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Home » Recipes » Entrees

Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole

Published: Sep 2, 2022 · Modified: Jan 22, 2023 by Bowl Me Over · 53 Comments

Jump to Recipe

Gather round the dinner table for this meal. Tuna Casserole with Egg Noodles is classic comfort food!. Tender egg noodles and mushroom soup mixed with albacore tuna, combined with shredded cheese, sliced mushrooms and fresh peas. Baked until hot and bubbly with a crunchy golden brown topping

There are many great casserole recipes on the blog, be sure to put the King Ranch Chicken Casserole on the menu for this week! It's like a cheesy chicken enchilada without all the fussy prep!

Spoon filled with baked tuna noodle casserole
Easy comfort food tuna casserole is a meal everyone loves!
Jump to:
  • 🧡 Why you'll love this recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Equipment
  • 🙋‍♀️ FAQ's
  • Tips
  • Variations
  • Storage
  • Video
  • 🥗 Serving Suggestions
  • SERVE GREAT MEALS EVERY TIME! 👇
  • Related Recipes
  • Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

🧡 Why you'll love this recipe

This Tuna Noodle Casserole recipe is pure comfort food! It's made using simple pantry ingredients that you keep on-hand.

Everyone needs a simple recipe like this to put together because it's all about pantry staples. It's a great meal when you don't know what to cook and don't feel like going to the store. Look in your pantry and refrigerator, I bet you'll have everything you need!

The end result is an easy tuna casserole recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights meals!

Photo of ingredients needed to make this recipe, with print overlay.
Ingredients you'll need to make Classic Tuna Casserole

Ingredients

You'll only need a handful of simple ingredients. For the exact measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

  • flaky tuna, you'll need 2 cans of tuna fish - you can substitute canned chicken, that will be terrific as well.
  • wide or medium egg noodles are the traditional choice, but you can use other types of pasta; penne, rigatoni or elbow macaroni would be delicious as well.
  • mushroom cream soup - cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup can be substituted.
  • mushrooms - I used canned mushrooms, but you can also use fresh mushrooms. You can also omit them and this classic tuna noodle casserole will still be delicious!
  • shredded cheddar cheese and parmesan - substitute Colby, or pepper jack, super yummy! You could substitute pecorino if parmesan cheese isn't available.
  • frozen peas are best!
  • half & half - you can substitute whole milk or even evaporated milk, that would make it super creamy!
  • bread crumbs - panko bread crumbs will make the topping super crispy - yum! You can also use Italian bread crumbs for crispy flavor.
Step by step photo instructions to make this recipe. With print overlay.
Instructions to make an old fashioned tuna noodle casserole.

Instructions

This is an overview, for detailed instructions just scroll down to the bottom!

  1. Cook noodles according to package directions to al dente.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the soup, milk, mushrooms and tuna making a creamy sauce.
  3. Fold in the noodles and cheese into the cream sauce, pour the tuna mixture into a baking dish, add the bread crumb mixture to the top, melt butter and drizzle on top of the casserole.
  4. Bake the cheesy tuna casserole in the oven, finish under the broiler.

How easy is that? A pantry meal that's delicious and doesn't break the bank - gotta love that!

Equipment

The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

  • These mixing bowls - I have two sets and use them daily!
  • I have two sets of measuring spoons. I like these because they fit in the spice jars.
  • 9x13-inch baking dish - this one has great handles, making it easy to handle when hot.

🙋‍♀️ FAQ's

What can I top a tuna casserole with?

Bread crumbs - store-bought or homemade, whatever you have! What, no bread crumbs? Substitute with potato chips, crushed pretzels or a can of fried onions.

You can easily make your own bread crumbs using stale bread, rolls or croissants. Just give them a rough chop and blitz them in the food processor.

Do you bake tuna noodle casserole covered or uncovered?

Bake covered for the first 30 minutes - uncover and finish by browning under the broiler.

What kind of tuna is best for this dish?

I recommend solid white albacore tuna packed in water, certainly use the tuna product you and your family enjoy most!

Overhead photo of baked casserole dish, with a serving removed.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Tips

  • Cheddar, Monterey Jack or ? Use your favorite cheese!
  • Cook the noodles to al dente so the noodles don't get mushy after baking.
  • Make in advance - Prepare the casserole up to a day before. Wait to add the topping until you're ready to bake.
  • Double this classic recipe and freeze a second casserole. Perfect dinner tonight or the days you don't want to cook!

Make in advance - prepare the casserole as directed but do not add the topping. Cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add the bread crumbs then bake until hot and bubbly!

Variations

This is just the BEST Tuna Casserole and you can have fun making it your own.

  • Top the noodle casserole recipe with crushed potato chips, crushed ritz crackers or French fried onions - yum!!
  • Spice it up with a healthy pinch of red pepper flakes or a couple dashes of hot sauce. Substitute chicken for tuna, that's an option too!
  • You can use any of the creamed canned soups in this recipe.
  • Sautéed onions and mushrooms is a great edition to the tuna noodle casserole recipe.
Plate filled with tuna noodle casserole, with full casserole dish in the background.
This is a great recipe using pantry and freezer staples.

Storage

Refrigerator - This from scratch Tuna Noodle Casserole keeps in the refrigerator up to three days. Refrigerate leftovers in a food storage container.

Freezer - Store in an airtight container, or wrap well with aluminum foil. It freezes wonderfully as well, up to three months.

Reheat - you can reheat leftover tuna casserole in the microwave but my preference is baking so the top re-crisps (that's a word, right?!!). It will take a few more minutes to reheat out of the refrigerator - plan on baking 30-35 minutes.

Video

Click on the image to watch this fun video and see me make this recipe from start to finish with extra tips! (Video opens in a new tab).

Click here to watch the full video on YouTube.

🥗 Serving Suggestions

Are you wondering what to serve with tuna casserole? Find over a hundred ideas here!

  • The classic tuna noodle casserole is a rich dish, this recipe for steamed Brussels sprouts balances it so well with its simple fresh flavor.
  • 3 ingredient steamed green beans - super delicious and simple it takes just minutes to make!
  • This one is a favorite! Braised Swiss Chard - buttery, savory - SO GOOD! Sauté on the stovetop while the casserole is baking!
  • Southern Style Green Beans - loaded with bacon, onions and garlic, this isn't your ordinary side dish - YUM!

SERVE GREAT MEALS EVERY TIME! 👇

Related Recipes

The blog is filled with easy recipes! Next time try Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole or this recipe for Chicken and Broccoli Pasta - yummy one pot meals that are quick and easy to make!

  • Loaded Baked Potato Casserole - easy to make this can be a side or main dish! I just love these tasty potatoes!
  • Everyone loves this recipe for Cowboy Tater Tot Casserole! It's filled with big beefy and flavor and super easy to make and hello.... tater tots!
  • Vegetable Casserole - loaded with vegetables topped with sauce and cheese, this one is delicious!
  • Even your pickiest eaters will love this recipe! This ground beef casserole has a tomato cheese base and it's so simple to make - family favorite!
  • Philly Cheesesteak Baked Tortellini Casserole, easy to make and a real crowd pleaser, this is always on the menu!
  • Tamale Pie - an easy Tex-Mex casserole dish everyone loves!
  • This recipe for baked pasta primavera is packed with vegetables and perfect for spring and summer!
BEST Tuna Casserole Recipe

I bet you'll enjoy this for dinner, it's the perfect meal! If you post a photo, please tag me! I'd love to see the photo of your Tuna and Noodle Casserole!

You can tag me with #bowlmeover or if you're on Instagram use @bowl_me_over I can't wait to see how yummy this turned out for you!

Noodle Casserole with peas on spoon.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
4.93 from 57 votes

Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

Baked until hot and bubbly then tucked under the broiler, Cheesy Tuna Casserole is an easy recipe the whole family will love. One of our favorite comfort food recipes!
Prevent your screen from going dark
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Total Time35 mins
Course: Lunch or Dinner
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 440kcal
Author: Deb Clark
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Equipment

  • 9x13 casserole dish

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces egg noodles regular or whole wheat egg noodles can be used.
  • 10 ounces tuna packed in water, well drained - two cans
  • 7 ounces sliced mushrooms one can, well drained
  • 21 ounces cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken canned soup - you'lll need two cans.
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 cups cheese shredded
  • 1 ¼ cups half and half
  • ¾ cup dry bread crumbs
  • 2 tablespoon butter divided
  • 2 tablespoon parmesan cheese shredded
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

I earn a commission from Instacart from qualifying purchases.

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  • Boil egg noodles until just al dente (the package called for 7-8 minutes I boiled them for 6) in salted water. Drain well
  • Butter the baking dish using 1 tablespoon butter.
  • Drain the tuna and flake. Drain the mushrooms. Shred the cheese.
  • In a large mixing bowl, mix the mushroom soup with the half and half. 
  • Add the noodles, tuna, mushrooms, peas, and cheese to the mushroom sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Mix everything together well and pour it into the prepared casserole dish.
  • Top with bread crumbs and drizzle the remaining melted butter over the crunchy topping. Sprinkle parmesan cheese over the top.
  • Cover with foil and bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and place under the broiler for 3-4 minutes until the top is golden brown.

Notes

Make in advance - prepare the casserole as directed but do not add the topping. Cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Remove and allow the casserole dish to come to room temperature. Add the topping on and bake until hot and bubbly.
Originally this casserole was prepared using just one can of cream of mushroom soup. An additional can was added and it made all the difference, taking it from a good recipe to a great recipe! 
You can use a variety of items for the crunchy topping like potato chips, crushed pretzels, saltine cracks, goldfish crackers would be super fun!
Add ¼ of chicken broth for a super creamy casserole.
½ cup finely diced yellow onion will add a light oniony flavor. 
If you'd prefer to make this in the slow cooker, check out the Crockpot Tuna Casserole Recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 440kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 93mg | Sodium: 810mg | Potassium: 257mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 890IU | Vitamin C: 10.1mg | Calcium: 385mg | Iron: 1.8mg
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About Bowl Me Over

Welcome to Bowl Me Over! My name is Debra and I send warm greetings from sunny California. I am a serious foodie – I’ve been known as the go-to girl in our family for years, catering weddings and anniversary parties. In the summer I help cook mountains of food for our family reunions. Often times things I create end up in a bowl, hence the name Bowl Me Over! Let's stay connected, you can email me at [email protected] and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Karen

    February 18, 2022 at 6:19 pm

    5 stars
    I love your casseroles; especially with pasta.
    tyvm, Karen

    Reply
    • Rob

      November 17, 2022 at 10:29 am

      Could u include a temperature at which to bake

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over

        November 17, 2022 at 12:42 pm

        Rob the temperature is in the recipe card, the full instructions at the bottom of the post. It's 350 degrees.

        Reply
  2. Sarah K.

    February 18, 2022 at 12:45 pm

    5 stars
    Best tip for making tuna casserole…
    -Make a béchamel cream sauce instead of using canned soup
    -Also cook the noodles first…al dente @2min before what the package says

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      February 19, 2022 at 6:40 am

      That sounds delicious Sarah! Do you add cheddar cheese or parmesan cheese to your béchamel sauce? I'm sure that would make an amazing creamy sauce. Definitely going to give that a try next time. Thank you!

      Reply
  3. Theresa Krier

    February 18, 2022 at 12:08 pm

    Hi, we like to add a little bit of cream cheese and top it with crushed Ritz crackers instead of bread crumbs. Thank you !

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      February 19, 2022 at 6:29 am

      Ooh! What a great tip Karen, the buttery Ritz crackers added to the top of the casserole adds great flavor and a yummy crunchy topping!

      Reply
  4. Sharon

    February 17, 2022 at 4:06 pm

    I like to add in a bit of cream cheese chive and onion spreadable for extra flavor and texture.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      February 19, 2022 at 6:31 am

      That's a tasty tip Sharon - the cream cheese really turns it into a cheesy noodle casserole, yum!

      Reply
  5. April Kofler

    February 16, 2022 at 10:58 pm

    I loved my grandma's tuna casserole growing up. I know she added peas and cream of mushroom soup. She used bread crumbs on hers and mt grandpa used potato chips or crackers on his. I don't know why I don't make it myself. I think I will have to make this

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      February 19, 2022 at 6:33 am

      Enjoy April I think this is just the best tuna casserole! I love Grandpa's version with a potato chip topping. That really sounds amazing. Great tip!

      Reply
  6. Kesha

    February 16, 2022 at 2:32 pm

    5 stars
    I love tuna casserole. I sometimes will add chicken broth if my tuna casserole seems dry. Just a little tip. Thank you for such a great recipe.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      February 19, 2022 at 6:36 am

      The addition of chicken broth is really a great tip Kesha! Creamy sauce is a must, that's for sure. Thanks for stopping by the blog!

      Reply
  7. Cynthia Klein

    October 24, 2021 at 9:37 pm

    5 stars
    I haven't made tuna casserole in a long time. I used organic condensed mushroom soup by Pacific, fresh shitake mushrooms, and I didn't have peas so I used some fresh red and green pepper cut ut into small pieces. My husband said it was the best tuna casserole he's ever eaten. I did half of the recipe which is enough for 4 servings. I imagine adding more spices next time.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      October 25, 2021 at 8:27 am

      That sounds fantastic Cynthia! Thank you so much for stopping by the blog and trying the recipe. It's just the best and I love your additions - YUM!!! I appreciate you taking the time to come back and comment. Thank you and have an amazing day!

      Reply
  8. Terrie

    August 25, 2021 at 5:33 pm

    I don't know what went wrong ,but I made this recipe and neither my husband or I liked it I will stay with my old recipe for Tuna casserole

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      August 25, 2021 at 5:49 pm

      I'm sorry. you didn't like the flavor Terrie and appreciate your feedback.

      Reply
  9. Billie

    April 29, 2021 at 3:36 pm

    my sweet mother made this when I was a child, she always added English peas and boiled eggs to hers. thank you for this long-forgotten recipe, I'll have this for lunch tomorrow.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      April 29, 2021 at 5:02 pm

      Ooh the boiled eggs sounds like a delicious addition, I'm going to add that next time I make this! Thank you Billie, I hope you really enjoy this recipe!

      Reply
  10. Jen

    April 15, 2019 at 12:36 pm

    Hey! I'm excited to try this. It says 6 oz egg noodles. Am I reading that right? Less than a cup? That seems like too little. And is that the amount cooked or uncooked? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      April 15, 2019 at 4:06 pm

      Eek Jen - great catch! Yes that is 16 oz. of noodles, cooked to al dente! Thank you so much for your help!!

      Reply
  11. mariatheresa micallef

    July 16, 2018 at 8:11 am

    4 stars
    excuse my ignorance, but i cannot understand what you mean by ingredient: '1 1/4 half and half '...as in half and half of what?

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      July 16, 2018 at 11:49 am

      I'm sorry Maria, great question, I will update the instructions! Half and half is blend of equal parts whole milk and light cream. It's sold in the supermarkets in the milk/cream section and is listed as Half and Half.

      Reply
    • M

      December 28, 2022 at 10:50 pm

      Half and half is milk/cream like thing. Its called “half and half” if you go to the store , just ask for “half and half” theyll direct you.

      Reply
  12. LaQuana

    July 05, 2018 at 3:33 pm

    4 stars
    Delicious recipe! My whole family loved it. We're not mushroom folks so I used 1 can of cream of chicken and 1 can of cheddar cheese soups. The creamy texture turned out amazing. Thanks for this quick and easy meal!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      July 06, 2018 at 8:33 am

      Wonderful! Thanks for swinging back and letting me know. Your swap out sounds just delicious!

      Reply
  13. Liza

    June 03, 2018 at 12:26 am

    5 stars
    What can make anyone feel better than some hearty comfort food! Loving this recipe! Creamy, dreamy - I must make it ASAP! 🙂

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      June 15, 2018 at 11:43 am

      Yes!! Gotta love a good comforting meal, thank you!

      Reply
  14. Jennifer Stewart

    May 29, 2018 at 11:14 am

    5 stars
    I grew up eating this when I went to my grandparent's house. The only thing is that she didn't add peas and now I am feeling so jipped! I love pea and the creamy comfort of egg noodles!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      May 29, 2018 at 6:05 pm

      Grandma's recipes are always the best! 😀 I'm glad it brings back good memories!

      Reply
  15. Michele

    May 29, 2018 at 8:16 am

    5 stars
    I love tuna casserole! This has a slightly different take on it that my regular one, but Im looking forward to trying this! Ive never thought of freezing it! Thats a great idea!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      May 29, 2018 at 6:02 pm

      I love those easy meals that you pull outa the pantry or freezer - enjoy Michele!!

      Reply
      • Marie

        December 28, 2022 at 6:30 am

        I mixed the panko bread crumbs with the melted butter & Parmesan cheese. Putting the casserole under the broiler at the end was delicious & a nice golden color. Delicious.

        Reply
  16. Michaela Kenkel

    May 29, 2018 at 7:06 am

    5 stars
    Tuna casserole is on our menu once a month - yours looks really yummy. My kids would love the peas!!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      May 29, 2018 at 6:01 pm

      I love tuna casserole too - so easy to make and so good!

      Reply
  17. Sandra Shaffer

    May 28, 2018 at 4:38 pm

    5 stars
    Comfort food is in order for lots of reasons, but certainly because surgery is on the horizon! Tempting to eat this whole tuna casserole on my own! Love the broiling method for those golden brown bits!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      May 29, 2018 at 5:59 pm

      I know right? Somebody hand me a spoon! 🙂

      Reply
  18. Liza

    May 27, 2018 at 12:57 am

    5 stars
    This recipes is so easy, yet I'm sure it's SO yummy! I LOVE all that cheese in it! All this goodness with a bit of veggies and some noodles! A must-make asap!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      May 29, 2018 at 5:57 pm

      Easy and delicious - great comfort food!

      Reply
  19. Lois

    May 25, 2018 at 9:05 pm

    5 stars
    This looks like a great meal and so very easy and tasty.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      May 29, 2018 at 5:55 pm

      Thank you Lois - I hope you really enjoy it!

      Reply
  20. Dan from Platter Talk

    May 25, 2018 at 7:32 pm

    5 stars
    I grew up with tuna casserole and I've never seen a better looking one than your recipe here. I especially love your use of mushrooms; what a perfect addition!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      May 29, 2018 at 5:53 pm

      Super yummy and great comfort food - enjoy!

      Reply
    • Shelley Still

      January 20, 2022 at 4:19 pm

      5 stars
      Made this today and it was very good! Thank you for sharing. I love the patm on tope. I added a little in the mix and a dash of sour cream . Why? I guess I was thought of the "older" version. Very good recipe.

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over

        January 20, 2022 at 9:32 pm

        Thanks Shelley, I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe. And that sour cream addition sounds rich and delicious, YUM!

        Reply
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