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If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s effortless to whip up any night of the week, this Quick and Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender egg noodles and savory tuna, this classic casserole brings a warm hug to your taste buds without demanding hours in the kitchen. It’s one of those dishes that feels homemade but comes together with surprising speed, perfect for busy weekdays or laid-back weekends when you want something hearty without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Quick and Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that pack a punch in flavor and texture. Every component plays a part—from the tender egg noodles providing a soft base to the peas adding a pop of color and freshness. The creamy mushroom soup brings that luscious sauce, while the crunchy topping delivers the perfect satisfying finish.
- 8 oz egg noodles: These tender noodles hold the sauce beautifully and create a comforting base for the casserole.
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained: Tuna adds a mild, savory protein that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: This brings creamy richness and a hint of earthiness that ties everything together.
- 1/2 cup milk: Milk lightens the soup slightly, ensuring the casserole is smooth and luscious.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Peas introduce a burst of sweetness and a vibrant green touch for color and nutrition.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Cheese melts into the casserole, adding depth and a gooey, savory layer.
- 1/2 cup crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs: This topping adds an irresistible crunchy contrast to each bite.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the rich flavors.
How to Make Quick and Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Noodles
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, cook your egg noodles according to the package instructions until just tender. Properly cooked noodles form the comforting base of this dish, so don’t overcook them. Once done, drain them well and set them aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk, frozen peas, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season the mixture generously with salt and pepper to bring out all the flavors. This blend becomes the creamy, hearty filling that makes this Quick and Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe so irresistible.
Step 3: Combine with Noodles
Add the cooked egg noodles to your tuna mixture and gently stir until everything is evenly coated and incorporated. This step ensures each noodle is deliciously enveloped in creamy sauce studded with peas and tuna, creating a harmonious blend of ingredients.
Step 4: Assemble and Top
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then pour in your noodle and tuna mixture, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top, followed by the crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs, which will bake into a beautifully golden, crispy topping—just the kind of texture you want contrasting that creamy, cheesy base.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until it’s bubbling around the edges and the topping is a gorgeous golden brown. This baking time allows the flavors to meld and the topping to crisp up nicely, delivering the lovely layers of this Quick and Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe.
Step 6: Let it Rest
Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. This brief rest lets everything set up just enough so that each slice holds together beautifully while remaining creamy and indulgent.
How to Serve Quick and Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh twist, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives on top before serving. This brightens the dish visually and adds a subtle herbaceous note that balances the richness wonderfully. A squeeze of lemon juice can also lift the flavors and add a hint of citrus brightness.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs perfectly with crisp, refreshing side salads or steamed vegetables. A light cucumber salad or garlic green beans can add crispness and freshness, making the meal feel balanced and satisfying. For a cozy meal, warm crusty bread on the side is an excellent choice to soak up any remaining sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming, portion-controlled presentation that feels special. You can also layer the casserole into a wider, shallower dish to create an inviting golden crust over a broader surface. For potluck-style gatherings, consider topping with a mix of crushed chips and toasted nuts for an extra crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover tuna casserole keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and prevent the topping from getting soggy. Reheat gently to keep that creamy texture intact.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble the dish but skip baking, then cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to two months. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen, adding extra baking time to ensure it is heated through and bubbly.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for convenience, or warm the whole casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through. Adding a few minutes of uncovered baking can help restore the crispy topping’s texture, making leftovers almost as good as fresh.
FAQs
Can I use canned tuna in oil instead of water?
Absolutely! Tuna packed in oil will add a richer flavor to the casserole, though you may want to drain it well to avoid excess grease in the dish.
Is there a way to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute regular egg noodles with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free chips for the topping. This recipe adapts nicely while keeping all the comforting flavors.
Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of cream of mushroom soup?
You can, but keep in mind the cream of mushroom soup acts as both flavor and binder here. If using fresh mushrooms, consider making a simple sauce with cream or a thickened broth to ensure the casserole stays moist and creamy.
How can I add more vegetables to the casserole?
Feel free to toss in extra veggies like diced carrots, bell peppers, or celery. Just make sure to precook tougher veggies before mixing them in so everything cooks evenly in the casserole.
Does this recipe work for a large group?
Definitely! Simply double or triple the ingredients and use a larger baking dish. Just watch the baking time, as more volume may require slightly longer in the oven for the casserole to heat through fully.
Final Thoughts
This Quick and Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that delivers pure comfort with minimal effort. It’s perfect for when you want a home-cooked meal without the hassle, combining creamy, cheesy goodness with simple ingredients you probably already have. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming your go-to weeknight favorite!
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Print
Quick and Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This quick and easy tuna casserole combines tender egg noodles with canned tuna, creamy mushroom soup, and peas, all topped with cheddar cheese and crunchy crushed potato chips for a comforting and delicious weeknight meal ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook the noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set them aside for mixing.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk, frozen peas, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to your preference and mix well.
- Combine noodles and mixture: Add the cooked egg noodles to the bowl and gently stir until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Prepare casserole dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish, then transfer the noodle and tuna mixture into it, spreading it out evenly.
- Add topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, followed by the crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping turns golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to let it set and make it easier to portion.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or cream of chicken for a different flavor.
- For a healthier twist, use whole wheat noodles and low-fat cheese.
- Frozen vegetables like carrots or corn can be added along with peas for extra nutrition.
- Mix crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs for the topping depending on preferred texture and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
