Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe – Quick, Creamy & Delicious

Easy Tuna Casserole is the answer to “What’s for dinner?” when your brain’s done for the day and your fridge is giving major “meh” vibes. This creamy, cheesy, crispy-topped miracle is more than just a nostalgic nod to childhood dinners—it’s a weeknight hero. With tender egg noodles, creamy mushroom sauce, melty cheddar, and flaky tuna, this dish comes together in just over 30 minutes.

It hits all the marks: comforting, budget-friendly, and—let’s be real—picky-eater approved. Whether you’re juggling work deadlines or just don’t feel like cooking, this Easy Tuna Casserole swoops in like the cape-wearing dinner champ it is. Bonus: the crunchy panko topping makes it feel like you tried way harder than you actually did. You’ll keep coming back to this one because, well, it works.

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What is Easy Tuna Casserole?

At its heart, Easy Tuna Casserole is the culinary version of a warm blanket on a cold night. It’s the ultimate American comfort food—simple, hearty, and a little old-school (but in a charming, grandma’s-recipe kind of way). The classic combo starts with egg noodles, usually the curly kind that cling to sauce like their life depends on it. Then there’s the creamy base made from condensed mushroom soup and milk (no shame—it’s a time-saving legend).

Add some shredded cheddar, sweet peas, and canned tuna, and you’ve got a filling, satisfying meal that feels like a hug from the inside. Topped with buttery panko and more cheddar for that golden crunch, this casserole comes out of the oven bubbly, toasty, and ready to steal the spotlight on your dinner table. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want seconds before you’ve finished your first.

Reasons to Try Easy Tuna Casserole

Why should Easy Tuna Casserole be on your dinner rotation? Well, let’s be honest—most of us are in survival mode by 5 p.m. This dish is quick, reliable, and doesn’t require a cart full of fancy ingredients. You probably already have most of what you need in your pantry or freezer. It’s also kid-friendly, husband-approved, and coworker-envy-inducing when reheated at work (yes, it smells good even as leftovers). And if you’re watching your wallet? This recipe is budget gold.

One can of tuna + one can of soup = dinner magic. It’s also ridiculously easy to customize. Hate peas? Swap for corn. Gluten-free? There’s a version for that. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just meal-prepping for the week, this casserole hits that perfect balance of comfort and convenience. Plus, no one ever complained about extra cheese.

Ingredients Needed to Make Easy Tuna Casserole

• 3 cups egg noodles (about 6 oz.)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• ⅔ cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1 can tuna (5–6 oz., drained)
• 10 ½ oz. condensed cream of mushroom soup
• ⅓ cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley

Crumb Topping:

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp melted butter
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley

Instructions to Make Easy Tuna Casserole

Making Easy Tuna Casserole is as straightforward as it gets, but a few tips can help you master it from your very first try. Whether you’re a beginner cook or just need a low-effort dinner, this step-by-step guide walks you through everything—from boiling the noodles to getting that perfectly golden, crispy topping. Let’s jump in, spoon first.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prep the Topping

First things first—preheat your oven to 425°F. You’ll want a fully heated oven by the time your casserole is assembled, so don’t skip this step.

Next, let’s talk topping. In a small bowl, combine ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 tbsp melted butter, ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 tbsp chopped parsley. Mix it all together until the crumbs are evenly coated. This crunchy mixture will go on top before baking and adds that “I totally made this from scratch” vibe—even if you didn’t. If you’re out of panko, crushed crackers or cornflakes work too (check out this guide to casserole topping swaps for inspiration).

Set the topping aside and resist the urge to eat it by the spoonful.

Step 2: Cook the Egg Noodles

Now boil a large pot of water and add a bit of salt (this boosts flavor). Toss in 3 cups of egg noodles (about 6 ounces) and cook them just until al dente—soft with a little bite. Overcooking leads to mushy noodles once baked, and nobody wants that.

Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking. Let them hang out in the colander while you move on to the next step. If you’re curious about gluten-free alternatives, see how we adapt this dish in our gluten-free casserole tips.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Celery

Heat 1 tbsp of butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1 finely diced small onion and 2 stalks of celery, also finely diced. Sauté them for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.

This step adds subtle sweetness and crunch that balances out the creamy filling. If your kids hate “chunks,” feel free to finely mince the veggies or cook them longer until they’re almost invisible. Need more dinner ideas that sneak in veggies? Try our One Pot Creamy Spinach Tomato Tortellini.

Step 4: Mix It All Together

Now for the fun part: assembling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the following:

• The cooked egg noodles
• The sautéed onion and celery
• ⅔ cup of thawed peas (you can also use canned or fresh)
• 1 drained can of tuna (5–6 oz.)
• 10½ oz. condensed cream of mushroom soup
• ⅓ cup of milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley

Stir until everything is evenly coated and looks creamy and colorful. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash more milk. If you’re dairy-free, swap in unsweetened almond milk and a plant-based cheese, like we suggest in our dairy-free casserole tricks.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish (this prevents sticking). Pour your noodle-tuna mixture into the dish, smoothing it out with a spatula. Make sure the mixture is spread evenly to avoid dry corners or soupy middles.

Then, grab the topping you made earlier and sprinkle it evenly across the top. Be generous—it’s the best part.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown top and bubbling edges—signs that everything inside is warm and perfectly melded together.

If your topping isn’t as crispy as you’d like, turn on the broiler for the last 1–2 minutes, but keep a close eye on it. Burned breadcrumbs happen fast. If you’re into ultra-crispy casserole tops, try adding a sprinkle of Parmesan like in this crispy chicken bake.

Once baked, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set a little and makes scooping cleaner and easier (plus, nobody burns their mouth on lava-hot tuna).

What to Serve with Easy Tuna Casserole

This Easy Tuna Casserole is a meal on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can make dinner feel like you really pulled it all together (without actually doing much). A crisp green salad adds a nice fresh contrast to all that creamy goodness—something like a lemony arugula mix or even just romaine with ranch will do.

Garlic bread or dinner rolls? Always a yes. If you’re serving a hungry crowd (or just your always-starving teens), try throwing in something fun like Air Fryer Buttery Parmesan Garlic Wings. For a lighter route, roasted veggies—like broccoli or carrots—make an easy side. And hey, if you want to go full comfort food mode, make it a “throwback Thursday” and whip up some classic Jell-O or fruit salad like your mom did. Trust us, the nostalgia hits different.

Key Tips for Making Easy Tuna Casserole

Want to make sure your Easy Tuna Casserole turns out every single time? Here are a few tried-and-true tips. First, don’t overcook your noodles—they’ll soften more in the oven, so keep them just barely al dente. Second, use good-quality tuna (yes, there’s a difference). Solid white albacore has great texture and flavor.

Third, drain your peas well—too much moisture = watery casserole. If you’re not into mushrooms, sub in cream of chicken or celery soup. Craving more veggies? Toss in chopped spinach or mushrooms. And for the topping—don’t skip it! That crispy, cheesy layer is what makes the casserole feel complete. If you want it extra golden, turn on the broiler for the last minute or two—but watch it like a hawk.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Easy Tuna Casserole

This Easy Tuna Casserole stores like a champ. If you have leftovers (big “if”), let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll stay good in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, or zap a single serving in the microwave.

If the topping loses some crunch, you can sprinkle a little extra cheese or breadcrumbs on top and broil for a minute to revive it. Want to freeze it? You sure can! Assemble the whole casserole (minus the topping), wrap it well, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight, add the topping, and bake as usual. Perfect for meal prep or busy days when cooking feels like a chore.

FAQs

Can I make Easy Tuna Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole without baking, cover it tightly, and store in the fridge up to 24 hours in advance. Add the topping right before baking.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Sure thing! Egg noodles are traditional, but rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni work just fine.

Is there a dairy-free option?
Yes—use dairy-free cheddar and swap the soup and milk with plant-based versions. Look for a creamy mushroom alternative made with coconut or oat milk.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yup! Just swap in gluten-free pasta and soup, and use GF breadcrumbs or crushed GF crackers for the topping.

Final Thoughts

When life gets hectic and your energy’s running on fumes, Easy Tuna Casserole is like a friend who shows up with snacks and wine—it just gets you. This dish proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With minimal prep, simple ingredients, and a golden crispy topping, it’s a go-to meal you’ll actually look forward to making. Whether you’re feeding a full house or just need something cozy for one, this casserole delivers every single time. Want more cozy ideas like this one? Don’t miss our Hearty Beef Cowboy Casserole or Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini for more easy weeknight wins.

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