Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole for a Quick Weeknight Dinner

Oh, sweet friends, there’s nothing quite like a meal that wraps you in a warm hug, is there? This classic tuna noodle casserole easy recipe does just that. It’s that wonderfully creamy, comforting dish with tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, and a golden, cheesy topping that instantly transports you back to simpler times. It’s pure, unadulterated comfort food, perfect for those evenings when you need a little magic without a lot of fuss.

I remember countless afternoons in my grandmother’s kitchen, the air thick with the aroma of simmering sauces and baking treats. While she was a master of pies and cookies, sometimes the most cherished memories came from her quick, delicious weeknight dinners. This recipe, inspired by those heartwarming meals, embodies that same spirit of loving nourishment that fills a home with joy.

This tuna noodle casserole easy is incredibly simple to whip up, making it an absolute lifesaver for busy families. It’s truly a family-friendly favorite, guaranteed to bring smiles all around. My top tip? Always use good quality canned tuna; it makes all the difference in the world!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Crafting this casserole calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. We’re talking about those lovely egg noodles that get perfectly tender, creamy condensed mushroom soup for that classic richness, and plenty of shredded cheddar cheese for a bubbly, golden finish. I always say, the best recipes are often made with the ingredients already in your pantry! You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below for this delightful tuna noodle casserole easy.

How to Make tuna noodle casserole easy

Making this tuna noodle casserole easy is such a joyful process, truly. You’ll start by preparing the stage, cooking those lovely egg noodles and gently sautéing your aromatics. Then, everything comes together in a symphony of flavors as you assemble the casserole, layering creamy goodness with tuna and peas. Finally, a buttery cracker topping creates that irresistible golden crust before you bake it to bubbly perfection.

Classic Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

This is the ultimate comforting and quick tuna noodle casserole, featuring a creamy, cheesy sauce, tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, and a delightful crunchy topping. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Casserole

• 12 oz egg noodles uncooked
• 2 cans tuna in water (5 oz each), drained well
• 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese divided
• 1 cup frozen peas thawed
• 1/4 cup yellow onion finely diced
• 1/4 cup celery finely diced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Topping

• 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (e.g., Ritz) or panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp butter melted

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large Pot
• Large mixing bowl
• Large Skillet
• Whisk

Method

 

Prepare for Baking

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Cook Noodles and Sauté Aromatics

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
2. While noodles are cooking, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and celery and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Remove from heat.

Assemble the Casserole

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Stir in the sautéed onion and celery mixture.
2. Add the drained cooked noodles, drained tuna, and thawed frozen peas to the sauce mixture. Gently stir until everything is evenly combined.
3. Pour the mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Add Topping and Bake

1. In a small bowl, combine the crushed crackers (or panko breadcrumbs) and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. You can also sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the cracker topping, if desired, for extra cheesiness.
2. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
3. Remove from oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your easy tuna noodle casserole!

Notes

For an even richer flavor, you can substitute half-and-half for milk. If you don’t have crackers, crushed potato chips also make a delicious crunchy topping! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.

Pro Tips for Making This tuna noodle casserole easy

To make sure your tuna noodle casserole easy turns out absolutely perfect every single time, I’ve gathered a few of my favorite tricks from years in the kitchen:

• Don’t Overcook Your Noodles: For the best texture, cook your egg noodles al dente. They’ll continue to cook slightly in the oven, ensuring they’re tender but not mushy. Nobody wants a soggy noodle!
• Embrace Fresh Aromatics: While the recipe calls for onion and celery, taking the time to gently sauté them until softened truly builds a beautiful flavor foundation for your casserole. It adds a lovely depth that makes all the difference.
• My Secret Trick: I always like to add a tiny splash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture before baking. It doesn’t make it spicy, but rather adds a subtle warmth that elevates the savory notes and makes this tuna noodle casserole easy truly sing!
• Golden Topping Perfection: For an extra crispy, golden-brown topping, dot the crushed buttery crackers with a few extra small pats of butter before baking. This encourages even browning and a fantastic crunch.

Fun Variations for tuna noodle casserole easy

One of the things I adore about home cooking is the freedom to play and adapt! This tuna noodle casserole easy is wonderfully versatile, and here are a few ways my friends and I love to change it up:

• Veggies Galore: My sister loves when I sneak in extra veggies! Try adding a cup of thawed mixed vegetables (carrots, corn, green beans) along with the peas for an extra boost of color and nutrition. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well.
• Cheesy Choices: While cheddar is classic, don’t be afraid to experiment with other cheeses. A mix of cheddar and Gruyere or even a little Parmesan in the sauce can add a delightful gourmet twist to your tuna noodle casserole easy.
• Crunchy Topping Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of crackers, consider a panko breadcrumb topping mixed with melted butter, or even crushed potato chips for a different kind of savory crunch!
• Herbaceous Hints: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives stirred into the mixture right before baking, or as a garnish, adds a lovely fresh note that brightens up the entire dish.

What to Serve With tuna noodle casserole easy

This comforting tuna noodle casserole easy is truly a meal in itself, but a few simple additions can make it feel even more special. I love serving it with a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette; the freshness really balances the creamy richness of the casserole. My mom always said a vibrant side salad brightens any dinner table!

Another wonderful pairing is some steamed or roasted broccoli florets. Their slight bitterness and tender-crisp texture offer a delightful contrast. And if you’re feeling extra cozy, a warm, crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce.

How to Store tuna noodle casserole easy

You’ve made this wonderful tuna noodle casserole easy, and now you might have some delightful leftovers! Proper storage is key to keeping it tasting fresh and delicious.

Fridge Storage

Once your casserole has cooled completely, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer individual servings to airtight containers. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Reheating Tips

To reheat, simply warm individual servings in the microwave until heated through. For a larger portion, cover the dish loosely with foil and reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warm, about 20-30 minutes. My personal tip? Sometimes a little splash of milk can help bring back the creaminess when reheating, especially if it seems a bit dry.

Nutritional Benefits

This tuna noodle casserole easy offers a wonderful balance of comfort and simple nutrition. Packed with protein from the tuna, it’s a satisfying and hearty meal. The addition of peas and other potential vegetables (if you add them!) contributes essential vitamins and fiber, making it a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing for your family.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I make tuna noodle casserole easy ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole completely, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold to ensure it heats through.

Faq 2

What kind of tuna is best for this tuna noodle casserole easy?
I recommend using tuna packed in water for this recipe. It’s typically lighter in flavor and blends seamlessly into the creamy sauce, letting the other ingredients shine.

Faq 3

Can I freeze leftover tuna noodle casserole easy?
Yes, you can! Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results for your tuna noodle casserole easy.

Faq 4

Can I use a different kind of soup?
Certainly! While cream of mushroom is classic, cream of celery or even cream of chicken soup can be lovely substitutes, slightly altering the flavor profile but maintaining that wonderful creamy consistency for your tuna noodle casserole easy.

Conclusion

There you have it, sweet friends—a recipe for tuna noodle casserole easy that brings together the best of comfort food with the joy of a simple, homemade meal. It’s more than just dinner; it’s an invitation to gather around the table, share stories, and create new memories. I truly hope this recipe inspires you to embrace the warmth and ease of creating something truly special in your own kitchen. Happy baking, and may your homes always be filled with the sweet aroma of love!