This Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole makes for a quick and inexpensive comforting family meal. With just a few ingredients and just a few minutes time, you can have dinner on the table quite quickly.

 

My grandmother always made large casserole dishes that would stretch to serve the whole family. Quite often, she would make Tuna Noodle Casserole. I am not much  of a fan of tuna, I actually really disliked it when I was younger. The only dish I would eat that contained tuna was her super simple tuna casserole.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• It’s budget friendly and uses ingredients you already have on hand in your pantry.
• You can customize it easily to your own tastes with different types of noodles, vegetables, or herbs.
• It comes together in little time and with minimal effort.
• It’s a great “make ahead” meal recipe.

Ingredients for Easy Tuna Casserole

The base of this creamy tuna casserole is made with canned tuna and egg noodles which are then combined with a creamy sauce. To make a delicious meal that your whole family will love.

• Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup – This condensed soup is perfect for giving some flavor and creamy goodness to this casserole. You could also use cream of celery soup.
• Egg Noodles – Act as the starch in this casserole to help make it filling.
• Milk – Help thin the soup to give you a rich and creamy sauce for your dish.
• Peas – Frozen peas are great because you don’t even need to thaw them first. You could also use frozen green beans if your family prefers them.
• Tuna – Canned tuna packed in water gives this casserole the protein that you need to keep your family full. Consider using a solid white albacore tuna.
• Cheese – I used a sharp cheddar cheese. A mild cheddar would work too!
• Crushed Potato Chips – Potato chips give the casserole a salty and crunchy topping which makes this casserole downright crave-worthy.

See recipe card for quantities.

How To Make Tuna Noodle Casserole

This easy tuna casserole comes together in just a few simple steps, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, you don’t have not a lot of equipment when making this creamy pasta recipe, so you don’t have to worry about too many dishes.

1. Boil the noodles according to the package directions and drain well. Then, set the noodles aside while you make the sauce.
2. In a larger bowl, whisk together milk and soup.
3. Drain the tuna well, and then add it to the bowl with the sauce.
4. Next add in the peas. There is no need to thaw them first.
5. Stir in the noodles. Pour the noodle mixture into a square baking dish. And, bake for 20 minutes until bubbling.
6. Stir and sprinkle top with cheese and potato chips. Return to oven for 5 minutes until top is lightly browned. Salt and black pepper to taste.

Hint: For easy clean up make sure to spray your casserole dish well with non-stick cooking spray. Or grease it with butter or shortening.

Substitutions

Don’t worry if you out of an ingredient here are a few tried and true substitutions that can help save you try to the grocery sore.

• Pasta – If you don’t have egg noodles on hand, you can use any other cooked pasta like rotini noodles.
• Veggies – Out of frozen peas? You can use fresh peas or a canned of peas that has been drained instead.
• Soup – If you are not a fan of mushrooms or don’t have a can of the soup on hand, you can use cream of chicken soup instead.

Variations

Do you want to add some more flavorful to this easy tuna casserole recipe? Here are a few ways that you can personalize this classic recipe.

Topping – Instead of a salty potato chip topping, you could switch them out and use seasoned breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter instead. Also consider Ritz crackers mixed with butter for a topping.

Herbs – Add in a tablespoon of fresh or dried herbs like parsley, thyme, oregano or basil for even more delicious flavor.

Veggies – You can also toss in diced bell peppers, carrots, celery or onions for added nutrition.

If you love tuna you may also enjoy this

Storage / Freezing

Leftovers – Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Freezing – To freeze, let cool completely and store in an airtight container or freezer safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy it thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

FAQ

Other Easy Casserole Recipes

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Consider Serving these with Tuna Casserole

These are my favorite dishes to serve with Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole: