Tuna Casserole is a classic comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table. This recipe combines egg noodles, canned tuna, peas, and a creamy mushroom sauce, all topped with crunchy breadcrumbs. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that not only fills the belly but also delights the taste buds. With a cooking time of just 45 minutes, it’s a simple yet delicious dish that can easily become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Tuna Casserole
There are countless reasons to adore this Tuna Casserole. First, it is incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The use of common pantry ingredients means you can whip it up without a last-minute grocery run. Additionally, this dish is a hit with kids, making it a Kid-Friendly Tuna Casserole Recipe. It’s also versatile; you can easily modify it to include your favorite vegetables or even make it a Tuna Pasta Casserole. Plus, with the addition of cheese, it’s the Best Tuna Casserole with Cheese you’ll ever taste! Finally, it’s a great way to sneak in some protein and veggies, contributing to a healthy meal.
Ingredients for Tuna Casserole
Gather these items:
- 1 (12 ounce) package egg noodles
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 2 (5 ounce) cans tuna, drained
- 1 cup frozen green peas
- ½ cup chopped celery
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- ½ cup Italian-seasoned bread crumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Tuna Casserole Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Step 2: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook egg noodles in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, mix together the soup and milk until well blended.
- Step 4: Stir in tuna, peas, celery, onion, cooked noodles, and 1 ½ cups of the cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 5: Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with remaining ½ cup of cheese and bread crumbs.
- Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown, about 25 to 30 minutes.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Tuna Casserole
Keep these in mind:
- For a creamier texture, add more milk to your mixture before baking.
- Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven; this allows it to set properly.
- Mix in some vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition.
- This dish can also be made as a One-Pot Tuna Casserole Recipe by cooking everything in one pot before baking.
Best Ways to Serve Tuna Casserole
Enjoy your Tuna Casserole as a standalone dish, or pair it with a fresh green salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it with some crusty bread for a comforting side. For an added twist, consider serving it with a side of garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
How to Store and Reheat Tuna Casserole
To store your Tuna Casserole, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the oven or microwave until heated through. This makes for a fantastic Quick Tuna Casserole Meal Prep option that can save you time during busy weekdays.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tuna Casserole
What’s the secret to perfect Tuna Casserole?
The secret lies in not overcooking the noodles before baking; they should be al dente. This ensures they don’t become mushy when baked. Using a good quality cream of mushroom soup also enhances the flavor.
Can I make Tuna Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve. This is perfect for meal prep and entertaining.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Tuna Casserole?
To avoid common pitfalls, ensure not to skip the seasoning. Adding salt and pepper enhances the flavors immensely. Also, be careful not to overbake it, as the noodles can dry out.
Variations of Tuna Casserole You Can Try
Feel free to customize your Tuna Casserole by adding different ingredients. Try incorporating cooked broccoli or spinach for a nutritious twist. For a gluten-free option, substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta. You can even experiment with different types of cheese, like mozzarella or pepper jack, to add a spicy kick.
For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe collection. If you’re looking for a tasty side, consider making spaghetti with garlic and oil. And don’t forget to explore our Mediterranean chickpea salad for a refreshing option!
For more information on the nutritional benefits of tuna, visit Healthline.
PrintBest Tuna Casserole: 6 Comforting Ingredients for Dinner
A classic and comforting tuna casserole made with egg noodles, canned tuna, peas, and a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crunchy bread crumbs for a perfect weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
- 1 (12 ounce) package egg noodles
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 2 (5 ounce) cans tuna, drained
- 1 cup frozen green peas
- ½ cup chopped celery
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- ½ cup Italian-seasoned bread crumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook egg noodles in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain.
- In a large bowl, mix together the soup and milk until well blended.
- Stir in tuna, peas, celery, onion, cooked noodles, and 1 ½ cups of the cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with remaining ½ cup of cheese and bread crumbs.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown, about 25 to 30 minutes.
Notes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg











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