Craving a warm, comforting meal that the whole family will love?
Look no further than tuna noodle casserole!
This classic dish combines tender pasta, creamy sauce, and flavorful tuna for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this casserole is the answer.
We’ll walk you through how to make this iconic casserole from scratch, including tips on ingredient swaps and how to make it your own.
Ready to dive in?
Essential Ingredients for Tuna Noodle Casserole
Creating the perfect tuna noodle casserole is all about choosing the right ingredients. While the dish is versatile, these are the essential components that make up the foundation of this classic casserole.
1. Pasta
The pasta is the backbone of the dish, and egg noodles are the most commonly used choice. They hold the creamy sauce well, and their texture is perfect for casseroles. You can also use penne, rotini, or macaroni for a fun twist!
2. Canned Tuna
Tuna is the star ingredient. When choosing tuna, light tuna in water is the most commonly used, but white albacore tuna provides a firmer texture and a more delicate flavor. Make sure to drain the tuna properly to avoid excess liquid in your casserole.
3. Creamy Sauce
Most tuna noodle casserole recipes rely on canned cream of mushroom soup, but you can also make a homemade white sauce (béchamel) for a richer, more decadent flavor. The creamy sauce binds the tuna and pasta together, giving the casserole its signature richness.
4. Vegetables
Frozen peas are a popular vegetable in this dish, adding a pop of color and sweetness. You can also incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms to elevate the flavor.
5. Toppings
Breadcrumbs add crunch to the casserole’s top, while shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella provides a golden, melty finish. You can get creative with your toppings based on your preferences.
How to Make Tuna Noodle Casserole: Step-by-Step
Making tuna noodle casserole is a straightforward process, and the result is always delicious! Follow these simple steps to create your own:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.
2. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente (slightly firm). Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Vegetables
If you’re using fresh vegetables, chop them into bite-sized pieces. For frozen peas, simply thaw them by running them under warm water. You can also sauté any other veggies like onions or bell peppers to add more flavor to your casserole.
4. Make the Sauce
In a saucepan, combine your cream of mushroom soup (or homemade sauce) with a bit of milk to create a smooth, pourable consistency. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like—garlic powder or onion powder work well here!
5. Assemble the Casserole
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, cooked pasta, vegetables, and sauce. Stir everything together until it’s evenly coated.
6. Top and Bake
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with a generous layer of breadcrumbs and shredded cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and golden on top.
Tips for Making the Best Tuna Noodle Casserole
1. Avoid Dryness
If your casserole turns out too dry, it’s likely that the sauce didn’t have enough moisture. To prevent this, always use a creamy sauce and make sure to stir everything well to distribute the sauce evenly. You can also add a splash of milk or cream to keep it moist.
2. Extra Flavor
Add extra depth of flavor by seasoning your casserole with garlic powder, onion powder, or even a splash of lemon juice. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can also brighten up the dish.
3. Make it Creamier
For a richer casserole, mix in a little sour cream or cream cheese to the sauce. This will add extra creaminess and a slight tanginess to balance the flavors.
4. Make Ahead
Tuna noodle casserole is a great make-ahead dish. Prepare it up to the point of baking, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the oven for 30 minutes.
Variations and Substitutions
While the classic version of tuna noodle casserole is always a hit, there are plenty of variations and substitutions you can try!
1. Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Options
For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free pasta and a dairy-free cream soup. Almond milk or coconut milk can be used in place of regular milk to keep it dairy-free.
2. Chicken or Salmon Instead of Tuna
Feel free to swap the tuna for cooked chicken, salmon, or even shrimp if you prefer. These proteins work wonderfully with the creamy sauce and pasta.
3. Vegetable Additions
Try adding extra vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or carrots to increase the nutritional value of the casserole. You can even sneak in some roasted garlic or mushrooms for an extra flavor boost.
4. Vegan Tuna Casserole
If you follow a vegan diet, you can use plant-based tuna alternatives, vegan cream of mushroom soup, and non-dairy cheese to create a delicious, vegan-friendly tuna noodle casserole.
Serving Suggestions for Tuna Noodle Casserole
Tuna noodle casserole is hearty on its own, but pairing it with side dishes can make for a complete meal.
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the creamy casserole. You can find our salad recipes here.
- Garlic Bread: Serve up some garlic bread for extra crunch and flavor.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans are perfect sides to complement this casserole.
Tuna Noodle Casserole
Ingredients
- 12 oz egg noodles or your choice of pasta
- 2 cans (5 oz) each tuna in water, drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or homemade white sauce)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup frozen peas or fresh vegetables like carrots or bell peppers
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese optional
- ½ cup breadcrumbs optional for topping
- 1 tbsp olive oil optional for greasing the baking dish
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley optional for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray to prevent the casserole from sticking.
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Prepare the Vegetables
- If you’re using frozen peas, simply thaw them by running warm water over them in a strainer. If you’re adding other vegetables like bell peppers or onions, chop them into bite-sized pieces.
Make the Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Stir until smooth and heated through. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Continue to stir until everything is well combined. If you like it creamier, add more milk.
Combine the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, add the drained tuna, cooked pasta, peas, and sauce. Stir everything together until evenly combined.
Assemble the Casserole
- Transfer the mixture to your greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs and shredded cheddar cheese on top for extra flavor and texture.
Bake
- Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling. If you like a crispier top, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve and enjoy!