This tuna noodle casserole is creamy, cozy, and easy enough for a busy family dinner.
With tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, peas, cheddar cheese, and a buttery breadcrumb topping, it’s a classic comfort meal that comes together with simple pantry ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is creamy, cheesy, and comforting without being complicated.
It uses simple ingredients like canned tuna, egg noodles, frozen peas, and cream of mushroom soup.
The buttery breadcrumb topping adds a golden, crunchy finish.
It’s a family-friendly dinner that bakes quickly and serves warm from one dish.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Egg noodles create the soft, hearty base that makes this casserole so comforting.
Canned tuna adds protein and a classic savory flavor.
Frozen peas bring color, sweetness, and a little freshness.
Cream of mushroom soup and whole milk make the filling smooth and creamy.
Mild cheddar cheese melts into the casserole and adds a rich, cheesy finish.
Breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter create the crisp topping.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Cook the egg noodles just until tender so they do not become too soft after baking.
Drain the tuna well to keep the casserole creamy instead of watery.
Use freshly shredded cheese if possible for smoother melting.
Add the breadcrumb topping near the end of baking so it stays crisp and golden.
How to Make Tuna Noodle Casserole
Step 1 – Prep the oven and dish
Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Step 2 – Mix the casserole filling
In a large bowl, combine cooked egg noodles, frozen peas, drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk, 1¼ cups cheddar cheese, celery salt, pepper, and parsley.
Step 3 – Add to the baking dish
Spread the tuna mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
Step 4 – Bake covered
Cover the casserole and bake for 20 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
Step 5 – Make the topping
While the casserole bakes, mix the bread crumbs with melted butter.
Step 6 – Add the topping
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs and remaining ¼ cup cheddar cheese over the top.
Step 7 – Finish baking
Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes, until the breadcrumbs begin to brown and the cheese is melted.
Step 8 – Serve warm
Let it rest briefly, then serve warm with extra parsley if desired.
What to Serve Them With
Serve this casserole with a crisp green salad for a fresh contrast.
Pair it with roasted vegetables for a simple, balanced dinner.
Garlic bread or dinner rolls also work well for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Variations / Substitutions
Swap mild cheddar for sharp cheddar if you want a stronger cheese flavor.
Use crushed crackers instead of breadcrumbs for a more buttery topping.
Add sautéed mushrooms, diced onion, or celery for extra texture and flavor.
Use cream of celery soup instead of cream of mushroom soup for a slightly different taste.
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through.
For best texture, reheat larger portions in the oven so the topping can crisp again.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
Should I cook the noodles before baking?
Yes, the egg noodles should be cooked before mixing them into the casserole.
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Yes, sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, or Monterey Jack can be used instead of mild cheddar.
Can I use canned peas instead of frozen peas?
Yes, but drain them well and fold them in gently because they are softer than frozen peas.
Can I make this without cream of mushroom soup?
Yes, you can use cream of celery soup or another creamy condensed soup you enjoy.
How do I keep the casserole from drying out?
Do not overbake it, and make sure the noodles are well coated with the soup and milk mixture.
Can I freeze tuna noodle casserole?
Yes, but the texture may soften slightly after thawing because of the noodles and creamy sauce.
How do I know when it is done?
The casserole should be hot and bubbly, with melted cheese and lightly browned breadcrumbs on top.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, carrots, mushrooms, corn, or celery can be added for extra flavor and texture.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it has mild flavors, creamy noodles, and cheesy topping that many kids enjoy.
Final Thoughts
This tuna noodle casserole is a creamy, cozy dinner that brings classic comfort to the table.
It’s simple to prepare, easy to serve, and perfect for busy nights when you want something warm and satisfying.
Full Recipe Card
Ingredients
- 6 ounces egg noodles, cooked
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 10 ounces tuna, drained (two 5-ounce cans)
- 10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1½ cups shredded mild cheddar cheese, divided (1¼ cups and ¼ cup)
- ½ teaspoon celery salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish, if desired)
- ¼ cup bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray your dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cooked egg noodles, frozen peas, tuna, mushroom soup, milk, 1¼ cups mild cheddar cheese, celery salt, pepper, and parsley.
- Put the tuna mixture in a 9×13 casserole dish.
- Bake covered for 20 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
- While the casserole is baking mix together bread crumbs and melted butter.
- After 20 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and top with breadcrumbs and remaining ¼ cup mild cheddar cheese.
- Return to the oven and bake uncovered for another 5 to 10 minutes, until bread crumbs had started to brown and the cheese is melted.
- Serve warm.
