Tuna Casserole Recipe

Egg noodles: These soft pasta noodles cook quickly and hold the sauce well, making the casserole nice and filling.

Tuna: Canned tuna is an easy source of protein and adds a mild, savory flavor.

Frozen peas: These add a pop of color and a little sweetness, plus they’re super convenient since they’re already cooked.

Cream of mushroom soup: This canned soup creates a creamy base that brings all the ingredients together.

Shredded cheddar cheese: Cheese adds gooey, melty goodness and a sharp taste that balances the dish.

Milk: Milk helps thin out the soup so the casserole isn’t too thick and keeps it creamy.

Breadcrumbs: Sprinkled on top, breadcrumbs give a nice crunchy texture after baking.

One of the most helpful steps in this Tuna Casserole Recipe is cooking the egg noodles just right. Here’s how you can do it without making a mess or ending up with sticky noodles:

1. Fill a big pot with water and bring it to a boil. Use plenty of water so the noodles have room to move around.
2. Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water. This helps give the noodles a little flavor.
3. Drop in the egg noodles and stir gently right away. This stops them from sticking together.
4. Keep an eye on the noodles and cook them for the time the package says. Usually, it’s around 7 to 9 minutes.
5. When they’re done, pour the noodles into a colander to drain the water. Give them a quick shake to get rid of extra water.

Doing this makes the noodles soft but not mushy, which is perfect for mixing with the tuna and cream of mushroom soup. If the noodles stick together, the casserole won’t be as smooth and creamy. Stirring right after you add them to the water is a simple trick that really helps.

I remember the first time I made this, I didn’t stir the noodles right away, and they clumped up like one big noodle ball. It was tricky to mix everything evenly after that! Now, I always make sure to give them a quick stir as soon as they hit the boiling water. It saves time and makes the whole dish taste better.

Once your noodles are ready, you’re all set to mix them with the tuna, peas, and cheese for a cozy, delicious casserole.

• egg noodles - Substitute with whole wheat pasta: Whole wheat pasta provides a similar texture and is a healthier alternative with more fiber.

• egg noodles - Substitute with gluten-free pasta: For those with gluten sensitivities, gluten-free pasta is a suitable option that maintains the dish's integrity.

• tuna - Substitute with canned chicken: Canned chicken offers a similar protein content and texture, making it a good alternative for those who prefer poultry.

• tuna - Substitute with chickpeas: Chickpeas provide a plant-based protein option and add a slightly nutty flavor to the casserole.

• frozen peas - Substitute with frozen green beans: Green beans offer a similar color and nutritional profile, adding a slight crunch to the dish.

• frozen peas - Substitute with diced carrots: Diced carrots add sweetness and color, complementing the other flavors in the casserole.

• cream of mushroom soup - Substitute with cream of chicken soup: Cream of chicken soup provides a similar creamy texture with a different flavor profile.

• cream of mushroom soup - Substitute with homemade white sauce: A homemade white sauce can be customized with herbs and spices, offering a fresh alternative.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese melts well and provides a milder flavor, suitable for those who prefer less sharpness.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a rich, nutty flavor and can be used in smaller quantities for a similar impact.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that maintains the creamy consistency needed for the casserole.

• milk - Substitute with evaporated milk: Evaporated milk offers a richer, creamier texture, enhancing the casserole's overall creaminess.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes provide a crunchy topping and a slightly sweet flavor.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko: Panko breadcrumbs offer a lighter, crispier texture, enhancing the casserole's topping.

• Allow the tuna casserole to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the dish soggy.

• For short-term storage, transfer the casserole to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• If you plan to freeze the casserole, portion it into individual servings. This makes reheating more convenient and helps maintain the quality of the dish.

• Wrap each portion tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, or place them in freezer-safe containers. This double layer of protection helps prevent freezer burn.

• Label each package with the date and contents. This ensures you know what you’re grabbing from the freezer and helps you keep track of how long it’s been stored.

• The tuna casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. For the best flavor and texture, try to use it within this timeframe.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the dish's texture.

• Reheat the thawed casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, usually about 20-25 minutes. If reheating from frozen, it may take longer, around 45-60 minutes.

• To keep the top crispy, consider adding a fresh layer of breadcrumbs and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese before reheating.

• For a quick reheating option, use the microwave. Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap, and heat on medium power until hot, stirring occasionally for even heating.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover tuna casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil to prevent drying out, and bake for about 20-25 minutes until it's heated through and the cheese is melty and bubbly.

• For a quicker method, use the microwave. Transfer a portion of the tuna casserole to a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you prefer a crispy top, try reheating on the stovetop. Place the tuna casserole in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Cover with a lid and let it warm up slowly, stirring occasionally. This method will help maintain the texture of the breadcrumbs topping.

• For an air fryer twist, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the tuna casserole in an air fryer-safe dish or line the basket with foil. Heat for about 10-12 minutes, checking halfway to ensure it doesn't overcook. This will give you a crispy top while keeping the inside moist.

• If you have a slow cooker, set it to the warm setting. Place the tuna casserole inside and let it gently reheat for about 1-2 hours. This method is great for maintaining the dish's moisture and flavor without any risk of burning.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C) to ensure it cooks evenly.

• Pot: Necessary for boiling the egg noodles according to package directions.

• Colander: Utilized to drain the cooked egg noodles after boiling.

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining the tuna, peas, cream of mushroom soup, milk, cheese, and noodles.

• Baking dish: Used to hold the casserole mixture while it bakes in the oven.

• Measuring cup: Needed to accurately measure the milk and other ingredients.

• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helpful for folding the noodles into the mixture and ensuring everything is well combined.

• Cheese grater: If the cheddar cheese is not pre-shredded, this tool is used to grate the cheese.

• Oven mitts: Important for safely handling the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

Pre-cook the noodles: Boil egg noodles in advance and store them in the fridge. This reduces prep time when you're ready to assemble the casserole.

Use canned ingredients: Opt for canned tuna and cream of mushroom soup to minimize prep work. These ingredients are ready to use and save time on cooking.

Frozen peas advantage: Keep frozen peas on hand. They require no washing or chopping, making them a quick addition to your dish.

Pre-shredded cheese: Buy shredded cheddar cheese to skip the grating step, saving you a few extra minutes.