Best Easy Creamy Tuna Casserole Recipe

Creamy tuna casserole with egg noodles, peas, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping is a budget-friendly, protein-packed family dinner classic. This retro comfort food is quick to assemble and always satisfying.

Cook 50 min Difficulty EASY 392 kcal
#family dinner #protein-packed #budget #comfort food
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • egg noodles 12 oz
  • canned tuna in water, drained 2 cans (5 oz each)
  • frozen peas 1 cup
  • sliced white mushrooms 1 cup
  • shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • cream of mushroom soup 1 can (10.5 oz)
  • milk 1 cup
  • unsalted butter, melted 2 tbsp
  • panko breadcrumbs 1 cup
  • kosher salt 0.5 tsp
  • ground black pepper 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 43 g 44%
Protein 21 g 21%
Fat 15 g 35%
Serving size 320g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 375°F. Position a rack in the center of the oven.

  2. 2

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook egg noodles for 1 minute less than the package directions for al dente; drain well and set aside.

  3. 3

    In a large mixing bowl, combine drained tuna, thawed peas, sliced mushrooms, cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper. Fold in the cooked noodles gently to avoid breaking them.

  4. 4

    Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread evenly. In a small bowl, toss panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the casserole.

  5. 5

    Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown. Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving for best texture.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this creamy tuna casserole recipe?
The essential ingredient is canned tuna, which provides a savory, protein-rich base that defines the dish. Egg noodles supply a soft, hearty texture, while cream of mushroom soup binds everything together in a comforting sauce. Combined with peas, mushrooms, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping, these core ingredients give the casserole its classic flavor and appeal.
Q. How should I control oven temperature and timing for the best result?
Bake the casserole at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, uncovered. This ensures the sauce bubbles, cheese melts, and the panko topping turns golden and crisp. Too low a temperature can leave the topping pale and the center undercooked, while excessive time may dry out the noodles. Always let the dish cool for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to set.
Q. How do I prevent the casserole from becoming mushy or dry?
For the perfect texture, slightly undercook the noodles (about 1 minute less than al dente) before baking. Mix the sauce ingredients thoroughly, and ensure they're well-coated but not runny. Covering the casserole isn't necessary, but avoid overbaking: remove from the oven when the edges bubble and the crumb topping is golden. Allowing a rest period after baking helps the casserole hold together and not become soupy or fall apart.
Q. What is the nutrition breakdown per serving for carbs, protein, and fat?
Each serving (320g) of this creamy tuna casserole provides approximately 392 kcal, with 43g carbohydrates (44% of calories), 21g protein (21% of calories), and 15g fat (35% of calories). Egg noodles and soup contribute to the carbohydrate content, while tuna and cheese boost protein, and the cheese and breadcrumb topping provide fat for flavor and mouthfeel.
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