Good tinned tuna packed in olive oil holds together in meaty flakes instead of dissolving into mush, and a real bechamel with sauteed mushrooms beats the canned-soup version by a mile. Pull the noodles two minutes short of the package time. They keep drinking up sauce in the oven and turn soft fast if you cook them all the way first.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep15 min
Cook30 min
Makes6 servings
CuisineAmerican
Cost$$$
Contains dairy · eggs · gluten · fish
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free pasta or noodle (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for6servings
Tinned tuna in olive oil
Oil-packed tuna stays moist and flakes into real chunks instead of powdery shreds.
Boil the noodlesCook egg noodles in salted water two minutes shy of the box time, then drain; they finish cooking in the oven.
Sweat and brownSaute diced onion and celery in butter until soft, add the mushrooms, and cook until their liquid evaporates and they brown, about 8 minutes.
Build the sauceStir in the flour and cook 2 minutes, then whisk in the milk and simmer until it coats a spoon, about 5 minutes.
CombineFold in the drained tuna, noodles, and a cup of peas off the heat, then scrape into a buttered 9x13 dish.
Top and bakeScatter buttered breadcrumbs over the top and bake at 375F for 25-30 minutes until bubbling at the edges and golden on top.
Can you make Tuna Noodle Casserole in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert
Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.
Can you freeze Tuna Noodle Casserole? — Yes
Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can you make Tuna Noodle Casserole ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Is Tuna Noodle Casserole gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free pasta or noodle (check the other labels too).
Is Tuna Noodle Casserole vegan? — No
No — it contains seafood, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.
Community Notes
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