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Best Tuna Casserole 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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Assemble in Casserole Dish: Transfer the tuna noodle mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
  4. Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, until the contents are hot and bubbly.
  5. Prepare Topping: While the casserole is baking, mix the bread crumbs and melted butter together in a small bowl until combined.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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