If you are craving a comforting, hearty dish that comes together in a flash, this Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe will quickly become one of your favorite go-tos. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender egg noodles and flaky tuna, this casserole is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect blend of simple pantry staples that deliver big on flavor and texture, making dinner time something to look forward to every day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy or hard to find here—just straightforward ingredients that combine to create a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying casserole with a crunchy golden topping. Each plays a vital role: the egg noodles bring that perfect tender bite, while tuna adds savory protein, and the peas introduce a burst of color and sweetness.
- 12 ounces egg noodles: Boil until just tender for the perfect pasta base.
- 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna in water, drained and flaked: Adds flaky, moist seafood flavor that’s both filling and nutritious.
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup: Creates a creamy, rich sauce that binds everything together.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Provides sweetness and a pop of green for freshness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey deliciousness, elevating every bite.
- 1/2 cup milk: Lightens the sauce and keeps it silky smooth.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a mild garlic depth without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory notes subtly.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all flavors to life.
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs: For that irresistible crunchy topping.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted: Ensures the topping bakes to golden perfection.
How to Make Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Egg Noodles
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente, which means tender but still firm to the bite. This ensures the noodles don’t turn mushy once baked. Drain thoroughly and return them to the pot for the next step.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients Together
To the warm noodles, add the flaked tuna, cream of mushroom soup, frozen peas, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and season generously with salt and black pepper. Give everything a good stir until all the ingredients are evenly combined and the cheese starts to melt into the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so the casserole doesn’t stick and pour in your tuna mixture. Spread it out evenly, making sure every corner gets some of that cheesy, tuna goodness. This even layer helps the casserole bake consistently for the perfect texture.
Step 4: Add the Crunchy Topping
Combine the crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. This topping will crisp up beautifully in the oven, adding that delightful crunch that contrasts the creamy base.
Step 5: Bake and Enjoy
Pop the casserole into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake uncovered for about 20 to 25 minutes. When the topping turns golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly, it’s ready. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving—this pause lets everything settle into place for the best forkfuls.
How to Serve Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to add a fresh twist, sprinkle some finely chopped parsley or green onions on top just before serving. These bright green garnishes add a pop of color and a hint of freshness that perfectly balances the cheesy richness of the casserole.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines best with simple, crisp sides. Try a fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Both options add a light contrast, rounding out your meal with veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family dinner, serve individual portions in small ramekins and top each with extra cheese and crunchy breadcrumbs before baking. This approach makes the meal feel special and lets each person customize their serving with a dash of hot sauce or extra herbs.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftover tuna casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or second-night dinners.
Freezing
This Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe also freezes well. Prepare the casserole up to the point before baking, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, bake straight from frozen—just add extra baking time and keep an eye on that golden topping.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through and bubbly again. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving in a covered container for a few minutes works well, but the oven method helps keep the topping crisp.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of egg noodles?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional, penne, rotini, or shell pasta all work wonderfully in this casserole. Just be sure to cook them al dente to keep the perfect texture after baking.
Is there a way to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and swap out regular crackers or breadcrumbs for gluten-free versions. Also, check the cream of mushroom soup label or make a homemade gluten-free version.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Frozen or canned mixed vegetables like carrots, corn, or green beans can be stirred in along with the peas to add variety, color, and extra nutrition.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
Cheddar cheese adds a classic sharpness and melts beautifully, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend for different flavor profiles.
How can I give this casserole an extra kick?
A dash of hot sauce stirred into the tuna mixture or added as a drizzle on the serving plate can bring a lovely spicy contrast that wakes up the flavors.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe enough if you want a fuss-free, cozy meal that feels like a warm hug. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner or a make-ahead dish that never fails to satisfy. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll find yourself reaching for it time and again!
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Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This Easy Tuna Casserole is a classic American comfort dish featuring tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, creamy mushroom soup, and a crunchy buttery cracker topping. Perfect for a quick family dinner, it’s flavorful, cheesy, and simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna in water, drained and flaked
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
Seasonings and Topping
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready once the casserole is assembled.
- Cook Noodles: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and return them to the pot.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, frozen peas, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the noodles. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the noodle mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbling throughout.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly for a few minutes before serving, so it sets and is easier to serve.
Notes
- You can substitute frozen peas with canned peas or mixed vegetables for variety.
- For an extra crunchy topping, broil the casserole for the last 1–2 minutes of baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Add a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for a spicy kick if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
