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Tuna casserole in a white baking dish.

Best Tuna Casserole Recipe

Jane I Pocket Friendly Recipes
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.
4.50 from 2 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 people
Calories 338 kcal

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.

Nutrition

Calories: 338kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 20gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 68mgSodium: 472mgPotassium: 248mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1146IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 355mgIron: 2mg
Keyword tuna casserole
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