Best Tuna Casserole Recipe
This classic Best Tuna Casserole features tender egg noodles mixed with tuna, peas, creamy mushroom soup, and cheddar cheese, baked to bubbly perfection and topped with a crispy buttery breadcrumb crust. It’s a comforting and easy one-dish meal that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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)
Topping
- ¼ cup bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, frozen peas, drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, 1¼ cups of shredded mild cheddar cheese, celery salt, pepper, and chopped fresh parsley. Stir well to evenly incorporate all ingredients.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the tuna noodle mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling.
- Prepare Topping: While the casserole is baking, mix together the bread crumbs and melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Add Topping: Remove the casserole from the oven after 20 minutes, sprinkle the buttery bread crumbs evenly over the top, and add the remaining ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake Uncovered: Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the bread crumbs are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Once done, remove from oven, garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired, and serve the casserole warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a crispier topping, you can broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes after adding the breadcrumbs and cheese—watch closely to avoid burning.
- Feel free to substitute whole milk with 2% or evaporated milk for a creamier texture.
- Fresh parsley adds brightness, but you can use dried parsley if fresh is unavailable (use about 1 teaspoon dried).
- This recipe can be made ahead and stored in the fridge; bake just before serving.
- Leftovers store well for 2-3 days in the refrigerator and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: tuna casserole, egg noodles, tuna noodle bake, creamy tuna casserole, easy family dinner, baked casserole
Find it online: https://cookedbycleo.com/best-tuna-casserole-recipe/
