Let’s talk comfort food. I mean, real-deal, take-you-back-to-childhood, creamy, crispy-topped comfort food. For me, Old Fashioned Tuna Casserole is it. This was a weeknight staple in my house growing up in upstate New York, especially during the colder months. I can still picture my mom pulling it out of the oven, the smell of creamy noodles and bubbling cheese wafting through the kitchen while we all gathered around the table.
It’s humble, budget-friendly, and comes together mostly with pantry staples, yet the result is so satisfying. Think tender egg noodles folded into a creamy, savory sauce with tuna, peas, and melty cheese, then finished with a golden blanket of buttery breadcrumbs. If you’ve never made it from scratch (or it’s been a while), this is your sign to bring it back into your rotation.
Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy and nostalgic, this dish delivers.
Table of contents
Why This Tuna Casserole Just Works So Well
What makes this old-school dish so irresistible? It’s all in the details, and the simplicity. Here’s why it earns a spot in your dinner lineup:
- Pantry-friendly and affordable: Canned tuna, condensed soup, pasta, and frozen peas, most of the ingredients are already in your kitchen.
- Quick prep: It comes together in about 45 minutes, most of that being oven time.
- Customizable: Easily adapted for dietary preferences, gluten-free, dairy-free, or low-sodium.
- Texture heaven: Creamy base with a satisfying crunchy topping.
- Leftovers taste even better. Like lasagna, the flavors settle and deepen overnight.
Make it yours:
- Vegan swap: Use plant-based tuna or chickpeas, vegan mayo or cream soup, and dairy-free cheese.
- Gluten-free: Swap in gluten-free noodles and breadcrumbs. Make sure your soup is GF too.
- Add veggies: Mushrooms, spinach, or sautéed onions give it more depth.
- Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can elevate the flavor.
Recipe Card
Old Fashioned Tuna Casserole
Course: DinnerDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes30
minutes400
kcalA creamy, cheesy classic packed with pantry staples and topped with crispy, golden breadcrumbs.
Ingredients
2 cups egg noodles (uncooked)
1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar, divided
1 can tuna (12 oz), drained
1 cup peas
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt & pepper
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp melted butter
Optional: parsley, Parmesan
Directions
- Cook the noodles (8 minutes): Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook egg noodles until al dente (usually about 6-7 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Preheat and prep (5 minutes): Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Make the creamy base (5 minutes): In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, mayo, 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Fold in the good stuff (3 minutes): Add the tuna, peas, and cooked noodles to the sauce. Gently mix everything together so the noodles are coated evenly.
- Assemble the casserole (2 minutes): Pour the mixture into the prepared dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Make the breadcrumb topping (2 minutes): In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter (and Parmesan if using). Sprinkle this evenly over the casserole.
- Bake (25-30 minutes): Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and the top is golden brown. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Let rest before serving for best texture.
- Add veggies or spice to customize.
- For extra flavor, stir a spoonful of Dijon mustard or a splash of Worcestershire sauce into the sauce mixture before baking.
Let’s Talk Tips for the Dreamiest Tuna Casserole
Want your casserole to be a total showstopper? Here are a few pro tips I swear by:
- Don’t overcook the noodles. Slightly underdone is best, they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
- Use a high-quality tuna. Solid white albacore gives a meatier texture and less fishy flavor.
- Cheese blend = magic. Try mixing in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a gooier finish.
- Crispy topping is key. Buttered breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers are both amazing.
- Let it rest before serving. This helps everything set so it slices nicely.
Serving Suggestions That Make It Shine
Serve your tuna casserole hot from the oven with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Pair it with:
- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
- Steamed green beans or broccoli
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
Want to get fancy? Serve individual portions in ramekins for a dinner party twist.
Creative Ways to Use Leftover Tuna Casserole
- Stuffed Peppers: Scoop into halved bell peppers and bake with cheese on top.
- Tuna Melt Wraps: Roll up in a tortilla with extra cheese and grill.
- Breakfast Casserole Remix: Top with a fried egg and hot sauce in the morning. You’ll thank me.
FAQs About Old Fashioned Tuna Casserole
Yes, but be sure to cook and flake it first. Canned tuna is traditional and more convenient.
Try cream of celery, cream of chicken, or make your own roux-based cream sauce.
It may have been overbaked or lacked enough liquid. Add more milk or cheese next time, and cover with foil if needed.
Yes, but it adds richness. You can sub sour cream, Greek yogurt, or more soup.
Cheddar is classic, but feel free to mix in Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Swiss for variety.
Yes! Elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne work well too. Just make sure to cook them al dente so they hold up in the casserole.
A Cozy Classic You’ll Want on Repeat
And just like that, we’ve brought back a timeless classic, warm, creamy, crispy-topped Old Fashioned Tuna Casserole. Whether it’s your first time making it or you’re recreating a beloved childhood memory, this dish hits all the right comfort notes. I hope it fills your kitchen with the same cozy vibes it brings to mine.
If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy some of my other comfort food favorites from the site, like this ultra-satisfying Chicken Gloria Recipe or the cozy, no-fuss Crack Slaw Recipe. And for something light and refreshing on the side, the Viral Cucumber Salad is a total winner.
Let us know if you give this casserole a try! We’d love to hear how you make it your own, leave a comment or tag us in your posts. Happy cooking, friend!
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