Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

There’s something so cozy and nostalgic about tuna noodle casserole. It’s a childhood favorite of mine that my mom always made with homemade breadcrumbs on top. I love making it for my own kids – and now grandkids – but I cheat and use store-bought cubed stuffing on top instead. Just trust me, it creates the perfect crispy topping you wont’ be able to resist. Even my pickiest eater (and she really is quite selective) loves this cheesy, creamy casserole recipe! Check out what makes this dish such an instant classic:

• Classic Comfort Food: This is one of those rare meals that’s cozy and satisfying all year round, no matter what the weather is.
• Family-Friendly: This casserole is always a hit with the kids. We refer to it as “cheesy noodle goodness,” because that’s what it is!
• Crunchy Topping: My trick for using store-bought stuffing on top creates a golden, crispy topping that adds the perfect contrast to the creamy filling.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble ahead of time, then pop it in the oven whenever you’re ready to eat!

Key Ingredients

Below you will find helpful notes for key ingredients used to make this recipe for tuna casserole. Scroll down to the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and exact amounts!

• Noodles: You’ll want egg noodles for tuna casserole! We don’t recommend using anything else as they have the best texture for tuna casserole. We used medium sized egg noodles, but wide egg noodles will also work.
• Tuna: Canned albacore is our go to, but you can use any kind you prefer. Make sure to drain it well and flake it with a fork before adding it to the filling.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: You can use any kind of “cream of condensed soup”, but we choose to keep it classic with cream of mushroom. Cream of celery or cream of onion soup also works well!
• Peas: Sweet peas make every bite amazing! No need to thaw the peas if using frozen peas.
• Cheddar Cheese: If possible, try to shred your cheese right off the block for the best results.
• Toppings: We really like using the dried Pepperidge Farm classic stuffing mixed with a little fresh parsley and melted butter on top. Just trust us! However, you can use panko breadcrumbs instead.

How to Make Tuna Noodle Casserole

Below is a quick recipe overview to show you how simple it is to assemble this easy tuna noodle casserole recipe. The hardest part is waiting for the noodles to boil! Please scroll down to the recipe card for full printable instructions.

Cook’s Tips & Variations

• Make It Cheesier: You can add an extra cup of shredded cheese to the filling and add a cup of shredded cheese on top (before the bread topping).
• Don’t Overcook: Make sure you do not overcook your casserole! If it’s in the oven too long, it will dry out and not be as creamy as it should be.
• Add More Veggies: Add diced mushrooms, chopped spinach, onion, corn, or even green beans, if you’d like to pack in the veggies.
• Top It Off: Try crushed potato chips, Ritz crackers, or French fried onions as a topping alternatives for different flavor combinations.

Make-Ahead Casserole

This tuna casserole is perfect for bringing to sick friends and family or someone who just had a new baby! To keep the topping extra crisp, you can wait to add it until right before baking.

• Assemble and Store: Prep it a few days ahead, following all directions until it comes to the step of placing it in the oven. Instead, cover the casserole tightly with saran wrap or foil and store it into the fridge for up to 48 hours.
• Bake: When you’re ready to bake the casserole, take it out of the fridge, remove the cover and let it rest on the counter for 30 minutes. Then bake as directed!