Introduction

This best tuna casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines creamy mushroom soup, tender noodles, and savory tuna. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, it’s packed with cheesy goodness and a crispy topping that everyone will love.

Best Tuna Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

6 ounces egg noodles, cooked
1 cup frozen peas
10 ounces tuna, drained (two 5-ounce cans)
10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup
½ cup whole milk
1½ cups shredded mild cheddar cheese, divided (1¼ cups and ¼ cup)
½ teaspoon celery salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish, if desired)
¼ cup bread crumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray your casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, frozen peas, drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, 1¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese, celery salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix well.
Step 3: Transfer the tuna mixture to a 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread evenly.
Step 4: Cover the dish and bake for 20 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Step 5: While the casserole is baking, mix the bread crumbs with melted butter until evenly coated.
Step 6: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the buttered bread crumbs evenly over the top, then add the remaining ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 7: Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes until the bread crumbs start to brown and the cheese is melted.
Step 8: Serve the casserole warm, garnished with additional fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use cream of celery soup instead of mushroom for a slightly different flavor.
Add a handful of chopped mushrooms or sautéed onions for extra depth.
Substitute mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese for a milder taste.
For a crunchier topping, mix panko bread crumbs with the melted butter instead of regular bread crumbs.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or bake covered at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh peas can be used. Just blanch them briefly in boiling water until tender before mixing into the casserole.

Is this casserole suitable for freezing?

It can be frozen before baking. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Best Tuna Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 51 reviews

This classic Best Tuna Casserole recipe blends tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, sweet peas, and creamy mushroom soup with a rich cheddar cheese sauce. Topped with buttery bread crumbs, it’s baked to bubbly perfection for a comforting, easy-to-make family favorite.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

6 ounces egg noodles, cooked
1 cup frozen peas
10 ounces tuna, drained (two 5-ounce cans)
10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup
½ cup whole milk
1½ cups shredded mild cheddar cheese, divided (1¼ cups and ¼ cup)
½ teaspoon celery salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish, if desired)

Topping

¼ cup bread crumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, frozen peas, drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, 1¼ cups shredded mild cheddar cheese, celery salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix everything thoroughly until well blended.
Assemble in Casserole Dish: Transfer the tuna noodle mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, until the contents are hot and bubbly.
Prepare Topping: While the casserole is baking, mix the bread crumbs and melted butter together in a small bowl until combined.
Add Topping: After the initial 20 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven carefully. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture evenly over the casserole, then add the remaining ¼ cup of shredded mild cheddar cheese on top.
Bake Uncovered: Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the bread crumbs are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Serve: Remove from oven, let it cool slightly, garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm for a comforting meal.

Notes

For a crispier topping, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or cream of chicken for a different flavor.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free egg noodles to accommodate dietary needs.
This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice or chopped dill for an added fresh note to the tuna mixture.

Keywords: tuna casserole, classic tuna noodle casserole, easy family dinner, cheesy tuna casserole, baked tuna pasta