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    Home » Recipes » Fish

    Tuna Noodle Casserole

    Published: Feb 23, 2023 by Kate

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    Plate of tuna noodle casserole and list of ingredients.
    Plate of tuna casserole, with text: Easy Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole.

    This easy, cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that won't break the bank! It's not only super simple to put together, but it tastes fantastic. It's made with pantry staples like canned tuna, cream of mushroom soup, noodles, cheese, and peas.

    Plate of tuna noodle casserole on a table.
    Tuna Noodle Casserole.

    Looking for a comforting and easy-to-make meal that won't break the bank?

    Look no further than tuna noodle casserole!

    This classic dish has been a staple of home cooking for generations, and for good reason.

    My family and friends always tuck straight in when I serve up this dish for dinner. It's the ultimate crowd-pleaser!

    Made with pantry staples like canned tuna, noodles, and cream of mushroom soup, it's a delicious and nutritious meal that's sure to satisfy.

    Whether you're feeding a crowd or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this tuna noodle casserole recipe is a winner.

    So grab your apron and let's get cooking!

    Jump to:
    • Why You Should Make This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Variations
    • Recipe Tips
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments
    Close up of a scoop of tuna noodle casserole.

    Why You Should Make This Recipe

    There are several reasons why you'll want to make this easy cheesy tuna noodle casserole recipe:

    • Comfort food: Tuna noodle casserole is a classic comfort food that many people enjoy. It's warm, creamy, and filling, making it a great dish to enjoy on a cold or rainy day.
    • Easy to make: Tuna pasta casserole is a super easy dish to prepare. You can easily make it with pantry staples such as canned tuna, pasta noodles, and cream of mushroom soup.
    • Make ahead: I love prepping this dish ahead of time, then you can just heat it and serve!
    • Nutritious: Tuna is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health. Adding vegetables to the casserole, such as peas or carrots, can also increase its nutritional value.
    • Budget-friendly: This is a budget-friendly meal that can feed a crowd. Canned tuna and noodles are both affordable ingredients, and you can customize the recipe to fit your budget.
    • Leftovers: Tuna noodle casserole makes great leftovers. You can reheat it for lunch or dinner the next day, or even freeze it for later.
    Ingredients on a table with labels.

    Ingredients

    • Tuna - use good ol' canned tuna for this budget-friendly recipe. You can use tuna in oil, brine, or water, but I prefer water since it's healthier.
    • Noodles - use your favorite pasta noodles. I usually use fusilli or rotini because the spirals hold onto lots of great cheese and tuna!
    • Cream of Mushroom Soup - Campbell's soup makes a great creamy sauce. You can swap for Cream of Mushroom, Cream of Chicken etc...
    • Cheese - regular sharp cheddar adds lots of flavor. You can also use other shredded cheese like gouda, swiss or monterey jack.
    • Breadcrumbs - dried breadcrumbs add a great texture to the cheesy topping. I use plain, but Italian seasoned works great too.
    • Onion and Peas - add great flavor and texture.
    • Paprika, Italian herbs, Garlic Powder, Salt and Pepper - seasonings, spices and herbs that give this casserole a lot of great flavor.

    See the recipe card for the full method and quantities.

    Instructions

    If you're wondering how to make this easy tuna noodle casserole recipe, don't worry, it's easy!

    Just follow this step-by-step photo tutorial. Then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and recipe method.

    Preheat the oven to 400°F/200°C.

    If you're not using leftover pasta, add it to a pan of boiling water and cook for the time indicated on the package. Cook it so it's still a little firm (al dente) as it will cook further in the oven.

    Frying onions.

    Meanwhile, heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sautée, stirring often, for 5 minutes, or until soft and translucent but not browned.

    Drain the pasta and run it under cold water briefly to cool. Drain again.

    Mixing the tuna noodle ingredients.

    Add the pasta, tuna, half the cheddar, paprika, garlic powder, dried herbs, salt, and pepper to a large mixing bowl and stir to combine.

