If you’re craving classic comfort food that’s equal parts satisfying, creamy, and filled with nostalgia, this Tuna Casserole Recipe delivers every single time. Brimming with tender egg noodles, a rich and creamy sauce, hearty tuna, and bursts of sweet peas, it’s finished off with a perfectly golden, cheesy, crunchy topping. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want an easy weeknight meal with leftovers to love, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and so simple to whip up with pantry staples. Let’s dive straight in and discover why this Tuna Casserole Recipe remains a perennial favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Tuna Casserole Recipe proves that simple ingredients can come together to make something truly special. Each component brings its own irresistible touch, building a dish that’s creamy, comforting, and bursting with flavor in every bite.
- Egg noodles: These curly classics soak up the sauce beautifully and give the casserole a tender bite.
- Butter: Brings rich, velvety flavor and helps soften the onions perfectly.
- Onion: Adds savory depth and just a hint of sweetness throughout the casserole.
- Garlic: A subtle kick that rounds out the flavor and keeps things interesting.
- Cream of mushroom soup: The casserole’s creamy backbone, it ties all the elements together into one harmonious sauce.
- Milk: Loosens the sauce and ensures it’s luscious, not heavy.
- Sour cream: For tanginess and an extra-creamy feel that balances the richness.
- Frozen peas: Add sweet pops of color and freshness in every forkful.
- Tuna in water: The main event! Flaky tuna brings hearty protein and classic flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, gooey, and just the right amount of sharpness on top and within.
- Crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs: Delivers irresistible crunch and buttery flavor in every bite.
- Salt and pepper: For seasoning the casserole to perfection.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A burst of color and freshness for garnish.
How to Make Tuna Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F for a perfectly baked finish. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze. This step sets the stage for an effortless assembly later on.
Step 2: Cook the Egg Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles just until al dente, following your package’s directions. Once they’re ready, drain them well — you want them moist but not soggy, since they’ll soak up sauce in the casserole.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt your butter. Add in the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and tender, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. At this point, your kitchen should already smell mouthwateringly good!
Step 4: Make the Creamy Base
Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream straight into the skillet with your onions and garlic. Stir it all together until you have a silky, uniform sauce — this creamy mixture is what makes this Tuna Casserole Recipe so luxuriously delicious.
Step 5: Add the Veggies, Tuna, and Cheese
Toss in the frozen peas for bursts of color, followed by the drained, flaked tuna. Sprinkle in half of the shredded cheddar cheese for a melty, flavorful touch throughout the casserole. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, and give everything a thorough mix to ensure even distribution of all the tasty bits.
Step 6: Combine with Noodles
Add your cooked egg noodles to the creamy skillet mixture. Gently fold the noodles in until they’re coated with that glorious sauce and well mixed. This is where all those familiar, delicious casserole flavors come together!
Step 7: Assemble and Top
Pour the combined mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Scatter the remaining cheddar cheese over the top, then finish with a generous layer of crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for a crunchy, golden crust.
Step 8: Bake and Finish
Bake the casserole uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is bubbling and beautifully golden brown. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before scooping out generous servings. Top with chopped parsley if you’d like a fresh, colorful touch!
How to Serve Tuna Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Bringing your Tuna Casserole Recipe to the table with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a dusting of extra cheddar on top can make all the difference. It adds brightness and signals that something special is about to be enjoyed. A wedge of lemon on the side is lovely too, for a fresh squeeze and zing.
Side Dishes
Round out your meal with a crisp green salad, maybe tossed with a zippy vinaigrette, or some perfectly roasted green beans or broccoli. Warm crusty bread, homemade garlic toast, or even a simple carrot slaw can complement your casserole wonderfully without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
Portion your Tuna Casserole Recipe into individual ramekins for personalized servings — they’re great for entertaining or making weeknight dinners feel just a touch more special. You can also cut the cooled casserole into neat squares for packed lunches, or even scoop it over baked potatoes for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Tuna Casserole Recipe can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Individual portions can be kept in airtight containers, making it easy to reheat and enjoy for quick lunches or dinners all week.
Freezing
This casserole is a freezer-friendly dream! Let it cool completely, then wrap your dish tightly or transfer to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat the Tuna Casserole Recipe in a 350°F oven (covered with foil to prevent over-browning) until it’s heated through and bubbly. You can also microwave individual portions, but a quick oven blast helps the topping regain its crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional in a Tuna Casserole Recipe, you can substitute rotini, penne, or even whole wheat pasta for a similar result. Just make sure to cook the noodles al dente so they don’t get soggy during baking.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If mushrooms aren’t your favorite, try cream of celery or cream of chicken soup for a subtle twist on the original Tuna Casserole Recipe. You can even make a homemade white sauce if you’d like to keep things extra fresh and customizable.
How do I make the topping extra crispy?
Mix your breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter before sprinkling over the top. This gives them even more crunch and golden color once baked, turning the topping into something truly crave-worthy.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to stir in cooked mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or steamed broccoli florets. The Tuna Casserole Recipe is a wonderful base for sneaking in extra veggies the whole family will love.
Is this casserole good for meal prep?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prepping! You can assemble everything ahead of time, store it unbaked in the fridge, and pop it in the oven when you’re ready. Leftovers reheat well, making it a smart choice for busy schedules.
Final Thoughts
If you’re longing for a timeless comfort food that brings everyone to the table, give this Tuna Casserole Recipe a try. It’s creamy, simple, and supremely satisfying — an easy classic you’ll want to make again and again. Share it with your loved ones and watch it disappear!
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Tuna Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Tuna Casserole Recipe is a classic comfort food dish that combines tender egg noodles, creamy mushroom sauce, peas, tuna, and cheese, topped with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Easy to make and perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups frozen peas
- 2 (5-ounce) cans tuna in water (drained and flaked)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Noodles: Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In a skillet, melt butter, add onion, garlic, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, peas, tuna, and half of the cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: Add cooked noodles to the mixture and toss to combine. Pour into baking dish.
- Add Toppings: Top with remaining cheese and sprinkle crushed crackers or breadcrumbs over the top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of celery or cream of chicken soup if preferred.
- For a crunchy topping, use panko breadcrumbs mixed with a tablespoon of melted butter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
