If you have ever craved a dish that’s as comforting as a warm hug and as easy as pie, then this Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen repertoire. Combining tender pasta, flaky tuna, vibrant peas, and a creamy sauce with a delightfully crunchy topping, this casserole transforms pantry staples into a satisfying family favorite. It’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it both nostalgic and refreshing—ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings where you want a hearty meal without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture, resulting in a harmonious dish that feels both wholesome and indulgent. From tender pasta to rich cream of mushroom soup, every element plays a crucial role in creating that classic, cozy casserole taste.
- Tuna (2 cans, 5 oz each): Drained and flaked, tuna adds protein and a mild seafood flavor that pairs perfectly with creamy sauce and pasta.
- Cooked elbow macaroni or egg noodles (3 cups): The pasta acts as the base, offering a tender bite that holds the casserole together beautifully.
- Frozen peas (1 cup): These little bursts of sweetness add color and a fresh flavor contrast against the creamy casserole.
- Cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): This classic comfort ingredient brings depth and creaminess to the sauce, making every forkful luscious.
- Milk (1/2 cup): It lightens the sauce, ensuring it’s smooth and just the right consistency for mixing.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Adds richness and a slight tang that elevates the casserole into something more luxurious.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses a gentle savory aroma without overpowering the dish.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Complements the garlic powder with subtle sweetness and depth.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Provides just a whisper of spice to balance the creamy elements.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup, optional): For an extra cheesy, gooey texture inside and/or sprinkled on top for golden meltiness.
- Crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): A crunchy topping that adds irresistible texture and visual appeal.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): Used to grease the casserole dish, ensuring a non-stick surface and subtle buttery aroma.
How to Make Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pasta
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, cook the elbow macaroni or egg noodles according to the package directions until they are just al dente. This ensures the pasta will maintain its texture after baking without becoming mushy. Drain the pasta well and set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Combine the Core Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and add the flaked tuna, cooked pasta, and frozen peas. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix everything until the sauce evenly coats all the components, making sure the flavors meld together into a creamy, comforting mixture. For an extra layer of indulgence, consider folding in half of the shredded cheddar cheese right into the mix at this stage.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Butter a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking and add a subtle buttery note to the base. Then, pour your tuna and pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly to ensure every bite includes a perfect blend.
Step 4: Add the Topping
Sprinkle crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs over the surface of the casserole to give it a satisfying crunch once baked. If you reserved half the shredded cheddar cheese earlier, sprinkle it on top now for a golden, bubbly cheese crust that looks as good as it tastes.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping turns golden and bubbly, signaling all the creaminess beneath has melded with that irresistible crispy crust. After baking, let the casserole rest for a few minutes; this helps it set and makes serving easier.
How to Serve Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top just before serving to introduce a pop of fresh color and a touch of brightness. A light dusting of cracked black pepper can also enhance the aroma and add subtle heat that complements the creamy casserole.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with simple side salads like a crisp garden salad or tangy coleslaw to balance the richness. Roasted vegetables such as asparagus or green beans also provide a delightful textural contrast and brighten the overall meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, you can serve individual portions in ramekins topped with a few extra crispy potato chips or a sprinkle of extra cheese. Alternatively, turn the casserole into spoon-friendly sliders using toasted soft rolls for a casual take on a classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any remaining casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This dish reheats wonderfully, making it ideal for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. If freezing before, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn; it will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. For freezing after baking, cool completely, store in a freezer-safe container, and reheat thoroughly before eating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, to retain the crunch on top. For a quicker option, microwave individual servings, but you might miss that signature crispy crust.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna for this Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe?
While fresh tuna is delicious, canned tuna is preferred for this casserole because it’s already cooked and flakes apart easily, blending perfectly with the creamy sauce and pasta. Using fresh tuna would require cooking first and may alter the dish’s texture.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and substitute gluten-free cream of mushroom soup along with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping to enjoy a gluten-free version without sacrificing flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, frozen corn, diced carrots, or chopped mushrooms all work well and add more color and nutrition. Just be mindful of moisture content; drain any extra liquid to keep the casserole from becoming watery.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
You can make your own creamy mushroom sauce using sautéed mushrooms, butter, flour, milk, and seasonings, or opt for cream of celery or cream of chicken soup if you want a slight flavor variation. Just make sure the consistency is similar to maintain the right texture.
Is mayonnaise really necessary in this Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe?
Mayonnaise adds richness and binds ingredients smoothly, contributing to the creamy texture and tang. However, if you prefer, you can substitute with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangier profile, though this will change the flavor slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe is truly a gem that turns simple ingredients into comfort food magic. It’s easy to prepare, flexible to customize, and endlessly satisfying, making it a recipe you’ll reach for time and again. So, roll up your sleeves and give it a try—you’re just a few steps away from a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm kitchen hug.
Print
Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This easy tuna casserole is a comforting, creamy, and cheesy baked pasta dish perfect for a quick family dinner. Featuring tender elbow macaroni or egg noodles mixed with tuna, peas, and a savory mushroom soup sauce, topped with a crispy potato chip or breadcrumb crust, it’s an effortless crowd-pleaser that comes together in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water or oil, drained and flaked
- 3 cups cooked elbow macaroni or egg noodles (about 1 1/2 cups uncooked pasta)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese & Topping (Optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
- 1/2 cup crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs (for topping)
Other
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the casserole dish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole evenly.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni or egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained and flaked tuna, cooked pasta, frozen peas, cream of mushroom soup, milk, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir well until fully incorporated.
- Add Cheese (Optional): For a richer casserole, fold in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture gently.
- Prepare Casserole Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish thoroughly with butter to prevent sticking.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the tuna and pasta mixture into the prepared dish and spread it evenly for uniform cooking.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs evenly over the top to create a crispy, golden crust.
- Top with Cheese (Optional): If desired, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on the casserole for extra cheesiness and a bubbly top layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly throughout.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to firm up before serving and enjoy your warm, comforting tuna casserole.
Notes
- You can substitute peas with other frozen vegetables such as corn or mixed veggies.
- Using crushed potato chips for the topping adds a nice crunch and a salty flavor, but breadcrumbs work well for a milder crust.
- Mayonnaise adds creaminess but can be replaced with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangier twist.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free soup options.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven.
