Who doesn't like enjoying a creamy, comforting and classic American casserole dish any day? I'm talking about Tuna Noodle Casserole! My recipe is simple, quick and delicious and an all-time favorite dish in my house!
As a super busy mom, I am always on the lookout for easy, quick meals. I do love cooking and spending time in the kitchen but, as a business owner, mom and wife, I just don't always have the time! Simple, tasty meals that take under 10 minutes to put together can be a lifesaver. Do you feel the same way?
On busy nights, tuna noodle casserole is one of my go-to meals. It's such a classic dish that is also incredibly easy to make!
Tuna casserole is a creamy pasta dish that is loaded with healthy tuna and has the perfect crunchy topping. It's a one pan meal that you can whip up in less than ten minutes. It also feeds a lot of people, or, in my home, a few very hungry boys! The best part is that everyone loves it. My whole family agrees that this is one of my best dinner recipes!
Intrigued? Want to make this magical meal for your family too? Then keep reading!
Ingredients in Tuna Noodle Casserole
Tuna noodle casserole is made with a few simple ingredients. A few things from the canned section of the grocery store, a few spices, a pack of noodles and some cheese is all you need. Most of the ingredients you can keep on hand, stored in your pantry, ready to go!
Here is what you will need to make my tuna noodles casserole:
- egg noodles- I love the rich taste of egg noodles and think they are the perfect size for a baked noodle dish. They also cook quickly so you can get the casserole in the oven nice and fast!
- cream of celery soup- Cream of celery soup adds a lot of rich flavor to the casserole It is earthy and a little bit sweet.
- tuna in water- Tuna in water is healthier than tuna in oil. It also is not greasy like oil tuna. I feel like it tastes much fresher and more tender.
- frozen peas and carrots- Peas and carrots are classic tuna noodle casserole veggies. You can skip them if you'd like or stick with just peas or just carrots. So whatever your family likes!
- milk- I use whole milk to make the casserole sauce nice and hearty but any kind of milk will work!
- mayonnaise- Try lite mayo which has the same taste as real mayonnaise but a few less calories. This casserole is already plenty rich!
- salt, pepper and garlic powder- These are my perfect, go-to spices. I always have them on hand and they bring out the best flavors in this dish.
- cheddar cheese- Cheddar cheese melts into the creamy casserole sauce and also on top of the casserole, adding flavor and making the casserole look irresistable.
- bread crumbs- A crunchy breadcrumb topping may just be the best part of this dish. It adds the perfect texture and buttery taste.
- butter- I use melted butter to make the breadcrumb topping. Salted or unsalted butter will work!
None of these ingredients should be too hard to find and none of them are overly expensive. Not only is this casserole tasty and fast, but it is also economical. Are you seeing why I love it so much yet?
How to Make Tuna Noodle Casserole
When I said that this recipe takes less than ten minutes to put together, I wasn't kidding. It is so lightning fast and literally anyone can make it without a problem. To top it off, the clean up is pretty easy too!
Here's what you need to do:
1. Bring a pot of water to boil over high heat. While you're waiting for the water to boil, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and get out your 9x13 baking pan and a large mixing bowl and spoon.
2. Cook the egg noodles in the water according to the package directions.
3. While the egg noodles are cooking, stir the cream of celery soup, drained tuna, peas, carrots, milk, mayonnaise, spices and 1 cup of cheese together in a large bowl.
4. Add the cooked noodles to the bowl and stir everything well.
5. Pour the mix into the 9x13 baking pan.
6. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the casserole.
7. Melt the butter in a microwave safe bowl and then mix the breadcrumbs into the butter. Sprinkle the mix over the casserole evenly.
8. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes or until it is bubbling around the edges and the top is golden brown.
Yes, the casserole does cook for a while but, during that time, you can completely clean up the dishes, take a shower, and even have time to sit down to watch a quick show! Moms are all about multi tasking, right?
How to store tuna noodle casserole
I mentioned before that this recipe does make a good amount of casserole. While my big family eats almost the whole dish, we often have leftovers. You can store the tuna casserole, wrapped tightly, in the fridge for about 4-5 days.
Tuna noodle casserole also freezes and thaws wonderfully. You can bake the casserole completely, let it cool then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap to freeze. Freeze it for about 2 months this way, thawing it overnight in the fridge when you are ready to use it.
You can also freeze the sauce mix, mixing everything in that big bowl except the noodles. Freeze this sauce mix, thaw it any time you'd like and then toss it with the noodles and cook it fresh later on. The sauce and veggie mix will keep in the freezer for up to three months. Such easy meal prep!
Variations of Tuna Noodle Casserole
I have made this tuna noodle casserole recipe so many times and switched it up in quite a few ways. Here are a few of my favorite variations that you may want to try.
- Use gluten free noodles and almond flour instead of breadcrumbs for a GF version.
- Skip the peas and carrots and have a plain casserole
- Use shredded rotisserie chicken in place of tuna
- Use cream of mushroom soup for a whole new flavor
- Divide the casserole into large ramekins to bake individual casseroles (extra fancy!)
Let me know if you come up with any great variations for this recipe. I seriously make this dish so frequently that I am always trying to think of new little tweaks. Of course, the classic tuna noodle casserole is always fantastic just the way it is…
If you are a super busy mom like me, then I know you are going to really appreciate this recipe. It is quick, yummy recipes like this that can really save a hectic day. Tuna noodles casserole has been bringing families together for decades and now this classic recipe can make your family smile too! Enjoy.
*This post may contain affiliate links. Read our Disclosure Policy for more details.
Try these other delicious casserole recipes!
Easy Chicken Divan Casserole
Pumpkin Ground Beef Casserole
ULTIMATE Green Bean Casserole with Bacon
Easy Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
I hope you love this recipe for tuna noodle casserole - be sure to give it a review below!
Also don't forget to follow Hip Mama's Place on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter!
Print
Tuna Noodle Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 5-6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 (12 oz) bag egg noodles, uncooked
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of celery soup or 1 ¼ cup homemade
- 1 (12 oz) can light tuna in water, drained
- 1 bag (12 oz) frozen peas and carrots, rinsed ** see notes
- ⅓ cup milk
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
For the Crumb Topping:
- ½ cup bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
- In a large pot boil noodles according to package directions to al dente
- In a large bowl mix together soup, tuna, peas and carrots, milk, mayonnaise, 1 cup cheese, and seasonings until well combined
- Fold in cooked noodles and mix until well combined
- Pour mixture into a 13x9 baking dish
- In a small microwavable safe bowl melt 2 tablespoons of butter and combine with bread crumbs
- Sprinkle 1 cup cheese on top of casserole
- Sprinkle bread crumb mixture on top of casserole
- Bake for about 40-45 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly
- Store leftovers in refrigerator
Notes
Peas and carrots are optional and can be omitted. But if you want to add peas, use frozen peas only.
- Prep Time: 5-10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Prajakta says
I love casseroles. They are such good, comforting dishes. I like your recipe; simple and easy.
Karletta says
This is a family hit recipe. Great for mum on busy nights, and the kids love it. Plus we've got the vege covered too!
SONIA SEIVWRIGHT says
Yum! This Tuna Noodle Casserole recipe sounds absolutely delicious and perfect for a quick and easy meal on busy nights. It's great that you've found a way to balance your love for cooking with your busy schedule as a business owner, mom, and wife. Your family is lucky to have such a talented cook!
Richard Lowe says
I love this tuna noodle casserole recipe. I'll make it soon for guests to a party.
Nikki Wayne says
In any kind of pasta you can easily cook the sauce. Thanks for sharing this because I can add one of my kinds of sauces that I should cook.
Catherine Kay says
The Tuna Noodle Casserole recipe is a comforting classic that never fails to delight. I can't wait to try this version because I haven't had tuna casserole in a long time.
Karen Morse says
Will absolutely be trying this out and perhaps even exploring those suggested variations. Who knew a classic like tuna noodle casserole could still hold a few delightful surprises? Kudos to you for keeping the essence of a traditional dish while making it perfectly fitting for today's busy lifestyles.
Miracle Face says
Thank you for sharing this!!
Skinly says
Never had a tuna casserole before and now I'm obsessed!
Marysa says
I haven't made a casserole in so long, and I've never had tuna casserole. Sounds like a good crowd pleaser.
Beth says
Your tuna noodle casserole looks delicious! We've always used cream of mushroom soup for the base, but I'll try it with the cream of celery soup.
Mila says
Yummy!!! Can’t wait to try this - thanks for sharing
Melissa Cushing says
This looks amazing and brings me back too my childhood. I am totally making this for dinner soon ; I love it! Thank you for sharing and pinning this next!
Fransic verso says
I've never tried tuna with noodles. That's an interesting combination. I would love t try it and see how it tastes.
Neely Moldovan says
Not a big tuna fan but this sounds like a great meal!
Myyellowapron says
I love this! The recipe looks easy for me try.
Ntensibe Edgar says
Nnniiiiccceeeee....tuna noodles! I've never eaten them before. I would love to make their casserole! Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Rosey says
Casseroles are so good for the summer. Everything in one dish and easy clean up too.
Ivan Carlo Jose says
That looks fantastic! I will definitely try this recipe soon because we love noodles and tuna at home.
Kelli A says
My gram makes the best tuna casserole I have ever had and it is our go too recipe. This recipe is pretty similar!
briannemanzb says
This recipe is a classic for a reason. And you can customize it in lots of ways. Loved it.
IceCreamnStickyFingers says
This looks so good but my kids would turn up their nose to it. I’ll have to make a small batch for myself.
Ryan Escat says
That looks absolutely delicious and tasty! I would really love to try this recipe!
Angela Ricardo Bethea says
That tuna noodle casserole looks quite delicious and would love to try making this someday soon. Thanks for the recipe
Cristina Petrini says
An excellent recipe that winks at summer and the sea, to eat in company!
Bedabrata Chakraborty says
I love pot dishes especially casseroles. Your recipe seems fairly easy and I love tuna so I will try it out. Wondering if there can be a vegetarian version to this recipe for some of my family members.
Beautiful Touches says
I love it when a casserole has that crisp top, yumm!
Forever My Little Moon says
I love a good tuna casserole! Thanks for sharing your recipe!
Krystle says
This is such a classic. It tastes like what I ate growing up only better
Tara Pittman says
My mom used to make this for dinner. I will have to make this for my family.
Melissa says
I love a good adult tuna noodle casserole for busy nights. This looks like a tasty one.
Amber Myers says
I am excited to try this for dinner. It looks like something my family would enjoy.
Tasheena says
This casserole looks really savory, I would love to make this for my family.
Beth says
I love a good tuna noodle casserole! I'll absolutely be making this. It looks delicious.