Made by

Cory Armstead

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This Budget Tuna Noodle Casserole turns simple pantry and freezer staples into a creamy, cheesy comfort-food dinner for four. Tender egg noodles, tuna, vegetables, cheese, and a buttery cracker topping make a filling family meal for about $13 for the entire pan.

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving

Ingredients:

0.5x

1x

2x

4x

 

•   12 oz egg noodles
•   2 cans tuna in water (drained)
•   1 can cream of mushroom soup
•   1/2 cup milk
•   1.5 cups shredded cheese blend
•   1 cup frozen carrots, peas, & onion blend
•   4 tbsp butter
•   1/2 tsp garlic powder
•   1/2 tsp salt
•   1/4 tsp black pepper
•   1 cup buttery crackers (crushed, for topping)

Ingredients are subject to availability at local stores. Unavailable items will be automatically substituted at best-effort.

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the EGG NOODLES and cook until al dente, about 6–7 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Melt the BUTTER in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the FROZEN CARROT, PEA & ONION BLEND and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are thawed and softened.
4. Stir in the CREAM OF MUSHROOM SOUP and MILK until smooth and creamy. Season with the GARLIC POWDER, SALT, and BLACK PEPPER.
5. Add the drained noodles, TUNA, and 1 CUP SHREDDED CHEESE to the skillet. Gently stir until everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 CUP SHREDDED CHEESE over the top, followed by the CRUSHED BUTTERY CRACKERS.
7. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the cracker topping is lightly golden.
8. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving so the creamy sauce can settle slightly.

The Budget Breakdown

The full 9×13 pan costs about $13, bringing this dinner to roughly $3.25 per serving when divided into four generous portions.

Keep the Comfort Food Going

Craving Another Cheesy Family Favorite?

Cory’s Four-Cheese Mac and Cheese is another creamy, baked comfort-food recipe worth adding to your next family dinner.

Get Cory’s Mac & Cheese Recipe →

Browse Cory’s Cookbooks