Easy Tuna Casserole

Sometimes, the best meals are the simplest ones. Easy Tuna Casserole is one of those comforting, homey dishes that you can whip up with pantry staples. It’s the kind of meal you make when you want something quick, filling, and delicious but without all the fuss. Picture creamy, cheesy goodness blending with tender noodles, all crowned with a golden, crispy topping. Oh, and did I mention it’s so easy you can practically make it with your eyes closed? Trust me, you’re going to love this one!

Why You’ll Love Easy Tuna Casserole

Quick & Convenient

This casserole is all about making your life easier. With just a handful of ingredients, you can have a comforting meal ready in under an hour. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights when you need something filling without the hassle.

Budget-Friendly

Tuna, noodles, and a few pantry staples—this casserole won’t break the bank. It’s a great choice when you want to make something hearty while sticking to a budget.

Family-Friendly

Who doesn’t love a creamy, cheesy casserole? This dish is perfect for the whole family, and you’ll find everyone at the table asking for seconds. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to get picky eaters to enjoy fish!

Customizable

You can easily adapt this dish by adding your favorite vegetables, like peas, corn, or mushrooms, or even swapping the tuna for chicken or another protein. This recipe is all about making it your own!

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• Canned tuna: Packed in water or oil—your choice!
• Egg noodles: These little pasta shapes soak up all the delicious flavors of the sauce.
• Cream of mushroom soup: The base of the casserole’s creamy texture.
• Milk: To make the sauce smooth and velvety.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: For that cheesy, melty topping.
• Frozen peas: Add a pop of color and sweetness.
• Breadcrumbs: For a crunchy, golden topping.

For Seasoning:

• Salt and pepper: To taste, but just a pinch of salt goes a long way.
• Garlic powder: To add that lovely garlic flavor.
• Onion powder: A little extra savory goodness.

Instructions

1. Cook the Noodles

Start by cooking the egg noodles according to the package directions, typically boiling them in salted water for 8-10 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Stir well until smooth. Add in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Then, fold in the drained canned tuna (be sure to break it up a little), and the frozen peas. If you want to add any other vegetables, like mushrooms or corn, feel free to mix them in at this point.

3. Combine the Ingredients

Now, gently stir the cooked noodles into the tuna mixture until everything is evenly combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want the noodles to stay intact.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the tuna noodle mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Smooth the top with a spoon, and then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Finally, top with a generous handful of breadcrumbs for that irresistible crunch.

5. Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown and crispy.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Scoop out hearty portions of this comforting dish, and enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories per serving: ~400
Total Fat: 15g

• Saturated Fat: 8g
  Cholesterol: 50mg
  Sodium: 600mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 40g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 5g
  Protein: 25g
  Vitamin A: 15%
  Vitamin C: 10%
  Calcium: 20%
  Iron: 10%

Note: These values are estimates and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Easy Tuna Casserole

Classic Comfort

Serve this Easy Tuna Casserole as the star of the meal! It’s rich and filling, so you don’t need much on the side. But if you’re feeling fancy, pair it with a light green salad or some crispy garlic bread.

Perfect for Leftovers

This casserole reheats beautifully, so don’t hesitate to make extra for leftovers. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Make It Your Own

You can customize this dish by adding your favorite extras, such as sautéed onions, chopped bell peppers, or even a sprinkle of hot sauce for a little kick. Get creative!

Additional Tips

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day before, cover it, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven, and you’ll have a warm, delicious dinner ready in no time.

Can I use a different kind of pasta?

A: Sure! While egg noodles are traditional, you can swap them for other pasta shapes like penne or rotini.

Can I use a different type of protein?

A: If you’re not a fan of tuna, canned chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken would work perfectly as well.

How can I make this dish healthier?

A: To make it lighter, use low-fat or fat-free cream of mushroom soup and reduced-fat cheese. You can also swap in whole wheat pasta and add more veggies for extra nutrition.

How do I store leftovers?

A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot and bubbly.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
A1: You can! If you prefer fresh tuna, simply cook it, flake it, and mix it into the casserole as you would canned tuna.

Q2: Can I freeze this casserole?
A2: Yes! This casserole freezes really well. Just cover it tightly and freeze before baking. When you’re ready, bake it straight from the freezer, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Q3: Can I use other canned vegetables in the casserole?
A3: Absolutely! You can swap in canned corn, green beans, or any other veggie you like. Just be sure to drain them well before adding.

Q4: How do I get a crispier top?
A4: For an extra crispy topping, try broiling the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.

Q5: Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
A5: Yes! Use a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup, plant-based milk, and dairy-free cheese for a dairy-free version.

Q6: What side dishes go well with this casserole?
A6: A fresh side salad or some steamed broccoli would balance out the richness of the casserole.

Q7: Can I add extra cheese on top?
A7: Of course! The more cheese, the better! Add some parmesan or extra cheddar for more cheesy flavor.

Q8: How long can I store leftovers?
A8: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Q9: Can I use a different type of soup for the base?
A9: Yes! You can use cream of chicken soup or even cream of celery soup for a slight variation in flavor.

Q10: Can I add more vegetables to the casserole?
A10: Absolutely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, and even spinach would work well in this casserole. Feel free to load it up with your favorite veggies

Conclusion

This Easy Tuna Casserole is a no-fuss, comforting meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. It’s quick to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and is packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a comforting dish for yourself, this casserole has you covered. Try it out, and you’ll see why it’s a timeless classic!

Print