Our easy Tuna Noodle Casserole recipe is made with canned tuna, tender egg noodles, cheddar cheese and a crispy breadcrumb topping! So creamy and cheesy, this classic comfort food is always a family favorite.
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!
Enjoy more of our favorite easy family casserole recipes like this KFC bowl casserole, 4-ingredient cheesy pizza casserole, or this creamy chicken broccoli rice casserole.
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 the Noodles: Cook the egg noodles until just al dente, drain them, and add them to a large bowl. Be careful not to overcook the noodles as they will continue to cook a little more in the oven!
- Combine: Mix in the tuna, peas, canned soup, cheese, and seasonings until combined. Spread into an even layer in a casserole dish.
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- Top: Make the topping by combining the stuffing or breadcrumbs, parsley, and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture all over the top of the filling.
- Bake: Bake until bubbly and golden brown. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set-up, then dive in and enjoy!
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!
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Ingredients
- 8 oz medium egg noodles
- 1 (9 oz) can tuna, drained
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of mushroom soup, or cream of celery
- 1 cup green peas
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- salt and pepper , to taste
Topping:
- 1 cup Pepperidge Farm classic stuffing, dry mix only, or panko bread crumbs
- ¼ cup fresh minced parsley
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
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Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick spray. Set aside.
- Cook the egg noodles according to package directions, until al dente. Drain noodles and place in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the tuna, peas, milk, soup, cheese, garlic powder and onion powder to the noodles and mix thoroughly. Seasoning with salt and pepper, to taste. Spread mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, parsley and melted butter. Spread the breadcrumb mixture over the casserole.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Serve warm.
Notes
- Store: Keep leftover tuna casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave in 30-second bursts or, for best results, bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
My family devoured this casserole!
The directions omit the milk.
Thank you, Alex, for letting us know, the recipe has been updated. Add the milk when you are adding the soup and other ingredients.
I love cooking
This is truly one of the best tuna casseroles I’ve had! It’s packed with flavor and our family couldn’t get enough!