This Easy Tuna Casserole is a cozy, comforting dish, perfect for family dinners. The rich, creamy sauce and tender tuna pair beautifully with the soft egg noodles, creating a satisfying meal for any night of the week.
With just a few simple ingredients, this casserole is a breeze to make yet delivers a hearty, comforting meal that will leave everyone coming back for more. You can also customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping the tuna for another protein. Whether you serve it on its own or with a side salad, this dish is sure to become a weeknight staple.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups uncooked egg noodles
- 1 (10.5 ounces) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (5 ounces) can tuna, drained and flaked
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the soup and milk, stirring to combine.
- Add in the tuna, peas, and cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is evenly mixed and heated through.
- Combine the cooked noodles with the tuna mixture, mixing well. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish and sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
About the Recipe
Easy Tuna Casserole is a classic, comforting dish that has been a staple in many homes for decades. It combines simple, everyday ingredients like tuna, egg noodles, creamy mushroom soup, and shredded cheese into a quick and satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you’re craving something warm and filling. With its creamy texture and cheesy topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints.
The beauty of Easy Tuna Casserole lies in its versatility. Not only is it an affordable dish, but you can also easily customize it based on your preferences. You can swap out the tuna for another type of canned fish, like salmon or chicken, or add in extra vegetables like carrots, corn, or mushrooms. For a more indulgent version, top it with extra cheese or a layer of crispy fried onions. It’s a forgiving recipe that lets you get creative while keeping things simple.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This casserole is great for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, and reheat it when needed. It also freezes well, making it ideal for those times when you want a ready-made meal on hand. Simply store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
To serve, pair your Easy Tuna Casserole with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It also goes well with a side of garlic bread for extra comfort. The casserole itself is rich, creamy, and filling, so you may want to serve it with something light and refreshing on the side.
Tips and Variations
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, omit the tuna and replace it with a combination of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach. You could also add some beans or lentils for extra protein.
- Cheese Lovers: Add extra cheese to the sauce or sprinkle more on top before baking for a more decadent, cheesy flavor.
- Breadcrumb Topping: If you love crunch, make the topping extra crispy by adding a mix of breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan before baking.
- Low-Calorie: For a lighter version, use a low-fat cream of mushroom soup and swap the egg noodles for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this Easy Tuna Casserole contains about 450 kcal. It’s a good source of protein thanks to the tuna and cheese, but it’s best enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. You can make it even healthier by adjusting the ingredients, like using a low-fat version of the soup and cheese or adding more vegetables.
Why You’ll Love Easy Tuna Casserole
There are a few key reasons why Easy Tuna Casserole has been a beloved family recipe for years:
- Quick and Easy
With its minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this dish is one of those meals you can make even when you’re pressed for time. The casserole comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. You’ll find that with only a few steps, you can create a delicious and hearty meal that satisfies everyone at the table. - Affordable
The ingredients in Easy Tuna Casserole are budget-friendly, especially if you’re feeding a family or a group. Canned tuna, egg noodles, and basic pantry staples like cream of mushroom soup make this dish both inexpensive and filling. Plus, it’s a great way to use up pantry staples that you might already have on hand. - Kid-Friendly
Tuna casserole is the type of meal that both kids and adults enjoy. The creamy, cheesy texture combined with the mild flavor of tuna makes it easy for kids to eat. If your children are picky eaters, you can even add extra cheese to make it extra cheesy or hide some veggies in the casserole to boost the nutritional value without them noticing. - Customizable
One of the best things about Easy Tuna Casserole is how easily it can be modified to suit your tastes. You can add different vegetables, spices, or even switch up the type of cheese you use. Want to make it spicier? Add some cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños. Need a dairy-free version? Use a plant-based soup and cheese alternative. - Perfect for Leftovers
This casserole is just as delicious the next day! Leftover Easy Tuna Casserole can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for later. Simply reheat it in the microwave or oven, and you’ll have a comforting meal ready to go in no time.
