Tuna Casserole Recipe
If you’re searching for a cozy, comforting classic that’s stood the test of time, this Tuna Casserole Recipe is just what you need. What makes it so irresistible? Creamy sauce, flaky tuna, crisp peas, and a crunchy golden topping all come together in a single baking dish, ready to brighten up your dinner table with nostalgic flavors and just the right amount of modern flair. Whether you grew up loving tuna casserole or are discovering it for the first time, get ready to serve up smiles and seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Tuna Casserole Recipe only calls for simple, pantry-friendly staples, but don’t let that fool you — every ingredient brings its own flair to the final result. Each component plays a key role in creating the perfect blend of savory, creamy, and crunchy goodness.
- Egg Noodles (12 ounces): These provide the hearty foundation that soaks up all that delicious sauce without getting mushy.
- Tuna in Water (2 cans, 5 oz each): Flaked tuna brings both protein and flavor, effortlessly binding the casserole together.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): This is the secret to the casserole’s signature creamy base and subtle earthy notes.
- Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Adds extra tang and silkiness; Greek yogurt works great as a substitute.
- Frozen Peas (1 cup, thawed): These brighten up every bite with their pop of sweetness and vivid green color.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Cheese brings richness and that irresistible, melty goodness.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to enhance the sauce without overpowering the other flavors.
- Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Blends seamlessly to add depth and a subtle savory note.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Don’t skimp — seasoning balances all the creamy, comforting elements.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Helps thin and blend the sauce for perfect coverage.
- Crushed Buttery Crackers or Breadcrumbs (1 cup): The topping is everybody’s favorite — don’t skip this crunchy finishing touch!
- Melted Butter (2 tablespoons): Tossing your crumbs with melted butter gives you that golden, buttery crust we all crave.
How to Make Tuna Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), so it’s nice and hot when your casserole is ready to bake. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish — whether you use a spritz of cooking spray or a swipe of butter, this ensures easy serving (and even easier cleanup) later.
Step 2: Mix the Main Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked and drained egg noodles, drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, thawed peas, shredded cheddar, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, plus salt and pepper. Stir everything together until it looks creamy and evenly blended, making sure those tender peas and flaky tuna are distributed throughout.
Step 3: Transfer and Smooth
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Take a moment to smooth the top with your spatula or the back of a spoon. This helps everything bake up perfectly uniform — no dry corners or unmixed pockets in sight!
Step 4: Craft the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, stir together your crushed buttery crackers (or breadcrumbs) and melted butter until well coated. This simple step creates a topping that’s crispy, savory, and just a little bit decadent. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole — the more surface area you cover, the crunchier every serving will be.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the dish onto the middle rack and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a casserole that’s bubbling around the edges and a topping that’s turned beautifully golden brown. Give it a quick peek toward the end to make sure that crust is crisp, not burnt.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let the Tuna Casserole Recipe rest for a few minutes before dishing it out. This helps everything set just enough to scoop up hearty, satisfying servings. Then, all that’s left is to gather around and enjoy!
How to Serve Tuna Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few grinds of black pepper add a pop of color and a fresh finish. For a little zip, try a dusting of paprika or a squeeze of lemon juice — these little touches wake up the creamy richness and make this Tuna Casserole Recipe really shine.
Side Dishes
Pair your casserole with a crisp green salad or some roasted broccoli for a balanced meal. Garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce, while a simple fruit salad on the side keeps things light and lively.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon the hot casserole into individual ramekins for a cozy, bistro-style feel, or try baking in a round casserole dish to dress it up for a potluck. You can even use mini muffin tins for bite-sized party snacks!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Tuna Casserole Recipe, simply cover the cooled dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to three days. For easiest reheating, divide leftovers into airtight containers for quick weekday lunches.
Freezing
To freeze, cover your cooked and cooled casserole tightly with both plastic wrap and foil. Label it with the date and freeze for up to two months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so you can enjoy the same creamy, crunchy texture as the day it was baked.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your Tuna Casserole Recipe in a 350°F oven, covered loosely with foil, until warmed through (about 20–25 minutes). If you’re in a rush, you can microwave individual portions — just add a splash of milk to keep it extra creamy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?
Absolutely! If you have leftover cooked or grilled fresh tuna, just flake it into chunks and use it in place of the canned tuna for an extra-special twist on this classic Tuna Casserole Recipe.
Is there a way to make this casserole gluten-free?
You can swap the egg noodles for your favorite gluten-free pasta and choose gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs for the crunchy topping. Double-check your soup, too, as some brands offer gluten-free options.
What vegetables can I add to mix things up?
Diced carrots, sautéed mushrooms, or chopped bell peppers are all delicious! Simply stir them in with the rest of the ingredients — it’s hard to go wrong when bringing even more color and texture to this Tuna Casserole Recipe.
Can I substitute a different kind of cheese?
Certainly! While cheddar offers classic flavor and meltiness, you can try Monterey Jack, Swiss, or even a bit of mozzarella. Mixing a couple cheeses together guarantees extra gooey results.
Do I have to use cream of mushroom soup?
Nope! Cream of celery or cream of chicken soup work beautifully, too. You can even make your own simple white sauce if you want a homemade touch in your Tuna Casserole Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about gathering around a bubbling, golden dish of Tuna Casserole Recipe — it’s comforting, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give this classic a try, put your own spin on it, and watch it disappear from the table faster than you can say “seconds please!”
Print
Tuna Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A classic and comforting tuna casserole recipe that is easy to make and perfect for a family dinner. Creamy and flavorful, this dish is a delicious combination of tuna, noodles, peas, and a cheesy topping.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces egg noodles, cooked and drained
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained and flaked
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Topping:
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine noodles, tuna, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, peas, cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the mixture in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add Topping: Mix crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter, sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
- Use cream of celery soup instead of mushroom.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or diced carrots for extra vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
