Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Hearty: The creamy sauce, tender noodles, and tuna create a comforting dish that’s loved by all ages.
- Quick and Easy: With only 15 minutes of prep time, this dish comes together quickly and requires minimal effort.
- Customizable: Feel free to add other veggies or seasonings to make it your own.
- Budget-Friendly: Using pantry staples like canned tuna, frozen peas, and egg noodles makes this a cost-effective meal.
Ingredients
- 3 cups dry egg noodles (about 6 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- ⅔ cup frozen peas, thawed
- 5–6 ounces canned tuna, drained (1 can)
- 10.5 ounces condensed cream of mushroom soup (1 can)
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
For the Crumb Topping:
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Combine the topping ingredients and set aside.
- Prepare the Noodles: Cook the egg noodles al dente according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Cook the Vegetables: In a skillet, cook the onion and celery in butter until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, onion mixture, peas, cream of mushroom soup, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, tuna, and parsley. Mix well.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish and top with the prepared breadcrumb topping.
- Bake: Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 servings
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18–20 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
Variations
- Add Veggies: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the casserole for extra flavor.
- Use Different Cheese: Try swapping the cheddar for mozzarella or Swiss cheese.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the casserole (before baking) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes, or until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake.
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Yes, you can use cooked fresh tuna, but be sure to flake it and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I add more cheese to the topping?
Yes, feel free to increase the amount of cheese for a cheesier topping.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too dry?
Make sure to use enough sauce, and cover the casserole while baking to keep it moist.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, leftover vegetables like green beans, peas, or carrots can be added to this casserole.
How do I make this casserole gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.
How can I make the casserole creamy without cream of mushroom soup?
You can use a homemade white sauce with milk, flour, and seasonings to create a similar creamy texture.
Can I freeze this casserole after baking?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole after it’s baked, but it’s best to freeze it before baking to preserve its texture.
Can I add seasoning to enhance the flavor?
Yes, try adding garlic powder, onion powder, or a bit of Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Conclusion
This Easy Tuna Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy sauce, tender noodles, and savory tuna for a satisfying meal. It's perfect for busy nights when you need something simple and delicious, and it's easily customizable to suit your taste.
Easy Tuna Casserole
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 Servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Tuna Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish made with flaky tuna, tender egg noodles, peas, and a creamy mushroom sauce. Topped with a crispy breadcrumb mixture, it’s a simple, budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. Enjoy the delicious, satisfying flavors that will please the whole family.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups dry egg noodles (about 6 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- ⅔ cup frozen peas, thawed
- 5–6 ounces canned tuna, drained (1 can)
- 10.5 ounces condensed cream of mushroom soup (1 can)
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
For the Crumb Topping:
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 425°F (220°C). Combine the topping ingredients (panko bread crumbs, melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, and parsley) and set aside.
- Prepare the noodles: Cook the egg noodles al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Cook the vegetables: In a skillet, cook the diced onion and celery in butter over medium heat until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, onion mixture, peas, cream of mushroom soup, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, tuna, and parsley. Stir well to combine.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish and top with the prepared breadcrumb topping.
- Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Add Veggies: For extra flavor, consider adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the casserole.
- Cheese Swap: If you prefer, try swapping the cheddar cheese with mozzarella or Swiss cheese.
- Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
