Best Easy Tuna and Pea Casserole Recipe

Tuna and pea casserole bakes canned tuna and sweet peas in a creamy sauce over noodles for a quick, protein-rich family dinner. This budget-friendly, retro comfort food is a weeknight pantry staple.

Cook 45 min Difficulty EASY 340 kcal
#high protein #diabetic friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • egg noodles 12 oz
  • canned tuna (drained) 2 cans
  • frozen sweet peas 1 cup
  • cream of mushroom soup 1.5 cups
  • shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • milk 1 cup
  • onion powder 0.5 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • salt 0.25 tsp
  • panko breadcrumbs 0.5 cup
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 38 g 45%
Protein 23 g 27%
Fat 10 g 28%
Serving size 280g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish for even cooking.

  2. 2

    Boil the egg noodles in salted water for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally; drain and set aside (noodles will finish cooking in the oven).

  3. 3

    In a large bowl, combine drained tuna, frozen peas (no need to thaw), cream of mushroom soup, milk, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix well, then gently fold in half the shredded cheddar cheese.

  4. 4

    Add cooked noodles to the mixture, tossing carefully to coat; transfer evenly into the prepared baking dish.

  5. 5

    Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top. Bake for 25–30 minutes, uncovered, until golden and bubbly; cool 5 minutes before serving for easier slicing.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Tuna and Pea Casserole recipe?
The core ingredients are canned tuna and sweet peas, which define the dish’s classic flavor and boost its protein content. Combined with a creamy sauce and egg noodles, they create the signature taste and comfort-food appeal of the casserole.
Q. What is the most important cooking tip for this casserole?
For best results, undercook the egg noodles slightly during boiling—about 6 minutes—so they maintain perfect texture after baking. Also, bake the casserole uncovered at 375°F for 25–30 minutes so the top gets golden and bubbly, without drying out the interior.
Q. How do I avoid dry or mushy casserole texture?
Mix the sauce ingredients thoroughly before adding noodles, and don’t overbake. Let the casserole rest 5 minutes after baking to set the structure, preventing a mushy or crumbly result. These steps help retain moisture without getting soggy.
Q. How many calories and how much protein are in each serving?
Each serving contains about 340 kcal and 23g of protein. The protein-to-carb ratio is over 1:1, making this casserole a protein-rich choice for a balanced family meal.
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