If you’re hunting for weeknight comfort food that’s both nostalgic and delicious, Quick and Easy Tuna Casserole is the recipe you need! It’s loaded with tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, creamy mushroom soup, sweet green peas, and a golden, crunchy topping. This dish comes together fast, making it perfect for busy evenings when you crave homemade coziness without a lot of fuss. Whether you’re a lifelong tuna casserole lover or giving it a try for the first time, this classic never fails to satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Quick and Easy Tuna Casserole is in its short, savvy ingredient list—each component is there for a reason. These simple fridge and pantry staples team up to create a casserole that’s creamy, hearty, and incredibly flavorful. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Egg noodles: Their wide, soft texture absorbs the creamy sauce and holds up beautifully during baking.
- Canned tuna: The star protein—choose tuna in water for a lighter feel, and flake it for even distribution.
- Cream of mushroom soup: The silky, savory base that brings everything together with rich flavor.
- Milk: Just enough to loosen the sauce and add extra creaminess.
- Frozen peas: They add pops of color, gentle sweetness, and a boost of veggies.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into every bite, adding irresistible cheesy goodness.
- Garlic powder: Enhances the flavor with an aromatic kick.
- Onion powder: Lends subtle savory depth, balancing out the creamy elements.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out all the layered flavors—taste and adjust as you like.
- Crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs: The crowning glory for crunch and a salty finish—potato chips are a classic, but breadcrumbs work, too!
How to Make Quick and Easy Tuna Casserole
Step 1: Cook the Egg Noodles
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your egg noodles until they’re al dente—just tender, but not mushy. This step is key! Drain the noodles well and set them aside while you prepare the rest of your simple, creamy filling.
Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Filling
In a generous mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, drained and flaked tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk, frozen peas, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and a good pinch each of salt and pepper. Stir it all together until everything is evenly coated and flecked with green peas and cheese—trust me, it’ll already smell delicious.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or light greasing. Spoon the mixture into the dish, spreading it into an even layer. The noodles, tuna, and veggies should be cozying up in every corner for maximum flavor in every forkful!
Step 4: Add the Crunchy Topping
Sprinkle a generous layer of crushed potato chips (or breadcrumbs, if you prefer) right over the top. This is where Quick and Easy Tuna Casserole goes from good to glorious—the topping gives you that irresistible crunch with every bite.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly
Slide the baking dish into your preheated 375°F oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for a hot, bubbly casserole with a crisp, golden top. Once it’s done, let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving, so everyone gets a perfectly sliceable piece.
How to Serve Quick and Easy Tuna Casserole
Garnishes
Adding a pop of fresh herbs, like chopped parsley or dill, instantly brightens up your Quick and Easy Tuna Casserole. A sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar or a dusting of lemon zest can make each serving look even more enticing and highlight the dish’s flavors.
Side Dishes
This casserole is surprisingly versatile at the table. Serve it with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette, or pair with steamed broccoli for extra greens. Warm dinner rolls or garlic bread are always welcome for sopping up any creamy sauce left on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make things extra fun? Portion the casserole into individual ramekins before baking for a charming, personal touch. Or, serve family-style right from the dish, topped with an extra sprinkle of potato chips just before bringing it to the table—everyone will be lining up for seconds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Quick and Easy Tuna Casserole, consider yourself lucky! Let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days—and honestly, it’s just as tasty the next day.
Freezing
This casserole is a meal-prepper’s dream. Assemble right up to the point of adding the topping, wrap securely, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding that crunchy potato chip topping just before you pop it in the oven.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. For individual servings, a quick zap in the microwave works, but if you want to revive that perfect crunch, give it a few minutes under the broiler to re-crisp the topping!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Although egg noodles are classic for Quick and Easy Tuna Casserole, you can swap in any short pasta—like rotini, shells, or penne—depending on what you have on hand. Just cook until al dente so the noodles hold up in the sauce.
Is there a way to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make Quick and Easy Tuna Casserole gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free condensed soup. Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping.
Can I add extra veggies?
Go for it! Sautéed mushrooms, diced bell pepper, or thawed frozen corn are all delicious. Just be sure to cook extra vegetables before adding, so they don’t release water and dilute the creamy sauce.
What’s the best way to make the casserole even creamier?
For extra creaminess, stir in a few spoonfuls of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream with the filling. You can also add a bit more shredded cheese to the mixture for an even richer, cheesier bite.
Can Quick and Easy Tuna Casserole be made in advance?
Yes, it’s the perfect make-ahead meal. Assemble everything (without the topping), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the potato chips or breadcrumbs just before baking to preserve their crunchy texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something timeless and utterly comforting about Quick and Easy Tuna Casserole—it’s the kind of dish that brings people together with every creamy, crunchy bite. Even on your busiest weeknights, you can pull this together without breaking a sweat. Give it a try, and let it become a beloved staple at your dinner table, too!
Print
Quick and Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful dish, this Quick and Easy Tuna Casserole is a perfect weeknight meal. Creamy and satisfying, it’s a classic favorite that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained and flaked
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cook the noodles: Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente, then drain.
- Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk, peas, cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- Transfer to baking dish: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Add topping: Sprinkle crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of celery or cream of chicken soup if preferred.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or a dash of hot sauce for more flavor.
- Leftovers reheat well and freeze beautifully.
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