Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe (2024)

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We love casseroles and this Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe does not disappoint. It is so creamy and the topping is crunchy and delicious. Give this a try and you might be surprised just how delicious it is.

Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe (1)

Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe

Casseroles do not have to be boring and this tuna noodle casserole is so tasty and delicious. The cream of mushroom soup makes the pasta mixture so creamy and the best comfort food in each bite.

You are going to want to make this tuna casserole easy recipe this week. Even if tuna isn’t your favorite, you are going to love this easy casserole. Tuna Casserole recipe is easy to make with simple ingredients.

Trust me when I say it is that good and so simple to prepare. Every good casserole needs a topping and this one is crunchy and flavorful for the best casserole your family will love.

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What size of pan do you use?

This recipe is perfect in a9×13 casserole dish. Theones with the lidare really handy if you are taking this dish somewhere. I use thedisposable pansfor the one I put in the freezer.

That also helps with clean up on those busy nights. This dish is also perfect to take to potluck dinners or to someone recovering from surgery or with a new baby.

It’s nice to just be able to toss the dish. They don’t have to worry about trying to get it back to you.

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What kind of Tuna is the Best?

I like to use the canned water packed tuna. Just make sure to drain it before mixing with the other casserole ingredients.

You could use the packets of tuna as well if you prefer.

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Ingredients

  • Can of Water Packed Tuna
  • Egg Noodles
  • Butter
  • Onion
  • Celery
  • Frozen Peas and Carrots
  • Condensed Mushroom Soup
  • Milk
  • Cheddar Cheese
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Ingredients for Topping

  • Panko Bread Crumbs
  • Melted Butter
  • Cheddar Cheese
  • Fresh Parsley (optional)
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How to Make Tuna Casserole:

  • Step 1 – Prepare Oven – First, preheat your oven.
  • Step 2 – Combine topping ingredients – Next, combine the ingredients for the topping and set aside.
  • Step 3 – Boil Noodles – Boil the noodles al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  • Step 4 – Combine the tuna mixture together – In a large bowl, combine noodles, onions celery, peas, soup, milk, cheese, and tuna. Mix well.
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  • Step 5 – Add to casserole dish – Last, spread into a casserole dish and top with the topping mixture.
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  • Step 6 – Bake and enjoy – Bake for about 20 minutes to 30 minutes and serve and season with salt and pepper.
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Do I have to Cook the Noodles before baking?

Yes, you will need to boil the noodles before combining with the other ingredients. You will need to cook them in a separate pot of water. Cook the noodles according to package or al dente.

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Can you Make Tuna Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, this is the perfect casserole to make ahead of time. You can prepare it the night before baking and place in the fridge or freeze it. This is a time saver for me to prepare ahead of time.

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What to Serve with Easy Tuna Casserole?

This tuna casserole is hearty and delicious so we tend to make sides that are light. These are some of our suggestions.

  • Homemade Biscuits – Learn how to make these easy homemade biscuits that pair perfectly with this casserole.
  • Side Salad – A simple green salad and biscuits are the perfect combination for a complete meal.
  • Roasted Vegetables – Make a side of roasted broccoli or asparagus for a delicious side for this casserole.

How to Freeze Tuna Casserole with Egg Noodles:

I like to make 2 of these at a time because it isn’t any more work. All of the ingredients are already out and it is so easy.

I do one for dinner that day and then put one in the freezer for a later time. This is a huge help and a big time saver. Just make the casserole as directed but I like to use a tin toil pan for the one going in the freezer.

However, instead of baking, cover with foil and allow to cool.

Once cooled, freeze the casserole.

When you are ready to bake, remove from freezer the day before you want to eat it and allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour covered, and 15 minutes uncovered. You might have to adjust the time based on your oven.

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How long does Tuna Casserole last?

If Tuna Casserole is stored properly, it will last about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.

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Recipe Variations:

  • Cream of Soup – You can change the condensed cream of mushroom soup to cream of chicken soup.
  • Add Fresh Vegetables – Add in some fresh vegetables. We recommend mushrooms and peppers.
  • Change the topping – Instead of using panko bread crumbs, use potato chips for the crunchy topping.

Easy Tuna Casserole Tips:

  • Baking Dish – Pour tuna casserole in a baking dish and bake until golden brown.
  • Cook Noodles – Cook noodles separately until the are cooked al dente.

Print Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe below:

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Review

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Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe

4.91 from 10 votes

We love casseroles and this Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe does not disappoint. It is so creamy and the topping is crunchy and delicious. Give this a try today!

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings 6

Cuisine American

Course Main Course

Calories 353

Author Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

  • 1 can water packed tuna 5-6 oz drained
  • 3 cups egg noodles
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 onion diced
  • 2 stalks celery diced
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
  • 10.5 oz condensed mushroom soup
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese
  • Topping
  • 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1 tablespoon butter melted
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425°. Combine topping ingredients and set aside.

