Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with Cheddar and Mustard

Name: Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with Cheddar and Mustard
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 250 g dry egg noodles; 2 cans tuna in water, about 140 g drained each; 1 whole onion; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 400 ml milk; 2 tsp mustard; 2 tsp soy sauce; 1 tsp lemon juice; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 cup grated cheddar; 1 pinch black pepper

Cooked noodles and drained tuna bake under a light cheese crust in this weeknight casserole.

By Hez ArslanUpdated October 2, 2026

Total 55 minMakes 4 to 6 servings

Jump to Recipe

Cooked noodles and drained tuna bake under a light cheese crust in this weeknight casserole. A milk-based sauce binds the pasta and fish so the center stays creamy while the top browns. Whisk the milk slowly into the butter and flour before adding the other seasonings. Taste before adding extra salt because tuna, soy sauce and cheese already season the dish. Heat oven to 180°C (350°F). Boil noodles just shy of tender, drain and set aside. Cook chopped onion in butter until soft, stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk; simmer until it coats a spoon, then add mustard, soy, lemon, thyme, pepper and half the cheese.

Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with Cheddar and Mustard

How to tell when it is ready

Sauce bubbling through center and cheese lightly golden.

Tips

Undercook noodles slightly before baking.
Whisk milk in gradually to avoid lumps.
Drain tuna thoroughly to avoid watery sauce.
Taste before adding salt because soy and cheese contribute plenty.

Troubleshooting

If sauce is lumpy, whisk it firmly before adding tuna.
If casserole is dry, add a splash of milk when reheating.

Substitutions

Use a similar short pasta instead of egg noodles, cooking to firm.
Use parmesan instead of some cheddar but reduce added salt.

Variations

Stir cooked peas into the dish before baking.
Use cheddar throughout for a sharper topping.

Serving suggestions

Serve with peas.
Add a crisp green salad.
Pair with steamed broccoli.
Sprinkle parsley over hot portions.

Make ahead

Prepare the measured ingredients in advance. Refrigerate up to 3 days; reheat until hot throughout.

Storage

Refrigerate up to 3 days; reheat until hot throughout.

Food safety

Keep drained canned tuna chilled if not immediately assembled and bake casserole fully.

Frequently asked questions

Why does the sauce need milk?

Flour and butter require liquid to thicken into a sauce rather than a paste.

How should I store creamy tuna noodle casserole?

Refrigerate up to 3 days; reheat until hot throughout.

Serve with peas. Refrigerate up to 3 days; reheat until hot throughout.

About the author

Hez Arslan

Hez Arslan owns feastdelights.com and also writes practical recipes for everyday home cooking, from familiar Ukrainian dishes to meals inspired by kitchens around the world. His clear, step-by-step guidance helps home cooks approach each recipe with confidence.

Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with Cheddar and Mustard