Description
This easy tuna casserole recipe is a comforting, creamy, and cheesy dish perfect for a quick family dinner. Made with tender elbow macaroni, canned tuna, peas, and a creamy mushroom sauce, it’s topped with a crispy layer of crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs for added texture. Ready in just 35 minutes, this classic baked casserole is delicious and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water or oil, drained and flaked
- 3 cups cooked elbow macaroni or egg noodles (about 1 1/2 cups uncooked pasta)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
- 1/2 cup crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the casserole dish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni or egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained and flaked tuna, cooked pasta, frozen peas, cream of mushroom soup, milk, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well blended.
- Add Cheese (Optional): For a creamier and cheesier dish, fold in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the tuna mixture if desired.
- Prepare Casserole Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter to prevent sticking.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the tuna and pasta mixture into the greased casserole dish and spread it evenly.
- Add Topping: Evenly sprinkle crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs over the top for a crunchy texture.
- Add Extra Cheese (Optional): If using cheese, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top turns golden and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to enhance the flavors and ensure it’s safe to eat. Enjoy your comforting meal!
Notes
- You can substitute frozen peas with canned or fresh peas depending on availability.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat mayonnaise and reduced-fat cheese.
- Breadcrumbs can be replaced with crushed crackers if preferred.
- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente to avoid a mushy casserole.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
