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Tuna Noodle Casserole

Pasta, canned tuna, frozen peas, and cream of mushroom soup baked with a breadcrumb topping. Classic comfort food.

Total Cost $7.97
Per Serving $1.99
Prep 10 min
Cook 35 min
Servings 4
  • tuna
  • pasta
  • casserole
  • oven
  • high-protein

Ingredients

  • 2 cans (170 g each) flaked tuna in water, drained $3.58
  • 300 g penne, rotini, or egg noodles $0.66
  • 1 can (284 mL) cream of mushroom soup (condensed) $1.49
  • 250 mL 2% milk $0.38
  • 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas $0.50
  • 1 stalk celery, diced $0.30
  • 0.5 medium onion, diced $0.62
  • 0.5 cup (40 g) breadcrumbs (for topping) $0.20
  • 1 tbsp butter or vegetable oil $0.19
  • to taste salt and black pepper $0.05
  • Recipe total$7.97

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 2-litre baking dish.
  2. Cook pasta in salted boiling water for 2 minutes less than the package directions (it will finish cooking in the oven). Drain.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed soup and milk until smooth.
  4. Add the drained tuna, frozen peas, celery, and onion. Season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
  5. Add the drained pasta and mix everything together.
  6. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  7. Mix breadcrumbs with the butter or oil and scatter over the top.
  8. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbling at the edges.
  9. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition per Serving

Estimated values per serving.

492 Calories
31g Protein
71g Carbs
8g Fat
4g Fiber
650mg Sodium
~15% DV Iron~12% DV Calcium

Gluten-Free

This recipe can be made gluten-free with substitutions.

  • Replace regular pasta with certified gluten-free pasta (adds approximately $2.00 to the total)
  • Replace cream of mushroom soup with a GF-labeled condensed soup, or a homemade sauce of 250 mL milk, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and sautéed mushrooms (GF condensed soup is available at most major grocery stores for roughly the same price)
  • Replace breadcrumbs with crushed GF crackers or GF breadcrumbs (small amount used, cost impact is minimal)

Budget Notes

  • Store-brand condensed soup works just as well as name brand.
  • Frozen mixed vegetables can replace the peas — use whatever is cheapest.
  • This can be assembled up to a day ahead and refrigerated unbaked. Add 10 minutes to the bake time if cooking from cold.
  • Any short pasta shape works. Egg noodles are traditional but not required.