Description

This Best Tuna Casserole is a comforting and classic dish combining tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, creamy mushroom soup, and mild cheddar cheese. Enhanced with frozen peas and seasoned with celery salt, pepper, and fresh parsley, it’s a simple, hearty meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners.

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

Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, frozen peas, drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, 1¼ cups of shredded mild cheddar cheese, celery salt, pepper, and chopped fresh parsley. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Assemble Casserole: Transfer the tuna mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out to ensure even cooking and baking.
Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with foil or a lid and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the mixture is hot and bubbly.
Prepare Topping: While the casserole is baking, combine bread crumbs with melted butter in a small bowl, mixing until the bread crumbs are evenly coated.
Add Topping and Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven after 20 minutes, then sprinkle the buttered bread crumbs evenly over the top along with the remaining ¼ cup of shredded mild cheddar cheese.
Bake Uncovered: Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until the bread crumbs are golden brown and the cheese on top has melted.
Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired, and serve the casserole warm for a delicious meal.

Notes

Use whole milk for creamy texture, but low-fat milk can be substituted for a lighter version.
Ensure tuna is well drained to prevent a watery casserole.
You can substitute bread crumbs with crushed crackers or panko for different textures.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free noodles and bread crumbs.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: tuna casserole, egg noodles, creamy casserole, comfort food, baked casserole, tuna recipe, easy dinner