Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Tuna noodle casserole is the kind of comforting, budget-friendly meal that brings everyone to the table. With its creamy sauce, tender pasta, savory tuna, and crispy topping, this classic dish comes together with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing meal with little fuss, this easy tuna noodle casserole is sure to become a go-to in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

This recipe stands out for its simplicity and versatility. It uses pantry staples and comes together in a single baking dish, minimizing cleanup. The creamy sauce envelops tender noodles and flaky tuna, while the crunchy topping delivers satisfying texture in every bite. Plus, it’s easy to customize—toss in peas, swap the cheese, or add your favorite herbs to make it your own.

Quick Prep with Helpful Kitchen Tools

To streamline prep, employ time-saving gadgets. Use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for quickly dicing onions and celery for the casserole’s flavorful base. For the perfect al dente noodles, reach for a large nonstick skillet like the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet—it prevents sticking and ensures even cooking. Once assembled, mix the ingredients right in the baking dish or transfer to a separate bowl for easy cleanup.

Assembling and Baking Your Tuna Casserole

After combining all ingredients, pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. For a mess-free coating on the casserole, line your baking pan with a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll. This will make serving and cleanup a breeze. Top the casserole with buttery breadcrumbs for that irresistible golden crust.

Bake until bubbling and golden, then let the casserole cool briefly before serving. If you plan to enjoy leftovers or pack it for lunch, consider using airtight containers like Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers to keep everything fresh.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Serve this casserole straight from the oven, garnished with fresh herbs or paired with a crisp salad. It’s hearty enough to be a standalone meal but pairs nicely with steamed or roasted vegetables. For extra zest, add a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of Parmesan right before serving.

This recipe is adaptable: stir in frozen peas, sautéed mushrooms, or switch up the protein by using salmon or cooked chicken instead of tuna.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 6 servings. Each portion clocks in at roughly 350–400 calories, depending on cheese and topping choices. It offers a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and healthy fats, making it an ideal one-dish dinner.

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole (Recap)

With its rich creaminess, gentle crunch, and nostalgic flavors, this easy tuna noodle casserole is destined to please the whole family—without hours in the kitchen. Perfect as a simple weeknight fix or to feed a crowd at your next potluck!

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy cleanup.
2. Cook the egg noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. While noodles cook, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and celery (quickly chop with the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper), sautéing until soft, about 4–5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for one minute more.
4. In a large bowl, combine drained noodles, sautéed veggies, tuna, cream of mushroom soup, peas, milk, cheddar, thyme, and salt and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
5. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
6. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
7. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until the topping turns golden and the casserole is bubbling.
8. Cool for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve. Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for easy reheating and lunch packing.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Enjoy the ultimate in cozy, hassle-free comfort food with this easy tuna noodle casserole recipe!