Some recipes are pure comfort, and Classic Tuna Casserole is one of them. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender pasta, flaky tuna, and a crispy, golden topping, this dish is the ultimate nostalgic dinner. Whether you grew up eating it or are discovering it for the first time, it’s a hearty, satisfying meal that’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights. Trust me—one bite, and you’ll remember why this dish has been a staple for generations!
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Why You’ll Love Classic Tuna Casserole
Quick & Easy: Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this a go-to meal for busy nights.
Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples, so no fancy ingredients are required!
Creamy & Comforting: The perfect balance of creamy sauce, tender pasta, and crispy topping.
Customizable: Easily switch up the ingredients to suit your preferences.
Crowd-Pleasing: Even picky eaters will love this cheesy, satisfying dish.
Ingredients in Classic Tuna Casserole
Here’s what makes this casserole so delicious:
Egg Noodles: The perfect pasta for soaking up all the creamy goodness.
Canned Tuna: The star of the show—flaky, protein-packed, and budget-friendly.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: A classic ingredient that creates the rich, creamy base.
Milk: Helps create a smooth, velvety sauce.
Cheddar Cheese: Adds melty, cheesy goodness to every bite.
Frozen Peas: A pop of color and freshness in every spoonful.
Breadcrumbs or Crushed Crackers: The crispy topping that makes this casserole irresistible.
Butter: Helps give the topping that perfect golden crunch.
Salt, Pepper & Garlic Powder: Simple seasonings that bring out the best flavors.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for baking.
Cook the Pasta: Boil the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk, shredded cheese, peas, and seasonings. Stir until well combined.
Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked noodles to the mixture and gently stir to coat everything evenly.
Transfer to a Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
Bake to Perfection: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Let it Rest & Serve: Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!
How to Serve Classic Tuna Casserole
With a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness.
With Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted carrots, zucchini, or asparagus for extra nutrients.
With Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up every last bit of cheesy goodness.
As a Make-Ahead Meal: Prepare in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Additional Tips
Make it Extra Cheesy: Add extra cheese on top for a gooey, melty finish.
Use a Different Soup Base: Swap cream of mushroom for cream of chicken or cream of celery.
Try a Crunchy Topping: Instead of breadcrumbs, use crushed potato chips, Ritz crackers, or French fried onions.
Add More Protein: Mix in some cooked, shredded chicken or extra tuna for an extra protein boost.
Make it Healthier: Use whole wheat pasta, Greek yogurt instead of milk, or add more veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
A1: Yes! Cooked, flaked fresh tuna works great as a substitute.
Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q4: Can I freeze this casserole?
A4: Yes! Assemble, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat tuna casserole?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions.
Q6: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
A6: Definitely! Just be sure to use a gluten-free thickener if swapping out the soup base.
Q7: How do I make it spicier?
A7: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for some heat.
Q8: Can I use different cheeses?
A8: Yes! Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a bit of Parmesan for extra flavor.
Q9: Can I add more veggies?
A9: Absolutely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach all work well.
Q10: What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
A10: You can make a homemade white sauce with butter, flour, and milk, or use cream of chicken or celery.
Final Thoughts
Classic Tuna Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with nostalgic flavors. It’s a budget-friendly, easy-to-make meal that the whole family will love. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for later, this dish is a true winner. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
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Classic Tuna Casserole
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic tuna casserole is comfort food at its best! Made with tender rotini pasta, creamy mushroom soup, cheddar cheese, and tuna, it’s a nostalgic, family-friendly dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. The crispy panko topping adds a delightful crunch to every bite!
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz (340g) canned tuna, drained
- 2 cups cooked rotini pasta
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup green peas
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
- 1/3 tsp salt
- 1/3 tsp paprika
- 1/3 tsp granulated garlic
- 1/3 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Add onion and celery, cooking for 5–6 minutes until softened.
3. Prepare the Casserole Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, drained tuna, 1 cup cheddar, salt, paprika, garlic, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add sautéed onion and celery, green peas, and mushroom soup, mixing thoroughly.
4. Bake the Casserole:
- Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
5. Add Crispy Topping & Finish Baking:
- Mix the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese with panko breadcrumbs.
- Sprinkle over the casserole and return to the oven for 10 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Pasta Options: Rotini works well, but egg noodles, penne, or elbow macaroni are great substitutes.
- Cheese Variations: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Colby for a different flavor.
- Make it Creamier: Stir in ½ cup milk or sour cream for an extra creamy texture.
- Topping Ideas: Instead of panko, try crushed crackers, potato chips, or fried onions for a crispy finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 45mg