Name: Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in oil or water, drained and flaked; 8 oz egg noodles (or any pasta you prefer); 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup milk; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1 cup frozen peas (optional, for added veggies); 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend); 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko works best for crunch); 2 tablespoons butter, melted; Salt and pepper, to taste

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tuna Noodle Casserole is the ultimate comfort food with its creamy sauce, tender noodles, and savory tuna. The crispy breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch, making each bite satisfying. This recipe is simple, quick to prepare, and can easily be customized based on what you have in your pantry. It’s an affordable, filling meal that’s great for feeding the family and perfect for leftovers. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the dish, this casserole is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.

Ingredients

2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in oil or water, drained and flaked
8 oz egg noodles (or any pasta you prefer)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 cup frozen peas (optional, for added veggies)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko works best for crunch)
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish or spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

2. Cook the pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles (or pasta of your choice) according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

3. Prepare the casserole filling:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
Add the cooked pasta and frozen peas (if using) to the mixture, and stir to combine. Finally, fold in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, making sure it’s evenly distributed.

4. Assemble the casserole:

Transfer the tuna and pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.

5. Make the topping:

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated in butter.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the casserole, then top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.

6. Bake the casserole:

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.

7. Serve:

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Add Veggies: You can include sautéed mushrooms, diced carrots, or broccoli for added flavor and nutrition.
Spicy Tuna Noodle Casserole: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the casserole mixture for some heat.
Cheesy Tuna Casserole: Use a combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy version.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free cream soup (or make your own from scratch) to make this casserole gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover tuna noodle casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake the whole casserole at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tuna, but it will need to be cooked first. Make sure it’s flaked into small pieces before adding it to the casserole.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge before baking. When ready to cook, just pop it into the oven and bake as directed. If baking from cold, you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes of cooking time.

Can I make a smaller batch?

Yes, you can easily halve the recipe and bake it in a smaller casserole dish (around 8×8 inches) for a smaller portion. Adjust the baking time as needed.

How can I make this casserole more flavorful?

Try adding a dash of hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or lemon juice to the sauce for a tangy kick. You can also top the casserole with freshly chopped herbs, such as parsley or thyme, before serving.

Conclusion

Tuna Noodle Casserole is a timeless comfort food that’s easy to make, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a simple dish to serve for dinner, this casserole is always a crowd-pleaser. With its creamy filling, crunchy topping, and hearty ingredients, it’s the kind of dish that brings warmth and comfort to the table every time. Enjoy this classic recipe as it becomes a staple in your kitchen!

Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe