Why You’ll Love Best Tuna Casserole Recipe
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It combines creamy and crunchy textures — the soft noodles and sauce paired with the crisp potato chip topping make each bite interesting.
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It’s quick to prepare: minimal active work (about 10 minutes) and bakes in just 15–20 minutes.
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It’s budget‑friendly and uses pantry‑friendly ingredients like canned soup and tuna, frozen peas, and noodles.
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The whole dish serves six, making it great for families or leftovers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 (12‑ounce) package egg noodles
2 (10.5‑ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
2 (5‑ounce) cans tuna, drained
1 cup frozen green peas
½ (4.5‑ounce) can sliced mushrooms
¼ cup chopped onion
1 cup crushed potato chips
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Cook the egg noodles in a large pot of lightly salted boiling water until tender yet firm to the bite, about 7–9 minutes; drain.
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In a large bowl, mix the drained noodles, cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup of the Cheddar cheese, tuna, peas, mushrooms, and chopped onion until evenly coated.
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Transfer the mixture into a 9 × 13‑inch (approximate) baking dish.
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Sprinkle the crushed potato chips evenly over the top, then scatter the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top of the chips.
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Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and the edges are lightly golden, about 15‑20 minutes.
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Serve hot and enjoy.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: ~30 minutes
Variations
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Instead of potato chips for the topping, you can use crushed butter crackers, cornflakes, or French‑fried onions for a different crunch.
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Swap the mushrooms for fresh sautéed mushrooms to deepen the flavor.
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Add some minced garlic, herbs such as Italian seasoning or rosemary, or black pepper for additional seasoning.
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Increase the amount of peas or onion or tuna to alter the ratio of pasta to vegetable/protein.
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Replace tuna with cooked shredded chicken for a chicken noodle‑casserole version.
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Use a different type of cheese (e.g., mozzarella or Swiss) or a mix of cheeses for varied flavor.
Storage/Reheating
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Refrigerate leftovers in a shallow, airtight container for up to four days.
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To reheat: warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, or gently reheat in the microwave.
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To freeze: After baking and cooling, wrap the dish (or transfer to a foil pan) in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge then reheat.
FAQs
What kind of noodles should I use?
Egg noodles work best for this casserole because they hold up well and pair nicely with the creamy sauce. If you can’t find them, other short pasta like elbow macaroni or fusilli will work.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes — just make sure to blanch or lightly cook the fresh peas until tender, then drain well before mixing into the casserole.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the casserole (up through step 5) the day before, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
What can I serve with this tuna casserole?
A simple fresh salad, steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts make good side options to balance the richness of the dish.
My topping got soggy — how can I keep it crunchy?
Use crushed chips just before baking (or even add them during the last few minutes of baking) so they stay crisp. Alternatively, use a crunchy topping like French‑fried onions or butter crackers.
Can I use a different soup besides cream of mushroom?
Yes — you can substitute cream of celery or cream of chicken soup if you prefer, though the flavor will change accordingly.
Is this recipe freezer friendly?
Yes — after baking and cooling, wrap the casserole securely and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How can I make this recipe lighter?
Use low‑fat or reduced‑sodium condensed soup, reduce the cheese amount slightly, or increase the proportion of vegetables (peas, onion) and reduce the noodles.
My casserole is too dry — what can I do?
If the mixture seems dry after baking, adding a splash of milk or extra cream of soup before baking can help increase creaminess.
Can I skip the potato chips on top?
Yes — if you prefer to skip the chip topping you can omit it or replace it with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a different texture.
Conclusion
This tuna casserole is a dependable, comforting meal that brings together creamy pasta, hearty tuna, and a fun crunchy topping. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet satisfying enough to serve to guests. With easy variations and solid storage options, it’s a recipe you’ll likely return to again and again. Enjoy making it and putting your personal twist on it!
