Name: Tuna Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz egg noodles; 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup milk; 1 cup frozen peas; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons melted butter

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If you’re searching for a delicious, hearty family classic that comes together in a flash, look no further than this Tuna Casserole Recipe. Creamy, comforting layers of egg noodles, flavorful tuna, sweet peas, and melty cheddar all bake beneath a golden, buttery cracker topping. This dish is nostalgia on a plate: simple, wholesome ingredients turned into a truly irresistible weeknight dinner that will have everyone lining up for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Tuna Casserole Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to create a balance of flavor, texture, and color. They may look basic, but together, they make magic happen—transforming cupboard staples into a meal that tastes like a warm hug.

Egg noodles: These wide, tender noodles soak up all the wonderful flavors while keeping their bite.
Canned tuna in water: Go for solid or chunk tuna for the best texture and classic flavor.
Cream of mushroom soup: Adds savory depth and creamy consistency right out of the can.
Sour cream: Brings a rich tang that lifts the whole casserole.
Frozen peas: Tiny bursts of sweetness and color in every bite.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts lusciously into the casserole, making each forkful perfectly gooey.
Milk: Helps loosen the sauce so it perfectly coats all the noodles.
Garlic powder: Just a dash rounds out the savory flavors without overpowering the tuna.
Onion powder: Lends a subtle hint of sweetness—no chopping required!
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to make your casserole pop.
Crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs: Create a crispy, crave-worthy topping.
Melted butter: Helps those crumbs turn golden and delicious in the oven.

How to Make Tuna Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Noodles

First, preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. While the oven is heating, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to the package just until they’re al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside—you don’t want them too soft since they’ll continue cooking in the oven.

Step 2: Mix the Casserole Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, frozen peas, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until it’s creamy and well blended. This forms the savory heart of your Tuna Casserole Recipe!

Step 3: Combine and Season

Gently fold in the cooked noodles, making sure they’re thoroughly coated in the luscious sauce. Add a pinch of salt and a few twists of black pepper to taste. This is your moment to taste and adjust the seasoning just the way you like it.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the noodle mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out so it fills all the corners. In a separate small bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter until every crumb is glossy and ready to turn golden in the oven.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the buttery topping evenly over the casserole. Slide the dish onto the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the sides are bubbling, and the topping has turned a beautiful golden color that’s impossible to resist.

Step 6: Let It Rest and Serve

Once your Tuna Casserole Recipe emerges from the oven, let it sit for at least 5 minutes. This short wait lets everything set up perfectly, making each slice easy to serve and seriously satisfying.

How to Serve Tuna Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. If you want to go the extra mile, a dusting of paprika or a quick shower of extra shredded cheddar right after baking can make your Tuna Casserole Recipe look like it came straight from a vintage cookbook photo spread.

Side Dishes

Since this casserole is so rich and flavorful, simple sides work beautifully. Try serving it with a crisp green salad tossed with lemony vinaigrette or steam up some broccoli or green beans. If you’re feeling nostalgic, pair it with fluffy dinner rolls for maximum comfort vibes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party twist, portion the casserole into individual ramekins before baking for charming, personalized servings. Or, top each slice with a dollop of sour cream, a twist of cracked black pepper, and a few chives for a chef-worthy presentation that makes any ordinary night feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Tuna Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully for up to three days in the refrigerator. Just cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers to keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out.

Freezing

This casserole is an absolute hero when it comes to freezing! Assemble (but don’t bake) the casserole, wrap it well, and store in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready, bake straight from the freezer (add 10 to 15 more minutes baking time) or thaw overnight for an easy make-ahead meal.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm leftovers in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. If the top starts looking too brown, just cover with foil. The microwave is quick and convenient for single servings, but oven reheating keeps the cracker topping extra crisp.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Yes! While egg noodles are classic, you can swap in rotini, penne, or even fusilli. Make sure to cook any pasta just to al dente so it doesn’t turn mushy during baking.

Is it possible to make a lighter version of this Tuna Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely—substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream and use reduced-fat cheese and soup if you prefer a lighter meal. It will still be creamy and satisfying, just with a little less indulgence.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to get creative! Diced cooked carrots, sautéed mushrooms, or a handful of spinach work well. Just be sure to cook and drain extra-watery veggies before adding so your casserole stays creamy.

Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?

You can! Grilled or poached fresh tuna can be flaked into the mixture for a more gourmet twist, though the classic flavor of this Tuna Casserole Recipe really shines with canned tuna’s brininess.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Yes—use your favorite unsweetened plant-based milk, dairy-free sour cream, and a dairy-free cheese alternative. Look for a vegan “cream of mushroom” soup, or make your own for a completely dairy-free casserole.

Final Thoughts

This Tuna Casserole Recipe is the very best kind of comfort food: cozy, budget-friendly, and bound to bring everyone to the table. Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or creating new ones with your own family, this timeless favorite always hits the spot. Give it a try soon—you might just discover your next signature dish!

Tuna Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This comforting and creamy tuna casserole is a classic family favorite. Made with pantry staples like tuna, egg noodles, and cream of mushroom soup, it’s a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Casserole:

12 oz egg noodles
2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

Topping:

1 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine tuna, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, peas, and cheese. Add cooked noodles, season with salt and pepper, and mix well.
Prepare topping: Mix crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter.
Assemble: Spread the tuna mixture in the baking dish, top with the cracker or breadcrumb mixture.
Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.