Tuna Casserole

Everyone remembers quintessential Tuna Casserole from growing up and this recipe is the best! It’s super simple for an easy weeknight casserole recipe. A creamy noodle mixture loaded with cheese, peas and tuna then topped with a buttery Panko crumb topping.

Did you grow up eating this classic casserole? I sure did and now I make it for my family! Tuna casserole is one of our favorite comfort food dinners — it’s one of those dinners that everyone loves!

My recipe is super simple and perfect for weeknights. The creamy noodles with the sweet peas and tuna are so delicious and, of course, it has the classic crunchy breadcrumb topping! I would never skip it – it’s my favorite part!

I’ve seen a lot of tuna noodle casseroles with a lot of crazy ingredients so I keep mine simple so it’s easy to make with flavors your family will love. Add some air fryer broccoli or asparagus to make it a complete meal. If it’s been a while since you’ve made this classic you’ll want to add it to your must-make list!

Why You’ll Love this Tuna Casserole Recipe

• It’s a great meal to make for friends or family. Once you’ve assembled it, just chill it, write a note with the baking instructions and all they have to do is pop it in the oven!
• What I love best about this recipe is that it calls for mostly pantry ingredients. I always have the ingredients on hand so I can make it when it’s busy and I don’t have time to shop.
• It only takes 10 minutes of prep time to mix this dish together and pop it into the oven!

Ingredients for Tuna Casserole

• Egg noodles – This is the best part about this casserole, the egg noodles! But you could substitute other kinds of pasta if you want. If you do I would stick with thinner types of pasta like fettuccine or linguini. You could also use pappardelle pasta which is a thinner ribbon-like pasta.
• Panko – Instead of regular dried breadcrumbs, I like to use panko bread crumbs which create a crunchier topping. You can use breadcrumbs if that’s all you have!
• Onion – Dice up a red onion for a delicious flavor mixed into this dish.
• Cream of mushroom soup – While I prefer the flavor of cream of mushroom, you can use cream of chicken soup or cream of celery if you prefer.
• Tuna – Use cans of chunk tuna in this tuna noodle casserole recipe.
• Peas – For best results, use a bag of frozen peas.
• Shredded cheese – I love the creaminess that cheddar cheese adds to this dish.
• Milk – Whole milk makes the sauce extra creamy, but 2% will work as well.

What I love best about this recipe is that it calls for mostly pantry ingredients. I always have the ingredients on hand so I can make it when it’s busy and I don’t have time to shop.

Instead of regular dried breadcrumbs, I like to use panko bread crumbs which create a crunchier topping. You can use breadcrumbs if that’s all you have!

How to Make Tuna Noodle Casserole

Fill a pot with water and then boil the noodles according to package instructions until they are al dente, then drain them.

In a large bowl, combine the noodles with the chopped onion, shredded cheddar cheese, peas, cream of mushroom soup and tuna. Spread the mixture in a prepared 9×13″ baking dish.

Then in a small bowl, mix together the melted butter with panko and sprinkle the mixture in an even layer over the top of the casserole.

Bake the casserole for about 20 minutes or until it’s hot and bubbling. Allow to sit for a few minutes, then serve!

Can I make tuna casserole ahead of time?

Yes! This makes for a very easy freezer meal. Under cook the noodles slightly, then pour everything into a freezer safe casserole dish and skip the crispy panko topping. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover with aluminum foil and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When ready to bake, just thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Before baking make the crumb topping, top and bake. I add about 15 minutes to baking time since it’s cold to begin with.

You can also simply you can prep this casserole up to a day in advance and then bake it later. Since it will be cold from the refrigerator you may need to add a few minutes on the cooking time. It’s also important to pull it out of the fridge for a bit before baking if it’s in glass dish — this will help ensure that the change in temperature doesn’t crack the glass.

How to Store Leftover Tuna Casserole

The leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for two to three days. I like to store them in smaller containers so we have some easy lunches — just warm it up in the microwave! You can freeze baked leftovers if you’d like, but the noodles may be pretty mushy after being thawed and baked once again.

Can I add extra veggies to tuna casserole?

You can totally add other ingredients if you want to dress it up. Vegetables like broccoli, green beans and cooked mushrooms would work well! You can also switch up the cheese — try white cheddar or gruyere cheese. Sometimes I sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the breadcrumbs.

Herbs like fresh parsley and thyme would also be tasty mixed into this dish.

What can I use place of panko for a topping?

Regular breadcrumbs will work great in place of panko! You can also make a crunchy, buttery topping from crushed ritz crackers. Or add extra flavor to the dish with a topping made from french-fried onions.

What to Serve with Tuna Casserole

This cozy tuna noodle casserole recipe pairs wonderfully with veggie sides. I like making some air fryer broccoli or baked zucchini fries with it. You can also serve with some cozy breadsticks or easy garlic bread. These easy roasted vegetables would be a great side dish too! You can also simply serve tuna noodle casserole all on its own.

If you’ve been craving some serious comfort food I think you’re going to love this easy tuna casserole! You’ll want it in your dinner rotation after you try it – it’s one of my family’s favorite dinners. Want more easy dinner recipes? Be sure to check out some more of my favorite recipes!

More Easy Dinner Recipes

• My goulash recipe is another long-time family favorite! Lots of noodles, beef, a savory sauce, and cheese is always a hit when I make it!
• You can’t go wrong with spaghetti and meatballs – tender meatballs and pasta is always a winner at my house.
• Hamburger stroganoff is an easy dinner you can make in your Instant Pot!
• If you love lasagna you are going to love this easy Baked Ziti casserole.
• This BBQ Chicken Casserole is made gluten free, low carb and protein packed with zucchini noodles and Greek yogurt! Great for healthy weeknight dinners!
• Beef Ragu turns chuck roast into a delicious seasoned beef tomato mixture that is served over pappardelle pasta.
• Creamy Cabbage Casserole is a summertime side dish perfect for that garden fresh cabbage. 
• You just can’t beat a traditional casserole recipe! There’s something so comforting about diving into a hearty casserole for dinner. We have gathered the best of the best casserole recipes for you to try!