Description
Quick and Easy Tuna Casserole is a comforting, creamy, and hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in under 30 minutes, it combines tender egg noodles, savory canned tuna, a creamy mushroom sauce, and melted cheddar cheese topped with crunchy breadcrumbs. This budget-friendly classic is kid-friendly, easily customizable, and satisfying for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 can (5 oz) chunk light or albacore tuna, drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
Topping
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Optional Aromatics
- 1/2 cup chopped onion, sautéed (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced, sautéed (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine condensed cream of mushroom soup with milk, stirring until smooth and creamy. Add in the drained canned tuna, frozen peas, and if using, sautéed onions and garlic. Mix everything until well combined.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Fold the cooked noodles into the sauce mixture gently, ensuring every noodle is coated with the creamy tuna sauce to keep the casserole moist and delicious throughout.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish, then spoon the tuna noodle mixture into it, spreading evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Add Topping and Bake: Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter until combined, then sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer. Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
Notes
- Use Al Dente Pasta: Cook pasta slightly firm to avoid a mushy casserole after baking.
- Drain Tuna Well: Excess liquid can make the casserole watery, so drain tuna thoroughly.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently fold ingredients to keep the noodles intact and maintain texture.
- Cheese Choice Matters: Sharp cheddar provides richer flavor, while milder cheeses keep it more subtle.
- Rest After Baking: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving to help it set and be easier to portion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/4 casserole)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: tuna casserole, quick dinner, easy casserole, creamy tuna pasta, weeknight meal, comfort food