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Best Tuna Casserole Recipe

4.9 from 114 reviews

This Best Tuna Casserole recipe is a comforting, classic dish combining tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, creamy mushroom soup, and melted cheddar cheese topped with a buttery breadcrumb crust. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, it’s easy to prepare and bakes to a bubbly, golden perfection.

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

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, frozen peas, drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, 1¼ cups shredded mild cheddar cheese, celery salt, pepper, and chopped fresh parsley. Stir well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
  3. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the tuna noodle mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
  4. Initial Bake: Cover the casserole and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, allowing the mixture to get hot and bubbly.
  5. Prepare Topping: While the casserole is baking, mix the bread crumbs with the melted butter until combined to create a buttery topping.
  6. Add Topping and Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven after 20 minutes. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top, then add the remaining ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese.
  7. Final Bake: Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the cheese has melted.
  8. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired, then serve warm for best flavor.

Notes

  • Ensure the egg noodles are cooked al dente before combining to avoid mushiness.
  • Use fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor in the casserole.
  • For a lower-fat version, consider using reduced-fat milk and cheese.
  • The breadcrumb topping can be substituted with crushed crackers for a different texture.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

Keywords: tuna casserole, comfort food, baked casserole, egg noodles, mushroom soup, easy dinner