This easy tuna casserole recipe is a comforting, family-friendly dinner made with simple pantry ingredients. Creamy, cheesy, and baked until bubbly, it’s the perfect weeknight meal when you need something quick, affordable, and satisfying.

Classic tuna casserole is made with tender pasta, canned tuna, a creamy sauce, and cheese—then baked to golden perfection. It’s a nostalgic dish that never goes out of style and is loved by both kids and adults.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weekday or prepping meals ahead, this casserole comes together in under an hour and uses ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Tuna Casserole

Easy to make with basic pantry ingredients
Budget-friendly and filling
Creamy, cheesy, and comforting
Perfect for meal prep or leftovers
Beginner-friendly recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pasta (elbow macaroni or egg noodles)
Canned tuna
Cream of mushroom soup
Milk
Cheddar cheese
Onion
Frozen peas (optional)
Breadcrumbs
Butter
Salt and pepper

Tuna Casserole Recipe

A classic creamy tuna casserole made with pasta, canned tuna, cheese, and a crispy breadcrumb topping. Easy, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights.

How Do You Make Tuna Casserole?

Cook the pasta until just tender and drain well.

Mix the tuna with the creamy sauce ingredients.

Combine the pasta and tuna mixture until evenly coated.

Transfer everything to a baking dish.

Add cheese and breadcrumb topping.

Bake until bubbly and golden on top.

This simple process ensures a creamy texture without drying out the casserole.

4.50 from 2 votes

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Mixing bowl
Baking dish (9×13 inch)
Spoon or spatula

Ingredients

8 oz elbow macaroni (or egg noodles)
2 cans tuna, drained
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup Milk
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup ½ cup chopped onion
½ cup frozen peas (optional)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper.
4. Add cooked pasta, tuna, onion, peas, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Mix well.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
6. Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top.
7. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
8. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can substitute cream of chicken soup if preferred.
Add mushrooms or sweetcorn for extra flavor.
Use whole-wheat pasta for a healthier version.

Nutrition

Calories: 420

Carbohydrates: 32g

Protein: 26g

Fat: 22g

Fiber: 3 g

Sugar: ~4 g

Sodium: ~680 mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

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How to Make Tuna Casserole

Start by cooking the pasta until just tender. While it cooks, mix the creamy sauce using soup, milk, and seasonings. Combine the pasta with tuna, cheese, and vegetables, then transfer everything to a baking dish. Finish with a buttery breadcrumb topping and bake until golden and bubbly.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover tuna casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

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