    Add the fried onion, peas and soup (don't add water) to the bowl and stir to combine.

    Filled casserole dish.

    Transfer the tuna noodle mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place it into the oven and bake for 20 minutes.

    Adding cheese and breadcrumb topping.

    Mix the remaining cheese with the breadcrumbs and sprinkle it over the casserole.

    Return the dish to the oven and bake for a further 5-7 minutes, or until the topping is melted and golden.

    Serve and enjoy!

    Baked tuna pasta casserole.

    Variations

    • For an old fashioned tuna noodle casserole, add crushed potato chips on top.
    • Make it super cheesy and add extra shredded cheese, such as smoked gouda, Monterey jack, white cheddar, parmesan or other favorite cheeses.
    • Get more nutrients by adding extra vegetables. Frozen mixed vegetables work well. Let them thaw out a little, or put them into a bowl of warm water briefly to thaw.
    • Instead of breadcrumbs, try crushed Ritz crackers.
    • Swap the tuna for canned salmon.
    • Swap the dried noodles for egg noodles.

    Recipe Tips

    If you're not using leftover pasta, add it to a pan of boiling water and cook for the time indicated on the package.

    Cook it so it's still a little firm (al dente) as it will cook further in the oven. That will stop it from getting mushy.

    Be sure to subscribe to my free Newsletter and follow me on Facebook and Pinterest for more tasty recipes!

    📖 Recipe

    Plate of tuna noodle casserole on a table.

    Tuna Noodle Casserole

    This cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a classic dish made with pantry staples like canned tuna, cream of mushroom soup, noodles, and cheese.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 30 mins
    Total Time 35 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 454 kcal

    Equipment

    • Skillet
    • bowl
    • 9x13-inch baking pan

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 cups cooked pasta noodles (4 ounces dry)
    • 1 tablespoon oil
    • 1 onion (diced)
    • 2 cans tuna (5 ounces each)
    • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
    • ½ teaspoon paprika
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs
    • ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper
    • ½ cup peas (no need to thaw)
    • 1 can Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (I use Campbell's)
    • ½ cup dried breadcrumbs

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 400°F/200°C.
    • If you're not using leftover pasta, add it to a pan of boiling water and cook for the time indicated on the package. Cook it so it's still a little firm (al dente) as it will cook further in the oven.
    • Meanwhile, heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sautée, stirring often, for 5 minutes, or until soft and translucent but not browned.
    • Drain the pasta and run it under cold water briefly to cool. Drain again.
    • Add the pasta, tuna, half the cheddar, paprika, garlic powder, dried herbs, salt, and pepper to a large mixing bowl and stir to combine.
    • Add the fried onion, peas and soup (don't add water) to the bowl and stir to combine.
    • Transfer the tuna noodle mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place it into the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
    • Mix the remaining cheese with the breadcrumbs and sprinkle it over the casserole.
    • Return the dish to the oven and bake for a further 5-7 minutes, or until the topping is melted and golden.
    • Serve and enjoy!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 454kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 20gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 57mgSodium: 474mgPotassium: 232mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 828IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 442mgIron: 2mg

    The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.

    Keyword chicken and rice casserole, tuna noodle casserole, tuna recipe
    Tried this recipe?Head down to the comments and give it a star rating!

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Ned

      February 23, 2023 at 4:11 pm

      5 stars
      This reminds me of a childhood recipe. I loved it then and I love it now! Thank you!

      Reply
    2. Andrea

      February 23, 2023 at 4:15 pm

      5 stars
      Hearty, flavorful and comforting, this tuna noodle casserole is a perfect meal for my family.

      Reply
    3. Catherine

      March 03, 2023 at 4:35 pm

      5 stars
      A classic family favorite that never fails! This was delicious and just like my auntie used to make. A perfect hearty meal for the colder nights that we'll definitely make again and again.

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Kate! I'm a food blogger and cookbook author from the Pacific Northwest.
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