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Tuna Casserole
Tuna casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish packed with tender pasta, flaky tuna, and a crispy topping. This easy dinner bakes in minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family meals.
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Tuna casserole is a classic comfort food with a creamy, cheesy sauce, tender pasta, and flaky tuna. Everything bakes together for a warm, bubbly dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The crunchy topping adds the best texture, making every bite satisfying. Serve it fresh from the oven for a meal the whole family will love.
This easy recipe comes together fast with simple ingredients and clear instructions. Follow the step-by-step photos and directions for perfect results. We’ve included pro tips and tricks to make cooking even easier. Plus, check out the most frequently asked questions and answers below!
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Tuna bake comes together in just forty minutes, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying family dinner. The creamy sauce, flaky tuna, and crunchy topping create a comforting dish everyone will love.
This easy casserole is great for potlucks, busy weeknights, or a cozy meal at home. With simple ingredients and bold flavors, it’s a must-try recipe!
Ingredients
What you'll need to make this homemade tuna casserole recipe:
- 6 ounces of egg noodles, cooked
- 1 cup of frozen peas
- 2 (5-ounce) cans of tuna in water, drained
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can of cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup of whole milk
- 1½ cups of shredded mild cheddar cheese, divided (1¼ cups and ¼ cup)
- ½ teaspoon of celery salt
- ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish, if desired)
- ¼ cup of dry bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons of butter, melted
Pro Tip
Shred your cheese from the block rather than buying pre-shredded for this recipe. Pre-shredded cheese has a coating and doesn’t melt quite as well as freshly shredded cheese.
Substitutions and Additions
Make your casserole your own by switching up ingredients and adding tasty extras! These easy swaps bring new flavors and textures. Here are some top substitutions and additions:
- Substitute Egg Noodles: Use rotini, penne, or macaroni for a different pasta texture while keeping the creamy sauce just as tasty.
- Add Extra Cheese: Mix in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for an even cheesier, more comforting casserole.
- Substitute Cream of Mushroom Soup: Swap for cream of chicken or cream of celery soup to change the flavor while keeping the creamy consistency.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in peas, diced bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and a heartier dish.
- Substitute Cracker Topping: Use crushed Ritz crackers, potato chips, or seasoned breadcrumbs for a crunchy, golden crust.
How to Make Tuna Casserole
Follow along with our step-by-step pictures, easy instructions, and helpful tips to make the best tuna noodle casserole. We’ll show you exactly how to get a creamy sauce, flaky tuna, and a crispy topping. Let’s get started!
FIRST STEP: Preheat the oven to 350°F and cook your egg noodles according to the package directions to al dente.
Pro Tip
To test your pasta for al dente, take a bite of the pasta a minute or two before the package instructions indicate it should be done.
When you bite into it, and your teeth feel some resistance, but the pasta is still tender, your pasta is al dente.
SECOND STEP: In a large bowl, mix together egg noodles, frozen peas, tuna, mushroom soup, milk, 1¼ cups mild cheddar cheese, celery salt, pepper, and parsley.
THIRD STEP: Spray a 9×13 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray and pour in the tuna mixture. Bake covered at 350°F for 20 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
FOURTH STEP: While the casserole is baking, mix together bread crumbs and melted butter.
FIFTH STEP: After 20 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and top it with the breadcrumb mixture and the remaining ¼ cup mild cheddar cheese.
SIXTH STEP: Return to the oven and bake uncovered for another 5 to 10 minutes, until the bread crumbs have started to turn golden brown and the cheese is melted on top of the casserole.
How To Serve Tuna Casserole
Tuna casserole with peas is a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that works for any occasion. Whether you're serving it for a family dinner, a potluck, or a holiday gathering, this creamy dish fits right in. Here are some of the best ways to serve it:
- Weeknight Dinner – This easy casserole is perfect for busy nights when you need a warm, satisfying meal. Serve it with simple sauteed vegetables or cheesy corn casserole for a comforting spread the whole family will love.
- Potluck or Party – Bring this dish to a potluck, and watch it disappear fast! The creamy sauce and crispy topping make it a hit. Pair it with baked mac and cheese or smothered green beans for a crowd-friendly meal.
- Cold-Weather Comfort – This casserole is a go-to for chilly nights when you want something warm and filling. Enjoy it with loaded broccoli cheese soup or buttermilk biscuits for the ultimate cozy meal.
Why You'll Love This Tuna Casserole Recipe
Pasta tuna bake recipes never go out of style. Quick, easy, and packed with creamy, cheesy goodness, and perfect whether you're making dinner for the family or feeding a crowd. This recipe always hits the spot.
- Easy to Make: No complicated steps, just mix, bake, and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples, so you can feed the family without spending a fortune.
- Kid-Approved: The creamy sauce and cheesy topping make this a meal even picky eaters will happily gobble up.