How to Make Easy Tuna Casserole Healthier
While Easy Tuna Casserole is delicious just as it is, there are several ways you can make it a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor:
- Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta
For a healthier twist, swap out regular egg noodles for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Whole wheat noodles will add more fiber to the dish, making it more filling, while gluten-free pasta caters to those with gluten sensitivities. - Add Extra Veggies
Increase the nutritional value of your casserole by adding extra veggies. You can stir in things like spinach, carrots, peas, or even roasted bell peppers. This will boost the fiber, vitamins, and minerals in the dish, and make it more colorful and flavorful. - Low-Fat or Dairy-Free Options
If you’re looking to lower the calorie count or cater to dietary preferences, try using low-fat versions of the cream of mushroom soup and cheese. You could also substitute dairy-free options, like coconut milk or almond milk, and use vegan cheese for a plant-based alternative. Nutritional yeast can be a great addition to give that cheesy flavor without the dairy. - Add a Protein Boost
While tuna is already a good source of protein, you can make your casserole even more filling by adding other proteins. Consider adding cooked chicken breast, chickpeas, or beans to the mix for an extra protein boost that will keep you full longer. - Reduce the Sodium
Canned soups can be quite high in sodium, so try to look for a lower-sodium version of the cream of mushroom soup, or make your own homemade cream of mushroom base to keep the sodium levels in check. This is especially helpful for those watching their salt intake.
Variations You Can Try
If you love Easy Tuna Casserole but want to experiment with new flavors, here are a few variations to try:
- Cheesy Garlic Tuna Casserole
If you’re a fan of garlic and cheese, try adding minced garlic to the sauce before mixing it with the tuna and pasta. You can also sprinkle extra mozzarella or cheddar cheese on top to create a more indulgent, cheesy crust. The garlic will bring a savory depth of flavor to the casserole. - Mexican-Inspired Tuna Casserole
For a fun twist, try making a Mexican-inspired version of this casserole by adding ingredients like black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and a dash of chili powder. You can also top it with a layer of shredded Mexican cheese and a sprinkle of cilantro for extra flair. - Tuna and Broccoli Casserole
If you love broccoli, add it to the casserole for a burst of green. Steamed or roasted broccoli works great in this dish and adds a nice texture contrast. The broccoli also pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce. - Tuna Casserole with Crushed Chips Topping
For added crunch, sprinkle crushed potato chips or tortilla chips on top of the casserole before baking. This will create a crispy topping that adds texture and flavor. You can even use flavored chips like sour cream and onion for an extra punch. - Spicy Tuna Casserole
If you like a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the tuna mixture. Spicy tuna casserole is a great way to bring some zest to this otherwise mild dish.
Make It a Complete Meal
Pair your Easy Tuna Casserole with these sides for a complete, satisfying meal:
- Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls – A warm and buttery side that complements the casserole perfectly.
- Simple Green Salad – A light salad with fresh greens and a vinaigrette dressing will balance the richness of the casserole.
- Steamed Vegetables – Add some steamed veggies like green beans, carrots, or broccoli for a healthier side dish.
Easy Tuna Casserole FAQ
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole in advance, cover it with foil, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready, just pop it into the oven and bake as directed.
Can I freeze Easy Tuna Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole. Allow it to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, and then bake as usual.
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?
Yes, you can use fresh tuna, but you’ll need to cook it first. Simply sear or grill the tuna until it’s fully cooked, then flake it into the casserole mixture.
Conclusion
Easy Tuna Casserole is the perfect combination of convenience, affordability, and comfort. With simple ingredients like canned tuna, pasta, and creamy soup, it’s a quick and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also highly customizable—add extra veggies, switch up the cheese, or try different pasta for a personal touch.
Whether you make it ahead, freeze it, or serve it fresh, Easy Tuna Casserole is a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s simple, hearty, and always delicious!