This Best Tuna Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, offering a quick and hearty meal that the whole family will love. With tender egg noodles, creamy mushroom soup, flaky tuna, and gooey melted cheddar cheese, it’s a classic dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a filling lunch, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tuna casserole is one of those timeless dishes that brings warmth and comfort in every bite. The creamy texture from the mushroom soup, combined with the hearty egg noodles and tender tuna, makes this dish incredibly satisfying. Topped with crispy breadcrumbs and melted cheese, this casserole offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it an easy go-to meal for busy days or when you’re craving a classic, filling dish. Best Tuna Casserole

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

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray your casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
In a large bowl, mix together the cooked egg noodles, frozen peas, tuna, mushroom soup, milk, 1¼ cups of shredded mild cheddar cheese, celery salt, pepper, and parsley.
Pour the tuna mixture into a 9×13 casserole dish.
Bake covered for 20 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
While the casserole is baking, mix the bread crumbs with melted butter in a small bowl.
After 20 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and top with the breadcrumb mixture and the remaining ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for another 5-10 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Serve warm, garnished with additional fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover tuna casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or heat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through. The casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cover it tightly before freezing. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta instead of egg noodles?

Yes, you can substitute egg noodles with other types of pasta such as rotini, penne, or shells. Just make sure to cook the pasta according to the package directions before adding it to the casserole.

2. Can I make this casserole without peas?

If you’re not a fan of peas, you can substitute them with other vegetables like corn, green beans, or even chopped carrots. Just ensure that the vegetables are cooked or thawed before adding them to the mixture.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, while mild cheddar is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella. Each cheese will offer a different flavor, but they’ll all work well in this casserole.

4. Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?

You can use fresh tuna, but it will need to be cooked first. Simply cook the fresh tuna in a skillet or bake it in the oven, then flake it before adding it to the casserole. Canned tuna is the quickest option for this recipe.

5. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through.

6. Can I add more seasonings to this casserole?

Definitely! If you like more flavor, you can add garlic powder, onion powder, or even a dash of hot sauce for a kick. Customize the seasonings to suit your taste.

7. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this casserole gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and checking the label on the cream of mushroom soup to ensure it’s gluten-free. You can also substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping.

8. How can I make this casserole healthier?

To make this casserole a little lighter, you can use low-fat or fat-free versions of the cream of mushroom soup and milk. You could also try using whole wheat pasta and reduce the amount of cheese or use a lower-fat cheese.

9. Can I use other types of canned soup besides cream of mushroom?

Yes, you can experiment with other canned soups like cream of chicken or cream of celery. Just keep in mind that this will slightly alter the flavor profile of the casserole.

10. How do I make the topping extra crispy?

If you want the breadcrumb topping to be extra crispy, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

Conclusion

This Best Tuna Casserole is a quick, comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its creamy texture, hearty noodles, and crispy cheese and breadcrumb topping, it’s a dish that satisfies the whole family. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy dinner or a crowd, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Simple, delicious, and full of flavor—this is the ultimate comfort food recipe!