The Best Classic Tuna Casserole Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Comfort food meets nostalgia in this classic tuna casserole that brings warmth to your dinner table.

Generations have cherished this hearty dish for its simple yet satisfying ingredients.

Creamy noodles intertwine with flaky tuna, creating a delightful texture that feels like a culinary hug.

Crispy breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch to every single bite.

Pantry staples come together effortlessly, making this recipe a go-to solution for quick weeknight meals.

Memories of family gatherings and shared moments dance through each forkful of this timeless comfort classic.

You’ll want to savor every mouthwatering spoonful and experience the pure joy of home-cooked goodness.

What Makes Classic Tuna Casserole So Comforting

• Swap ingredients or add extra vegetables to make the recipe uniquely yours, offering flexibility for different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Packed with affordable ingredients like canned tuna, noodles, and pantry staples, this casserole provides a wallet-friendly option for feeding multiple people without breaking the bank.
• Combine all ingredients in a single baking dish, reducing cleanup time and making meal preparation incredibly simple for busy home cooks.

Key Ingredients in a Classic Tuna Casserole Dish

• Egg Noodles: A classic pasta base that provides a tender and comforting foundation for the casserole.
• Tuna: A protein-rich seafood that serves as the primary meat component of the dish.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: A creamy sauce that adds richness and depth of flavor to the casserole.

• Milk: A liquid that helps create a smooth and creamy texture in the mixture.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp cheese that melts beautifully and adds a tangy flavor to the dish.

• Onion, Peas: Vegetables that provide additional flavor and nutritional value to the casserole.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Breadcrumbs, Butter: A crunchy topping that adds texture and a golden-brown finish to the casserole.

How to Cook Classic Tuna Casserole with Creamy Texture

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 180C (350F) so it’s ready for our delicious casserole.

Step 2: Boil the Noodles

Cook egg noodles in a large pot until they’re perfectly tender.

Once done, drain and set them aside, ready for their cheesy adventure.

Step 3: Create the Magical Mixture

• Drained tuna
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk
• Chopped onion
• Peas
• Cheddar cheese

Stir everything together until the noodles are completely coated with the creamy goodness.

Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to make the flavors pop.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish

Transfer your tuna mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

Spread it out evenly so every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 5: Add the Crunchy Topping

In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter until they’re perfectly combined.

Sprinkle this buttery mixture over the casserole, then shower it with the remaining cheddar cheese.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns golden brown and the edges start bubbling with excitement.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Pull the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to serve up delicious portions.

Tips to Get the Best Flavor from Tuna Casserole

• Opt for high-quality, water-packed tuna for the best flavor and texture in your casserole.
• Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid mushy texture and ensure a perfect bite in the final dish.
• Sauté onions before adding to the mixture to enhance their natural sweetness and develop a richer taste profile.
• Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives and use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup for a celiac-friendly version.
• Experiment with different frozen vegetables like carrots or corn to add extra nutrition and personal flair to the classic recipe.

How to Store and Reheat Classic Tuna Casserole the Right Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and food safety.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining quality and taste.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of milk to prevent drying out.
• Preheat oven to 175C (350F). Cover casserole with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, removing foil in the last 5 minutes to crisp the topping.

Side Dishes That Work Great with Tuna Casserole

• Crisp Green Salad Companion: Toss a light, zesty mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creamy casserole's richness and add fresh, vibrant contrast.
• Wine Pairing Strategy: Select a crisp, unoaked chardonnay or sauvignon blanc that complements the dish's creamy texture and provides a refreshing acidic balance.
• Tangy Side Pickles: Serve quick-pickled cucumber or dill pickles alongside the casserole to introduce a sharp, crunchy element that brightens the overall meal experience.
• Rustic Bread Accent: Include a slice of crusty sourdough or garlic bread to help soak up the delicious sauce and provide a satisfying textural counterpoint.

Creative Swaps for Classic Tuna Casserole

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or quinoa. Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly option.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives. Use coconut milk instead of regular milk and dairy-free margarine for the breadcrumb topping.
• Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken or salmon alongside tuna for extra protein. Include diced bell peppers or spinach to increase nutritional value and create more texture.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Substitute noodles with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use Greek yogurt instead of cream soup to maintain creaminess while reducing carbohydrates.

FAQs

• What makes egg noodles different from other pasta?

Egg noodles are made with egg in the dough, giving them a richer flavor and softer texture compared to regular pasta. They absorb sauces better and provide a more tender bite in casseroles.

• Can I use a different type of cheese if I don't have cheddar?

Absolutely! You can substitute cheddar with similar melting cheeses like monterey jack, colby, or even swiss cheese. The key is to choose a cheese that melts well and complements the tuna’s flavor.

• Is tuna casserole a budget-friendly meal?

Yes, tuna casserole is very economical. Canned tuna, noodles, and pantry staples like cream of mushroom soup make it an affordable dish that feeds a family without breaking the bank. It’s a classic budget-friendly comfort food.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like diced carrots, spinach, or bell peppers to increase the nutritional value. You can also use whole wheat noodles for more fiber and choose low-sodium cream of mushroom soup to make it healthier.

Classic Tuna Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets nostalgia in this classic tuna casserole, blending creamy textures with hearty pasta and flaky fish. Crispy breadcrumb topping and rich cheese create a satisfying meal that connects generations around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 300 g (10.5 ounces) egg noodles
• 1 can (400 g / 14 ounces) tuna in water
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (300 g / 10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup frozen peas

Supporting Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Seasoning and Finishing:

• 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 180C (350F), ensuring a perfectly warmed environment for baking the casserole.
2. Boil egg noodles in a large pot until they reach al dente consistency, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. Create a flavorful mixture by combining drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk, diced onions, and green peas in a spacious mixing bowl.
4. Incorporate half of the cheddar cheese into the mixture, stirring gently to distribute ingredients evenly, and season with salt and pepper to enhance the taste profile.
5. Fold the cooked noodles into the tuna mixture, ensuring each strand is well-coated with the creamy sauce.
6. Transfer the combined ingredients to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading the mixture to create an even layer.
7. Melt butter and combine with breadcrumbs to create a crispy topping mixture.
8. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs across the casserole surface, then generously scatter the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
9. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become bubbly.
10. Allow the casserole to rest for 3-5 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the ingredients settle and makes serving easier.

Notes

• Choose low-sodium cream of mushroom soup to reduce salt intake and make the dish healthier.
• Swap regular egg noodles with whole wheat or gluten-free noodles for dietary alternatives.
• Add extra vegetables like diced carrots or spinach to boost nutritional value and create more depth of flavor.
• Replace cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free, vegan-friendly version of the casserole.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg