Best Tuna Casserole Recipe
Tuna Casserole is a classic dish that never fails to comfort and satisfy. With its creamy sauce, tender noodles, and hearty tuna, it’s a complete meal that’s both delicious and easy to make. This recipe elevates the traditional tuna casserole with a blend of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You Will Love Making Tuna Casserole
This casserole dish ticks all the boxes for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Here’s why you’ll be adding this recipe to your favorites:
- Easy: It’s incredibly easy to make, with straightforward steps and common ingredients.
- Customizable: Versatility is its middle name. Feel free to swap in different veggies or cheeses to suit your taste.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make it ahead and just reheat for those busy days.
- Comfort food: Nothing beats the creamy, savory taste that warms you up from the inside.
- A hit with the whole family: Even picky eaters can’t resist the cheesy goodness of this casserole.
- Great for using pantry staples: Canned tuna, pasta, and frozen peas are all you need to get started.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make Tuna Casserole with Step-By-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Getting this comfort classic into your oven and onto your table is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps to make this delicious dish:
Preheat and Noodles
First things first, preheat your oven to 355°F/180ºC. Next, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta just shy of the package’s instructions—about 2-3 minutes less. This prevents them from becoming too mushy in the oven.
Mix It Up
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cooked egg noodles, drained tuna, vegetable soup, milk, frozen peas, and half of the cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Into the Baking Dish
Grease a baking dish and pour your tuna mixture into it. Spread it evenly, then sprinkle the remaining cheese and Panko breadcrumbs over the top.
Bake to Perfection
Bake your casserole for about 15 minutes, or until you see it bubbling and the top has turned a beautiful golden brown. That’s when you know it’s ready to come out.
The Finishing Touches
Sprinkle thinly sliced chives over the baked casserole for a fresh, colorful finish with a slight hint of onion. Now dig in and enjoy!
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
Making the perfect Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few tips and tricks to make sure yours turns out great every time:
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Remember, they’ll continue cooking in the oven, so keep them al dente when boiling.
- Drain the tuna well: Extra liquid can make your casserole watery, so give it a good squeeze.
- Add your favorite veggies: Peas are traditional, but broccoli, bell peppers, or corn can add a nice twist.
- Panko Breadcrumbs substitute: Try regular bread crumbs, crushed ritz crackers, or crushed potato chips for a different twist on the crunchy topping.
- Cheese: Feel free to mix in other types like parmesan, cream cheese, or mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
- Soup: You can substitute this for cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, or another canned soup of your choice.
- Tuna: Solid white albacore tuna has the best taste for this recipe, however chunk light tuna will also work in a pinch. If you have access to fresh tuna, you can cook it and flake it into the casserole mixture. Keep in mind that fresh tuna will have a less intense flavor compared to canned.
- Healthier options: To lighten it up, try using low-fat milk, reducing the amount of cheese, and adding more vegetables. Whole wheat noodles are also a great substitute for a fiber boost.
- Make ahead: Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before you plan to bake it. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.
How to Store Leftover Tuna Casserole
Here’s how to keep your Tuna Casserole tasting fresh for days:
- Cool & Airtight: Let your casserole come to room temperature and then transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate or freeze: In the fridge, your casserole will stay good for 3-4 days. Want to keep it longer? Freeze it for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Whether you microwave it or warm it up in the oven, cover it with foil or a heat-safe lid to keep the moisture in. If it’s frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Our Top 3 Money-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Everyone loves a good deal, especially when it comes to delicious home-cooked meals. Here are three ways to make your Tuna Casserole go further without breaking the bank:
- Opt for store-brand canned soups: They’re often much cheaper and taste just as good in recipes.
- Grate your own cheese: Buying blocks of cheese instead of pre-shredded can save you money, and the cheese will melt better too.
- Make your own breadcrumbs: If you have old bread, pulse it in a food processor. It’s cheaper and reduces waste.
What to Serve with Tuna Casserole
Tuna Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish all on its own, but it’s always nice to round out the meal with some sides. Here are a few ideas we love:
Steamed Vegetables
If you’re looking to add more veggies to your meal, steamed broccoli, green beans, or carrots are an easy choice. They’re light and healthy, with a nice color and texture contrast to the creamy casserole.
Garlic Bread
For those who can’t resist a little extra carb, garlic bread is a fantastic side. It’s perfect for soaking up any creamy sauce that might escape your fork. Plus, the crispy texture and garlic flavor make it a crowd-pleaser.
A Light Soup
Starting the meal with a light soup can be a delightful way to begin a cozy dinner. A vegetable or chicken broth-based soup complements the casserole’s flavors without overpowering them.
More Casserole Recipes You Will Love
- Easy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Walking Taco Casserole Recipe
- Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
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Best Tuna Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups egg noodles
- 1 cup canned tuna drained
- 1 can vegetable soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt and pepper
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons chives thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 355°F/180ºC.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the noodles 2-3 minutes short of the time indicated in the package. Set aside.3 cups egg noodles
- In a large bowl, combine the noodles, tuna, vegetable soup, milk, frozen peas, salt and pepper, and half of the cheese.1 cup canned tuna, 1 can vegetable soup, 1 cup milk, 1 cup frozen peas, 2 cups Cheddar cheese, Salt and pepper
- Grease a baking pan and transfer the mixture. Top with the rest of the cheese and Panko breadcrumbs.1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until bubbly.
- Top with sliced chives.2 tablespoons chives
- Serve your Tuna Casserole and enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Remember, they’ll continue cooking in the oven, so keep them al dente when boiling.
- Drain the tuna well: Extra liquid can make your casserole watery, so give it a good squeeze.
- Add your favorite veggies: Peas are traditional, but broccoli, bell peppers, or corn can add a nice twist.
- Panko Breadcrumbs substitute: Try regular bread crumbs, crushed ritz crackers, or crushed potato chips for a different twist on the crunchy topping.
- Cheese: Feel free to mix in other types like parmesan, cream cheese, or mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
- Soup: You can substitute this for cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, or another canned soup of your choice.
- Tuna: Solid white albacore tuna has the best taste for this recipe, however chunk light tuna will also work in a pinch. If you have access to fresh tuna, you can cook it and flake it into the casserole mixture. Keep in mind that fresh tuna will have a less intense flavor compared to canned.
- Healthier options: To lighten it up, try using low-fat milk, reducing the amount of cheese, and adding more vegetables. Whole wheat noodles are also a great substitute for a fiber boost.
- Make ahead: Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before you plan to bake it. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.
Storage & Reheating
- Cool & Airtight: Let your casserole come to room temperature and then transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate or freeze: In the fridge, your casserole will stay good for 3-4 days. Want to keep it longer? Freeze it for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Whether you microwave it or warm it up in the oven, cover it with foil or a heat-safe lid to keep the moisture in. If it’s frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