- Great for Leftovers: Reheats well, so you can enjoy a delicious meal the next day without extra work.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or meal trains when you need a comforting dish everyone loves.
Tuna bake is the ultimate comfort food, and we know it’ll become a favorite in your home too!
Recipe FAQ
What kind of tuna works best for tuna casserole?
Chunk light tuna in water works best for tuna casserole because it keeps the dish from being too oily while adding great texture.
Do I need to cook the noodles before baking the casserole?
Yes, you need to cook the noodles before baking tuna casserole. They should be slightly firm since they soften more in the oven.
Can I make tuna casserole without peas?
Yes, you can make tuna casserole without peas. Try swapping them for corn, diced carrots, or green beans for extra flavor.
How do I get a crispy topping on my tuna casserole?
For a crispy topping on tuna casserole, use crushed crackers or breadcrumbs and bake until golden brown and slightly crunchy.
Can I make tuna casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can make tuna casserole ahead of time. Assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
Why is my tuna casserole dry?
If your tuna casserole is dry, you may need more sauce. Try adding extra soup, milk, or cheese for a creamier texture.
Serving FAQ
How should I serve tuna casserole for a family dinner?
Scoop generous portions onto plates and serve hot. Add a sprinkle of extra cheese or crispy topping for even more flavor.
Can I serve tuna casserole straight from the oven?
Yes, but let it rest for a few minutes so the sauce thickens and the flavors settle before serving.
What’s the best way to serve tuna casserole at a potluck?
Keep it warm in a covered dish, and bring a large spoon for easy serving. Guests will love the creamy, cheesy texture.
Should I serve tuna casserole in bowls or on plates?
Plates work best since the casserole holds its shape. If it’s extra saucy, a bowl helps keep everything contained.
Can I serve tuna casserole for a holiday meal?
Yes! It’s a great comfort food for casual holiday gatherings and pairs well with other classic dishes on the table.
How do I make tuna casserole look more appetizing when serving?
Sprinkle fresh herbs or extra cheese on top before serving. A golden, crispy topping also makes it more visually appealing.
Storage FAQ
Follow these directions, tips, and tricks to store your tuna noodle casserole the right way. Whether you’re saving leftovers or making it ahead, we’ve got the best methods to keep it fresh. Check out the answers below for the best ways to store, freeze, and reheat this creamy, comforting dish.
Can I make tuna casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to twenty-four hours before baking. Add the topping right before baking.
What’s the best way to store leftover tuna casserole?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days.
Can I freeze tuna casserole?
Yes, you can freeze tuna casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to three months.
How do I thaw frozen tuna casserole?
Thaw the casserole in the fridge overnight before baking. This keeps the texture creamy and prevents uneven cooking.
What’s the best way to reheat tuna casserole?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about twenty minutes. Cover with foil to keep it from drying out.
Can I reheat tuna casserole in the microwave?
Yes, heat individual portions in the microwave in thirty-second bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through.
Tuna Casserole
Tuna casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish packed with tender pasta, flaky tuna, and a crispy topping. This easy dinner bakes in minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family meals.
Did you try this recipe?Let our readers know how it turned out by Leaving a Review!
Ingredients
- 6 ounces egg noodles (cooked)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 10 ounces tuna (drained (two 5-ounce cans))
- 10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1½ cups shredded mild cheddar cheese (divided (1¼ cups and ¼ cup))
- ½ teaspoon celery salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped (plus more for garnish, if desired))
- ¼ cup bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray your dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cooked egg noodles, frozen peas, tuna, mushroom soup, milk, 1¼ cups mild cheddar cheese, celery salt, pepper, and parsley.
- Put the tuna mixture in a 9×13 casserole dish.
- Bake covered for 20 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
- While the casserole is baking mix together bread crumbs and melted butter.
- After 20 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and top with breadcrumbs and remaining ¼ cup mild cheddar cheese.
- Return to the oven and bake uncovered for another 5 to 10 minutes, until bread crumbs had started to brown and the cheese is melted.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Shred your cheese from the block rather than buying pre-shredded for this recipe. Pre-shredded cheese has a coating and doesn’t melt quite as well as freshly shredded cheese.
- To test your pasta for al dente, take a bite of the pasta a minute or two before the package instructions indicate it should be done. When you bite into it, and your teeth feel some resistance, but the pasta is still tender, your pasta is al dente.
Nutrition
Calories: 385kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 84mg | Sodium: 988mg | Potassium: 329mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1222IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 265mg | Iron: 3mg
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Comments
4Graces says
I tell you, this stuff is good. And easy. Takes me more like half an hour to get all ingredients and equipment together. Does timing just start when actual cooking begins? It's just me, so I just made this on the stove top, so no crumb topping. And I didn't have any celery so added a can of Cream of Celery soup. It was piping hot out of the sauce pan and enough left for at least another meal.