Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole
Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole is a comforting, baked American dish combining egg noodles, canned tuna, and a creamy sauce, often topped with a crunchy layer like potato chips or breadcrumbs. Its core ingredients typically include tuna, noodles, a cream-based soup (like cream of mushroom), peas, and cheese, making it a hearty one-pan meal. This dish is a staple of mid-20th century American home cooking, particularly popular for its convenience and budget-friendly nature.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This casserole is generally high in carbohydrates from the noodles and often contains significant fat from the creamy sauce and cheese, while providing a moderate amount of protein from the tuna. Key nutrients include B vitamins (especially B12 from tuna), selenium, and some calcium, with a typical serving containing roughly 400-600 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbs | 38 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Potassium | 400 mg |
| Phosphorus | 250 mg |
| Selenium | 55 mcg |
| Niacin (B3) | 8 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.5 mcg |
| Folate | 60 mcg |
| Calcium | 120 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it represents the rise of convenience cooking in post-WWII America, utilizing canned and processed ingredients that became household staples. Nutritionally, it's a notable example of a complete meal in one dish, offering a balance of macronutrients, though modern versions often adapt to lighter ingredients like Greek yogurt or whole-wheat noodles.