  • Boil noodles al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.

  • In a large bowl combine noodles, onions celery, peas, soup, milk, cheese, and tuna. Mix well.

  • Spread into a 2qt casserole dish and top with the topping.

  • Bake 20-30 minutes uncovered.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 353kcal, Carbohydrates 23g, Protein 22g, Fat 19g, Saturated Fat 12g, Cholesterol 80mg, Sodium 756mg, Potassium 295mg, Fiber 2g, Sugar 2g, Vitamin A 1768IU, Vitamin C 3mg, Calcium 320mg, Iron 2mg

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  • Easy Chicken Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
  • Cheeseburger Tator Tot Casserole Recipe
  • Crock Pot Shredded Beef Enchilada Casserole
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About the Author

Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe (25)

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

About Carrie Page
Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is tuna casserole made of? ›

Use 2 cans soup, 1 cup milk, 1/4 cup pimiento, two 12-ounce cans tuna, 6 ounces (about 4 cups) egg noodles, 2 tablespoons bread crumbs and 1 tablespoon butter. Bake in a 2-quart casserole for 30 minutes or until hot, then for another 5 to brown the bread crumb mixture.

Why is my tuna casserole so dry? ›

Tuna casserole can become dry due to overbaking or using an insufficient amount of sauce.

What method should be used to cool tuna casserole? ›

Expert-Verified Answer

To safely cool a large batch of tuna casserole, divide it into smaller portions, put them in shallow containers, and refrigerate. Ensure the casserole's temperature drops to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within two hours and to 41 degrees or lower within six hours.

How to thicken tuna casserole? ›

Condensed cream of mushroom soup will create a thick sauce for tuna casserole, but only if you don't dilute the soup. If the tuna casserole looks a little thin after baking, mix in an extra 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Let the casserole bake, uncovered, for a little longer and it should thicken right up.

Should you cook canned tuna? ›

If you're a fan of canned tuna, you'll be happy to know it's safe and ready to eat straight out of the can since it is pre-cooked for your convenience. Canned tuna is a wonderful seafood option, considering not everyone has access to fresh fish, not to mention it's super affordable.

Are you supposed to eat tuna casserole cold? ›

This tuna bake also freezes perfectly and is excellent eaten hot or cold the next day for lunch.

How do you make a casserole taste better? ›

Fresh herbs or citrus zest can also punch up flavors with a bit of welcome brightness for a long-cooked dish, as can adding some heat in the form of a dash of hot sauce, a generous pinch of minced or sliced fresh chili pepper, or a shake of red pepper flakes.

Do you rinse canned tuna before cooking? ›

Similarly, if tuna is part of a dish featuring a mix of other fresh proteins, rinsing can ensure that its flavor doesn't overpower the others, thus maintaining a balanced taste throughout. For recipes that thrive on robust flavors, leaving the tuna unrinsed is the way to go.

Do you put flour in casserole? ›

Some casserole recipes call for the liquid to be thickened, and this can be done in various ways. The most popular way is to add some flour to the casserole after the meat has been browned (so that it can mingle with the juices and fat in the pan) and before the liquid is added.

How to tell if casserole is done? ›

Poking a casserole with a toothpick or a fork to see if it comes out clean is a helpful way to know what's happening in the center. Shaking the pan will also tell you if everything is cooked and set.

How do you moisten a casserole? ›

The best way to prevent it from drying out is to add a little bit of water, around ¼ cup, to the top of it. Allow the water to seep between the food and the sides of the baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil to seal in the moisture.

What is a casserole made out of? ›

In the United States, a casserole or hot dish is typically a baked food with three main components: pieces of meat (such as chicken or ground meat) or fish (such as tuna) or other protein (such as beans or tofu), various chopped or canned vegetables (such as green beans or peas), and a starchy binder (such as flour, ...

What is actually in canned tuna? ›

A: Tunas belong to the fish species “Thunnus.” There are many species of tuna, but only three that are commonly found in cans or pouches: skipjack, yellowfin and albacore. Skipjack and yellowfin are considered “light meat” tunas and albacore is “white meat” tuna.

What is tuna pasta made of? ›

Ingredients you'll need to make canned tuna pasta

Tuna in Olive Oil: Higher quality tuna in oil lends a richer, more nuanced flavor compared to water-packed tuna. Lemon Juice and Zest: Adds a fresh, zesty kick that brightens the overall dish. Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance all the flavors.

What is the crunchy stuff in my can of tuna? ›

They're called Struvite. Struvite is a crystal formation made of magnesium, ammonium and phosphate - mineral elements that naturally occur in fish.

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