Name: Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz wide egg noodles; 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained; 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup milk; 1 ½ cups frozen peas; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided; ½ cup mayonnaise or sour cream; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz); 2 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

If you're seeking the ultimate comfort food that's ridiculously easy to whip up, this Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe is about to become your best friend. We're talking ultra-creamy noodles wrapped in a savory, cheesy sauce with juicy bites of tuna and a golden, crispy topping-absolutely dreamy!

This dinner is a time-saving classic that delivers big on nostalgic flavor without any hassle. Perfect for busy weeknights, it's a total crowd-pleaser that always vanishes fast and gets rave reviews, even from picky eaters.

It's been a go-to favorite in my family for years-we crave it when the weather turns chilly or when we just need a relaxing, fuss-free meal. Trust me, one bite and you'll understand why it's a must-try!

Baked tuna casserole with golden crust and creamy interior

Why You'll Love This Recipe

One-pan wonder: Everything bakes together in one dish, saving you time and cleanup.
Creamy & satisfying: Rich sauce and gooey cheese make every bite irresistible.
Quick & pantry-friendly: Uses simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
Family-approved: Even picky eaters love the mild, comforting flavors.

Key Ingredients for Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Canned Tuna

Canned tuna is the star of this hearty casserole, providing satisfying protein and classic seafood flavor. Choose tuna packed in water for a lighter casserole or oil-packed for a richer taste. Be sure to drain it thoroughly before mixing to keep the casserole from getting watery. Albacore or light tuna both work well-use whatever you have!

Egg Noodles

Egg noodles are the traditional base, holding up wonderfully to the creamy sauce. Their soft, wide shape is perfect for absorbing flavor. If you're out of egg noodles, swap in rotini, macaroni, or any short pasta you love-just cook until barely al dente to prevent mushiness.

Cream of Mushroom Soup

This pantry staple gives the casserole a decadent, savory creaminess. Go for low-sodium soup if you want to control salt levels. You can substitute with cream of celery or cream of chicken soup for a slightly different flavor, or even use a homemade béchamel if you're feeling from-scratch ambitious.

Frozen Peas

Frozen peas add cheerful pops of sweetness and color to every bite, balancing the richness of the sauce. No need to thaw-just stir them in frozen. If peas aren't your thing, try frozen corn or mixed vegetables for a tasty twist.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese

A generous sprinkle of sharp cheddar melts lusciously into the sauce and bubbles into a golden topping. For extra creaminess, you can use part Monterey Jack or mozzarella. Want more punch? Mix in some Parmesan!

Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe cooking process

Instructions for Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add egg noodles and cook for 1-2 minutes less than package directions (they'll finish in the oven). Drain well and set aside.

Mix the Sauce & Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, mayonnaise or sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper until smooth. Fold in the drained tuna, frozen peas, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

Combine with Noodles

Add the cooked noodles to the bowl and gently toss everything together until the noodles are well coated and the filling is evenly distributed.

Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly and top with the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese.

Make & Add the Crunchy Topping

In a small bowl, stir the crushed crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are lightly moistened. Sprinkle generously over the casserole for that irresistible golden crunch.

Bake Until Bubbly

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe Variations

Make It Gluten-Free

Replace the egg noodles with your favorite gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs for the crunchy topping. Double-check your soup to ensure it's gluten-free as well!

Veggie-Loaded Version

Add extra frozen veggies like corn, carrots, or a stir-fry blend to bump up the nutrition and color. Broccoli florets work wonderfully for an even heartier casserole.

Lighten It Up

Use light mayonnaise or sour cream, low-fat cheese, and reduced-sodium soup for a lighter casserole that still satisfies. You can also sub in plain Greek yogurt for added protein.

Dairy-Free Twist

Go dairy-free by swapping in your favorite unsweetened plant-based milk, vegan cheese shreds, coconut cream or vegan mayo, and a dairy-free cream soup alternative.

Spice It Up

For an adult-friendly kick, add a dash of hot sauce, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, or chopped pickled jalapeños to the sauce before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Round out your meal by serving this easy tuna casserole with a crisp green salad and a bright vinaigrette for contrast. Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli make excellent sides, too. Garnish each portion with extra cracked black pepper and fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions until hot. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe (FAQ)

Q: Can I make Easy Tuna Casserole ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to one day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add the cracker topping and bake when ready to serve.

Q: What type of tuna works best in this recipe?

A: Both albacore and light tuna work well. You can use tuna packed in water for a lighter result or oil-packed for extra richness.

Q: Can I freeze tuna casserole?

A: Yes, tuna casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly and freeze before or after baking. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

This classic Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe brings creamy, satisfying comfort to your table with almost no effort. It's a full-on weeknight hero that never disappoints! If you give it a try, let me know how it turned out-leave a comment and your rating below!