Best Classic Tuna Casserole Dinner Recipe
Introduction
This classic tuna casserole is a comforting dish perfect for busy evenings when you want something warm and familiar. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust, it’s a hearty meal made with simple pantry staples. It’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy the whole family.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces wide egg noodles
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 10 ounces canned tuna, drained (2 small cans)
- 2 cans condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.5 ounces each)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions. Drain and return them to the pot.
- Step 2: Add the peas, tuna, condensed soup, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese to the noodles. Stir until everything is evenly combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 3: Transfer the noodle mixture into a buttered 9×13-inch casserole dish, pressing it gently into an even layer.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Step 5: Bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
Tips & Variations
- For a creamier casserole, add an extra can of condensed soup and ½ cup more milk before baking.
- To bake from frozen, cover and cook for 45–60 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until heated through and topping is browned.
- Feel free to swap peas for other vegetables like chopped broccoli or green beans for added variety.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot. This casserole can also be frozen before baking; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating as directed for best results.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?
Canned tuna is preferred for this recipe because it’s already cooked and flaky, making it easy to mix into the casserole. Using fresh tuna would require cooking it separately and may alter the texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
You can substitute cream of chicken soup or make a homemade creamy sauce using butter, flour, milk, and mushrooms sautéed separately. Keep in mind that substitutions may change the final flavor slightly.
Print
Best Classic Tuna Casserole Dinner Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This classic tuna casserole is a comforting, creamy, and satisfying dinner that combines wide egg noodles, flaky canned tuna, peas, and a cheesy mushroom soup sauce topped with a crispy buttery panko crust. Perfect for busy evenings, this easy-to-make casserole delivers warm, familiar flavors that feel like home.
Ingredients
For the Tuna Casserole
- 16 ounces wide egg noodles
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 10 ounces canned tuna, drained (2 small cans)
- 2 cans condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.5 ounces each)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Crispy Topping
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions until tender. Drain well and return them to the pot for mixing.
- Mix the Filling: To the cooked noodles, add the frozen peas, drained canned tuna, condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until evenly combined. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish: Butter a 9×13-inch casserole dish and transfer the noodle mixture into it, pressing gently to form an even layer.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs with the melted butter, mixing until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Top the Casserole: Sprinkle the buttered panko bread crumbs evenly over the surface of the casserole.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 15 to 20 minutes until it is hot and bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
Notes
- Nutrition information is calculated automatically and may vary depending on the brands used.
- To bake from frozen: Cover and cook for 45–60 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until heated through and the topping is browned.
- For a creamier, extra-moist casserole, add one additional can of condensed soup and ½ cup more milk before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Tuna Casserole, Classic Tuna Casserole, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Creamy Tuna Casserole, Egg Noodle Casserole
