notes

• Ensure Noodle Perfection: Cook egg noodles al dente and rinse immediately with cold water to stop cooking and maintain ideal texture.
• Sauté with Care: Gently cook celery and onions until soft and translucent to develop a rich, subtle flavor base for the casserole.
• Mix Thoroughly: Combine all ingredients evenly to guarantee each bite delivers a balanced blend of tuna, vegetables, and creamy goodness.
• Crispy Topping Technique: Sprinkle breadcrumbs and extra cheese generously to create a golden, crunchy layer that elevates the entire dish’s appeal.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg