What are the three ingredients in tuna noodle casserole?

At its most basic, a tuna noodle casserole can be made with just tuna, cream of mushroom soup, and egg noodles . From there, you can add peas, cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasonings to make it richer and more flavorful.

What goes in tuna casserole?

A classic tuna casserole recipe usually includes egg noodles, tuna, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, peas, sour cream, shredded cheese, and breadcrumbs for topping . These simple pantry ingredients come together to create a creamy, comforting dish.

Do tuna and noodles go together?

Yes! Tuna and noodles are a perfect match. The tender egg noodles soak up the creamy sauce while the flaky tuna adds protein and texture. Together, they make a satisfying and balanced casserole that families love.

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup in tuna casserole?

If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute with cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, or even a homemade white sauce (béchamel) . This gives your casserole the same creamy consistency with a slightly different flavor profile.

Can I cut this recipe in half?

Yes! Simply halve all the ingredients and bake in an 8x8-inch dish instead of a 9x13. Cooking time may be slightly shorter, so check for bubbling edges around the 12-minute mark.

Do I have to use both cream of something soups?

Not necessarily. While using both cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups adds depth, you can use just one and add extra milk or sour cream to balance the texture. The casserole will still turn out delicious.

Can I use chicken instead of tuna?

Absolutely! Many people enjoy making a chicken noodle casserole by replacing tuna with cooked, shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken. It’s just as creamy, hearty, and family-friendly.

Can I make this a Gluten-Free Tuna Noodle Casserole?

Yes, and it’s simple! Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs or crackers for the topping. Make sure to choose a gluten-free cream soup (or make your own) for a 100% gluten-free version.

What to serve with this casserole?

Serve tuna noodle casserole with a green salad, roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or dinner rolls . For a lighter balance, a fresh fruit salad also pairs wonderfully.

What should I do with leftover Tuna Casserole?

Leftovers can be reheated as is or repurposed: Make tuna casserole muffins by baking portions in a muffin tin. Use it as a filling for stuffed peppers . Shape it into patties, coat with breadcrumbs, and pan-fry for crispy tuna cakes .

Can you freeze Tuna Noodle Casserole?

Yes! You can freeze the casserole either baked or unbaked. Wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap or use an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months . When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until bubbly.

Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe: Irresistibly Easy to Make (2025)

Name: Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe: Irresistibly Easy to Make (2025)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz egg noodles; 2 (5 oz) cans tuna, drained; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1 1/2 cups milk; 1 cup frozen peas; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream (or mayonnaise); 1/3 cup breadcrumbs; 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 tbsp melted butter; 1/2 tsp dried parsley; 1/4 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/8 tsp kosher salt

Description

This Irresistibly Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, packed with tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, creamy soups, peas, and a crunchy golden topping. A budget-friendly, family-approved dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes!

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz egg noodles
2 (5 oz) cans tuna, drained
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream (or mayonnaise)
1/3 cup breadcrumbs
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tbsp melted butter
1/2 tsp dried parsley
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp kosher salt

Instructions

Cook the Noodles: Boil egg noodles in salted water until just al dente, about 5–7 minutes. Drain well.
Mix the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine milk, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, tuna, peas, cheddar, sour cream, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy.
Combine: Add cooked noodles to the sauce mixture and stir to coat. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the Topping: Mix breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
Bake: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, until bubbly. Broil for 1–2 minutes to brown the topping.
Serve: Remove from oven, cool for 5 minutes, and garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

For a lighter version, use tuna packed in water, reduced-fat cheese, and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. To make gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta, breadcrumbs, and check soup labels. Leftovers freeze beautifully and store for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Oven-Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6 of casserole)
Calories: 570
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 1200mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 33g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: tuna noodle casserole, creamy casserole, budget-friendly dinner, easy family meals, Mushroom soup, tuna, chicken soup, Mushroom soup, tuna, egg noodles,