Homemade Tuna Helper

Why You’ll Love It

Simple to make: Making this tuna noodle casserole is just as easy as using a box of readymade tuna helper.
Great flavors: Tuna, veggies, noodles, and a cheesy, creamy sauce are the basis of this recipe and offer great flavors, along with some carefully chosen seasonings.
Family-friendly: Looking for something the kids won’t complain about? An easy tuna casserole is a great idea and they’ll love the creamy sauce and pasta so much they won’t even notice the veggies!

Tuna Helper Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Canned tuna: I like to use solid white albacore tuna but you can take your pick and use your preferred variety, either packed in brine or in oil.
Half & Half: Makes the sauce creamy.
All-purpose flour: To thicken the sauce.
Frozen peas and carrots: For color, flavor and nutrients. Use different frozen veggies if preferred.
Asiago cheese: Feel free to use another kind of cheese. Cheddar cheese is also good here.
Wide egg noodles: You can use any pasta shapes, although the egg flavor is really good in this tuna noodle casserole.
Chicken broth: For the sauce. Adds a delicate taste that complements the dish.

How to Make Homemade Tuna Helper

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Cook the egg noodles: Boil until done and then drain. You want the noodles slightly al dente.
Prepare the tuna helper sauce: Sauté the onions and then add the garlic, flour, and seasonings. Stir constantly to mix everything together. Add the broth and Half & Half, and gently cook until thickened.
Add more ingredients: Stir in the egg noodles, tuna and vegetables and cook.
The finishing touches: Stir in the cheese and serve garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Substitutions and Variations

Gluten-free option: If you want a gluten-free version, sub your preferred gluten-free pasta for the egg noodles.
Vegetarian version: Use vegetable broth in place of the chicken broth, and swap the tuna for your preferred vegetarian protein, such as tofu, jackfruit or beans.
Different vegetables: You can use others such as frozen broccoli, frozen green beans and corn, or even finely diced fresh vegetables. I sometimes add sliced fresh mushrooms.
Another cheese: Swap the asiago for cheddar, parmesan, pecorino, or any cheese you want.
Another noodle: Macaroni, spaghetti, farfalle, penne, shells, cavatappi, or any other noodles or pasta can be used.
Other flavors: Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice for more depth of flavor. Use all garlic powder or all onion powder instead of both.
Canned soup: Swap the Half & Half and chicken broth for canned chicken or mushroom soup for a thicker, creamier result.

Serving Suggestions

Appetizers: Start the meal with BBQ meatballs.
Side dishes: You might like an iceberg lettuce wedge salad or one of these easy air fryer sides with your tuna casserole.
Desserts: Finish up with some buttery shortbread or tangy lemon tart.

How to Store Copycat Tuna Helper

Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within 4 days.
Freeze: You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Again, use an airtight container so you don’t get freezer burn.
Thaw: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheat: The microwave is a quick and easy way to reheat leftovers.