If you’re after a meal that’s incredibly comforting, fuss-free, and absolutely packed with flavor, meet your new weeknight hero: Easy Tuna Casserole. This dish is a nostalgic classic that boasts tender egg noodles tossed with creamy mushroom soup, savory tuna, bright peas, and melty cheddar, all finished with a buttery crunchy topping. It’s the ultimate blend of taste and convenience, and a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite in your regular rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Tuna Casserole comes together with simple pantry staples and a few fresh touches. Each ingredient plays a starring role, whether providing creaminess, layers of savory flavor, or a pop of color and crunch. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- Egg noodles (2 cups, uncooked): Wide, tender egg noodles perfectly soak up all the creamy goodness without losing their shape.
- Cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Acts as the rich, savory base that binds everything together; feel free to sub cream of celery or chicken for a twist.
- Milk (½ cup): Thins out the soup just enough to coat the noodles, adding extra silkiness.
- Frozen peas (1 cup): Bring pops of sweetness and a burst of green, balancing the richness of the casserole.
- Tuna (1 can, 12 oz, drained and flaked): The star protein; wild-caught or solid white albacore gives excellent flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Adds gooey melt and sharpness with every bite—don’t skimp on this!
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Boosts overall savory depth without overpowering.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Underlines all the comforting flavors with a mild and sweet undertone.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and making the flavors pop.
- Crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs (1 cup): They provide that essential golden crunch on top; buttery crackers will taste extra decadent.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Needed for tossing with the topping to ensure perfect browning and flavor.
How to Make Easy Tuna Casserole
Step 1: Get Set Up
Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Taking a moment to prep your baking dish ensures the casserole lifts out easily—and prevents any precious cheesy bits from sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Egg Noodles
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your egg noodles according to package instructions until just al dente. Remember, the noodles will keep cooking in the oven, so don’t let them go mushy. Drain them well and set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, frozen peas, drained tuna, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This is where the magic starts—every ingredient partners up to make a sauce that’s rich, flavorful, and totally inviting.
Step 4: Combine With Noodles
Gently fold the cooked egg noodles into the creamy mixture until everything is evenly coated. Take your time here, ensuring the tuna and peas are distributed throughout for the perfect bite every time.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the noodle mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it into an even layer. This will help the casserole bake uniformly and look extra inviting straight from the oven.
Step 6: Add the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, toss the crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of your casserole. This is what gives Easy Tuna Casserole its irresistible golden crunch!
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into the oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping turns golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving so each square keeps its shape.
How to Serve Easy Tuna Casserole
Garnishes
Give your Easy Tuna Casserole a finishing touch with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives—the bright green lifts the dish visually and adds a hint of freshness. For an extra burst of flavor, a light dusting of paprika or a few turns of cracked black pepper can be just the thing.
Side Dishes
This cozy casserole pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or a platter of steamed broccoli to add some crunch and color. For a nostalgic dinner, serve with a slice of buttered toast or warm dinner rolls on the side to soak up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
To make Easy Tuna Casserole the star of your table, consider baking it in individual ramekins for personalized servings. Or, serve with a wedge of lemon on each plate to squeeze over the top—a fresh citrus note really brings the flavors alive!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Tuna Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge. Just cover the baking dish tightly or transfer portions to an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, making it a dream for meal prep or quick lunches.
Freezing
This casserole freezes like a champ! Let it cool fully, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, or portion into containers. For best quality, eat within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a just-baked experience.
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover the dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Individual servings can be microwaved in a pinch—just add a splash of milk to keep things creamy.
FAQs
Can I substitute another type Main Course
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of mushroom, swap in cream of celery or cream of chicken soup. Each brings its own subtle twist to the Easy Tuna Casserole, so use what you love or have on hand.
Can I use fresh veggies instead of frozen peas?
You can! Try adding sautéed mushrooms, chopped bell peppers, or diced carrots for extra flavor and texture. Just cook them briefly before adding to the casserole to ensure they’re tender.
Can I make Easy Tuna Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the whole thing up to a day in advance (just leave off the topping), cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, add the buttery cracker topping and bake as directed.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten free?
Definitely. Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and substitute gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs for the topping. Be sure to check that your soup is gluten-free too!
What’s the best tuna to use?
Solid white albacore provides great texture and mild flavor, but chunk light tuna works well too. Just make sure it’s well drained and flaked before mixing into your Easy Tuna Casserole.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after comfort food that’s big on flavor, easy to pull together, and loved by kids and adults alike, give this Easy Tuna Casserole a try. It’s a little bit old-school, a lot delicious, and ready to bring a smile to anyone at your table. Dig in and enjoy every creamy, crunchy bite!
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Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A classic and comforting dish, Easy Tuna Casserole is a simple yet delicious recipe perfect for weeknight dinners. Creamy and flavorful, this casserole combines egg noodles, creamy mushroom soup, peas, tuna, and cheddar cheese, topped with a crunchy buttery cracker crust.
Ingredients
Egg Noodles:
2 cups uncooked;
Cream of Mushroom Soup:
1 (10.5 oz) can;
Milk:
½ cup;
Frozen Peas:
1 cup;
Tuna:
1 (12 oz) can, drained and flaked;
Cheddar Cheese:
1 cup shredded;
Garlic Powder:
½ teaspoon;
Onion Powder:
½ teaspoon;
Salt and Pepper:
to taste;
Butter Crackers or Breadcrumbs:
1 cup crushed;
Butter:
2 tablespoons melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Noodles: Cook noodles as directed, then drain.
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine soup, milk, peas, tuna, cheese, spices, salt, pepper, and noodles.
- Transfer to Dish: Pour mixture into baking dish.
- Add Topping: Combine crackers/breadcrumbs with butter, sprinkle over casserole.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can use cream of celery or cream of chicken soup as substitutes.
- Enhance flavor with sautéed mushrooms or onions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
