If you’re craving a comforting, family-pleasing classic that comes together in less than an hour, Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is the answer. Creamy egg noodles, savory tuna, and vibrant peas combine under a blanket of melted cheddar and buttery breadcrumbs, creating the kind of golden, bubbling goodness that just begs to be served second helpings. With familiar pantry staples and minimal fuss, this casserole brings the warmth of home to your dinner table, making it a favorite for busy weeknights and nostalgic weekends alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is its simplicity—every ingredient is a staple, but each plays a vital role in taste, texture, or visual appeal. Together, they create a dish that’s creamy, savory, and satisfyingly crunchy on top.
- Egg Noodles: Their fluffy, chewy texture holds up beautifully and soaks in all the savory sauce.
- Tuna in Water: Opt for good-quality tuna; the essential protein that adds hearty, meaty flavor without overpowering the casserole.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: The creamy backbone of the sauce, infusing every bite with comforting, earthy notes.
- Frozen Peas: Sweet, pop-in-your-mouth bursts of color that bring freshness and balance to the creamy richness.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into gooey, tangy pockets, uniting the whole dish with its sharp flavor.
- Milk: Ensures a luxuriously smooth sauce without becoming too heavy.
- Sour Cream: Adds a tangy creaminess that takes the sauce to the next level.
- Garlic Powder: Subtle aromatic background that enhances all the savory flavors.
- Onion Powder: Rounds out the taste, giving gentle depth to every forkful.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; taste and adjust to make every bite just right.
- Crushed Butter Crackers or Breadcrumbs: That irresistible crunchy topping that makes the first bite unforgettable.
- Melted Butter: Mixes with the topping, ensuring every crumb gets golden and flavorful as it bakes.
How to Make Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Step 1: Get Your Oven and Baking Dish Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a touch of butter or nonstick spray to ensure easy serving and cleanup later. A well-prepped dish means the casserole won’t stick and those glorious crispy edges come out perfectly.
Step 2: Combine All the Creamy Goodness
In a large mixing bowl, bring together the cooked egg noodles, drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, frozen peas, shredded cheddar, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir this mixture gently but thoroughly—your goal is an even distribution of tuna and veggies within that luscious sauce.
Step 3: Spread It Out
Pour your well-mixed filling into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it in an even layer. Make sure every corner gets filled so that every bite is as satisfying as the last.
Step 4: Make That Magic Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, combine your crushed butter crackers (or breadcrumbs) with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of your casserole—it’s the secret weapon for that iconic golden crust everyone loves about an Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for bubbly edges and a topping that’s toasted and golden. If you love extra crunch, pop the casserole under the broiler for the last 2 minutes—just keep a close eye so nothing over-browns.
Step 6: Rest, Slice, and Serve
Once baked, let your Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole rest for about 5 minutes. This quick pause helps everything set up for easy slicing and ensures you get perfect, creamy squares with each serving.
How to Serve Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Garnishes
Top your casserole with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, a few extra shreds of cheddar, or a dash of cracked black pepper. The herbs add a bright note, while melty cheese and pepper wake up the senses.
Side Dishes
This comfort classic pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted carrots. Crisp veggies bring a fresh contrast and turn Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole into a rounded, wholesome meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon generous portions into individual ramekins for a dinner-party twist, or use cookie cutters to serve fun shapes for kids. Leftover squares make a fabulous lunch, tucked into a bento box with raw veggies and fruit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to airtight containers. It will stay delightfully fresh in the fridge for up to three days—making Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole a meal-prep hero for busy families.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooled casserole (either whole or in individual portions) wrapped well or in freezer-safe containers. It retains its flavor and texture for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole in a 350°F oven, covered loosely with foil, until heated through (about 20 minutes). You can also microwave individual portions; add a splash of milk to keep the noodles creamy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Cream of celery or cream of chicken soup both make fantastic substitutes and put a delicious spin on the Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Just swap equal amounts and enjoy a subtle twist in flavor.
What can I use in place of egg noodles?
If you’re out of egg noodles, try rotini, bowtie, or even penne pasta. The key is choosing a noodle that holds sauce well and keeps the casserole hearty and satisfying.
Can I add extra veggies?
Definitely! Stir in a handful of sautéed mushrooms, diced carrots, or some chopped spinach for color and nutrition. Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is wonderfully flexible—just keep the veggie add-ins to about a cup so the casserole stays creamy and not watery.
Is this casserole good for meal prep?
It’s fantastic for meal prep! Make a batch on Sunday, portion it out, and enjoy satisfying lunches or quick dinners all week. It reheats beautifully and the flavors only get better.
How do I get the topping extra crispy?
For the ultimate crispy topping, broil the casserole for the last 2 minutes of cooking. Watch closely, as it can brown quickly, but that golden crunch makes the Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole truly irresistible.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that radiates coziness with every bite, you can’t go wrong with Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. It’s hearty, flavorful, ridiculously easy, and guaranteed to deliver smiles around the table. Whip it up soon—you’ll find yourself coming back to this classic recipe again and again!
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Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that comes together quickly for a delicious family dinner. Creamy and flavorful, this casserole is a classic favorite that is sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz egg noodles, cooked and drained
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained and flaked
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping:
- 1 cup crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, frozen peas, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- Prepare Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Make Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter, then sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve: Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of celery or chicken soup for variation.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or diced pimentos for extra flavor.
- For a crunchier topping, broil the last 2 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
