If you’re looking for a comforting, budget-friendly, and ridiculously easy meal, this Easy Tuna Casserole is calling your name! It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—everything you want in a cozy weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s made with pantry staples, so you can whip it up anytime without a special trip to the store.
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Picture this: tender pasta coated in a rich, creamy sauce, mixed with flaky tuna and sweet peas, then topped with a crispy golden crust. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer when you need something satisfying but simple.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and cleanup make this a stress-free meal.
Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable pantry staples you likely already have.
Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights—just mix, bake, and enjoy!
Customizable: Swap ingredients based on what’s in your kitchen.
Crowd-Pleasing: Kids and adults alike love its creamy, cheesy goodness.
Ingredients in Easy Tuna Casserole
Pasta: Classic egg noodles work best, but any short pasta will do.
Tuna: Canned tuna in water or oil, drained well for the perfect texture.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: The secret to a rich and creamy base.
Milk: Helps thin out the sauce for a smooth consistency.
Cheese: Cheddar is a go-to, but feel free to experiment!
Frozen Peas: Adds a pop of sweetness and color.
Breadcrumbs: For that crispy, golden topping.
Butter: Helps the breadcrumbs toast up beautifully.
Instructions
Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta until al dente, then drain.
Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, tuna, soup, milk, cheese, and peas. Stir until everything is well coated.
Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter.
Assemble the Casserole: Pour the tuna mixture into a greased baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumbs on top.
Bake to Perfection: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
Serve & Enjoy: Let cool slightly before serving, then dig in!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: Approx. 350
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
How to Serve Easy Tuna Casserole
With a Side Salad: A fresh green salad with vinaigrette balances the creamy richness.
Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce.
Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or carrots make a great pairing.
Extra Cheese: Sprinkle on more cheese before serving for extra indulgence.
Additional Tips
Use What You Have: No cream of mushroom? Try cream of chicken or celery!
Add More Crunch: Crushed crackers or French-fried onions make a great topping.
Make It Lighter: Use low-fat milk and cheese for a healthier twist.
Spice It Up: A dash of hot sauce or paprika adds extra flavor.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
A1: Yes! Cooked, flaked tuna works just as well.
Q2: What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
A2: Egg noodles are classic, but penne or rotini work too.
Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! Assemble it and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
Q4: Can I freeze tuna casserole?
A4: Yes! Freeze before baking, then bake straight from frozen at 375°F.
Q5: What if I don’t have breadcrumbs?
A5: Crushed crackers or panko work just as well.
Q6: Can I add vegetables?
A6: Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach are great additions.
Q7: How do I make this gluten-free?
A7: Use gluten-free pasta and a GF cream soup.
Q8: Can I make it dairy-free?
A8: Swap out the milk and cheese for dairy-free alternatives.
Q9: How do I reheat leftovers?
A9: Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
Q10: Can I add more protein?
A10: Yes! Chicken or shrimp would be a tasty twist.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Tuna Casserole is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly comforting. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with nostalgic flavors—perfect for a quick dinner the whole family will love. Try it once, and it just might become a go-to favorite!
Print
Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Tuna Casserole is a quick, healthy, and protein-packed dinner made with canned tuna, cheese, and a creamy sauce. It’s a low-carb, keto-friendly comfort food perfect for busy weeknights! With just 20 minutes of total prep and cook time, you’ll have a cheesy, satisfying meal on the table in no time.
Ingredients
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20 oz canned tuna, drained
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1 cup mayonnaise
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1/3 cup sour cream
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1/4 tsp smoked paprika
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2 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1/2 cup green onions, chopped
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2 cups cauliflower, cooked and chopped
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1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
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1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a large baking dish.
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In a mixing bowl, flake the drained tuna with a fork.
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Add mayonnaise, sour cream, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, green onions, and Dijon mustard. Mix until smooth.
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Fold in the chopped cauliflower and mozzarella cheese.
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Transfer the mixture into the greased baking dish and top with gruyere cheese.
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Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown.
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Remove from the oven, let it sit for a minute, then serve and enjoy!
Notes
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Low-Carb Alternative: Swap cauliflower for cooked broccoli or zucchini.
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Extra Crunch: Add a crushed pork rind topping before baking for a crispy finish.
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg