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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
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.
What size of pan do you use?
This recipe is perfect in a 9×13 casserole dish. The ones with the lid are really handy if you are taking this dish somewhere. I use the disposable pans for 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.
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.
Ingredients
- Can of Water Packed Tuna
- Egg Noodles
- Butter
- Onion
- Celery
- Frozen Peas and Carrots
- Condensed Mushroom Soup
- Milk
- Cheddar Cheese
Ingredients for Topping
- Panko Bread Crumbs
- Melted Butter
- Cheddar Cheese
- Fresh Parsley (optional)
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.
- Step 5 – Add to casserole dish – Last, spread into a casserole dish and top with the topping mixture.
- Step 6 – Bake and enjoy – Bake for about 20 minutes to 30 minutes and serve and season with salt and pepper.
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.
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.
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.
How long does Tuna Casserole last?
If Tuna Casserole is stored properly, it will last about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
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:
Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe
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
More Easy Casserole Recipes:
- Easy Nacho Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Crock Pot Creamy Roasted Red Peppers Chicken Casserole
- Easy Chicken Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
- Cheeseburger Tator Tot Casserole Recipe
- Crock Pot Shredded Beef Enchilada Casserole
I decided to try this Tuna Noodle Casserole, because now that I’m ‘all grown up’ it sounded good to me, and my husband agreed. It was a big hit for both of us and I will be using and sharing this recipe. I decided to take your suggestion for changing out the veggies since we are not big fans of peas. I used 1/4 c chopped fresh green peppers and a 1/4 c fresh mushrooms. (I might try the mushrooms with broccoli florets sometime, too.) Question, I didn’t know what I was supposed to do with the tablespoon of butter for the casserole itself, so I left it out. I did use the tablespoon of butter for the topping. Thanks for the recipe!
Delicious
Yes you can.
Can I make this ahead and then refrigerate until I’m ready to bake it?
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing!
Excellent quick recipe! I did sautee the onions in butter and add a little garlic before mixing it all in with the noodles. Thanks for a great recipe!
I think those additions would be great in the recipe – let us know how it turns out!
Im going to try adding sour cream along w/ soy milk see what happens….. thoughts??
I’m so glad that you loved it. Yes, you can sauté the celery and onion prior to mixing them in you prefer them to be softer. Thank you!
This was the best tuna casserole I’ve ever had. However, the celery was still very crunchy. Was there possibly a step missing that said to sautee the onion and celery (because there was 1 Tbsp of butter mentioned that was in addition to the butter needed for topping)? I will make this again!!