Tuna Casserole Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Weeknights can be busy, and when you’re performing everything, you need meals that are both comforting and simple to make. That’s where a classic tuna casserole recipe comes in. This dish is the perfect solution, turning basic food items into a warm, hearty meal that everyone in the family can enjoy. It’s been a family favourite for years, and it’s easy to see why – it’s affordable, healthy, and incredibly flexible, so you can tailor it to your family’s tastes.

Whether you’ve got picky eaters, need to accommodate dietary restrictions, or just want a reliable dinner that hits the spot, tuna casserole recipes have variations that will work for everyone. From the classic creamy version to lighter, soup-free alternatives, you can easily find a lighter recipe that fits your needs.

One of the best things about the best tuna casserole recipe is how adaptable it is. You can prepare it ahead of time, swap in whatever vegetables you have, or even make extra portions to freeze for later. With cook times ranging from 25 to 45 minutes, it’s quicker than waiting for takeout to arrive, and you’ll have a homemade meal on the table in no time.

Traditional Tuna Casserole Recipe with Cream of Mushroom Soup

The classic tuna casserole made with cream of mushroom soup, is an instant hit due to its flavourful, soft texture and creamy flavours. This variation combines the convenience of canned soup and fresh, natural ingredients to create a balanced and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

• The egg noodles weigh 340g, as well as shells for pasta.
• 2 tins (170g each) tuna in water, drained
• 1 container (295ml) of soup made from mushrooms
• 200ml milk
• 150g frozen peas
• 1 small onion minced finely
• 100g mature cheddar cheese grated
• 80g breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• Salt and pepper according to your preference
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Method

• Pre-heat oven to 180 °C. Grease a baking dish measuring 23 x 33 cm.
• Prepare the noodles according to the package instructions, then drain them and set aside.
• Mix milk, diced onions, and garlic powder into one large bowl.
• Mix the tuna that has been rinsed and cooked noodles. Add frozen peas.
• Add salt and pepper to taste, then place the mixture in the baking dish.
• Blend breadcrumbs, butter, and cheese. Sprinkle on top of the casserole.
• Bake for 25-30 mins until golden brown and bubbling.
• Take a 5-minute break to rest before serving.

Tuna Casserole Recipe Without Soup

If you are avoiding processed food or suffering from allergies, this homemade version uses a basic white sauce as a base instead of canned soup. It’s a straightforward tuna casserole recipe that has more control over the sodium content and added ingredients.

Ingredients

• 340g wide egg noodles
• 2 tins (170g each) tuna, drained
• 3 tablespoons plain flour
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 400ml full milk
• 200g of shredded mushrooms
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 2 celery stalks, cut into pieces
• 100g sweetcorn that has been frozen
• 120g of grated cheese (cheddar or Gruyere)
• 60g panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• White pepper and salt to taste

Method

• Cook noodles until they are all done, drain, and place aside.
• Fry the mushrooms, onions, and celery in olive oil until they soften.
• Then, in the same saucepan, make butter and whisk it with flour to form a roux.
• Gradually add the milk and whisk frequently until it becomes thicker.
• Add half your cheese mixture, along with thyme salt, and pepper.
• Make sauce by mixing noodles, vegetables, tuna, and sweetcorn.
• Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish and sprinkle with breadcrumbs and cheese.
• Bake at 180 °C for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden.

Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

This simplified version focuses on the key ingredients that make tuna noodle casserole so beloved — smooth noodles, flaky tuna, and a delicious binder sauce that binds it all together flawlessly.

Ingredients

• 450g medium egg noodles
• 3 tins (170g each) tuna in spring water
• 1 tin of celery cream soup
• 250ml cream soured
• 150g of frozen mixed vegetables
• One pack (40g) Mixture for soups with onions
• 150g of mild cheddar grated
• 100g of crushed cornflakes
• 3 tbsp butter

Method

• Cook the noodles according to the package directions.
• Mix the cream of celery soup with soured cream onion soup mix.
• Add the rinsed tuna and the cooked noodles. Add frozen veggies.
• Mixture into the buttered 3-liter casserole dish.
• Sprinkle it with cheese. Then, mix the cornflake crumbs with the melted butter.
• Bake at 175 °C for about 25-30 minutes, until the top becomes brown and crisp.

Tuna Casserole Recipe using Egg Noodles

The egg noodles are wide and make a great base for this tuna noodles casserole recipe, which includes cheese. The vast area they cover retains the creamy sauce’s consistency beautifully and retains their crispness throughout the baking cooking process.

Ingredients

• 400g wide egg noodles
• 2 large tins (185g each) of tuna in olive oil
• 300ml double cream
• 200ml chicken stock
• 1 large leek. It was cut and cleaned.
• 200g button mushrooms in quarters, cut in quarters
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 100g frozen peas
• 150g of gruyere cheese grated
• 75g of fresh breadcrumbs
• 3 tbs fresh parsley chopped
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Method

• Bake egg noodles until tender. Drain well.
• Cook mushrooms in butter for a few minutes until the butter is golden.
• Stir in the garlic, and cook for an additional minute.
• Add cream and stock. Cook until the stock is slightly diminished.
• Mix the tuna (with oil) with peas, tuna, lemon juice, and parsley.
• Mix with noodles, and then one-third of the cheese.
• Place the baking dish in the oven and top with the remaining breadcrumbs and cheese.
• Bake at 190°C for 20-25 minutes.

Tuna Nut Casserole recipe Using Peas

Peas in green add colour as well as sweetness, which balance the rich and savoury components of this delicious dish. The bright flavour of their peas complements the tuna wonderfully while offering an additional source of nutrition.

Ingredients

• 340g pasta spiral or egg noodles
• 2 tins (170g each) tuna, drained
• 200g frozen peas
• 1 can of cream from mushroom soup
• 150ml milk
• 100ml white wines (optional)
• 1 Red bell pepper chopped
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 120g mature cheddar grated
• 60g Parmesan with grated
• 80g breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian herbs

Method

• Cook the pasta as directed and add peas after 2 minutes.
• Fry olive oil in the pan and heat onions, peppers, and garlic until they are soft.
• Mix in wine, soup, milk, and Italian herbs.
• Include tuna that has been rinsed, and cook pasta along with peas.
• Transfer the baking dish to a greased baking dish.
• Mix breadcrumbs with cheese and sprinkle on top.
• Bake at 180°C for 30 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling.

Traditional Tuna Fish Casserole Recipe

This traditional recipe is faithful to the original recipes that helped make tuna casserole a staple in the kitchen with simple ingredients to provide the highest level of enjoyment and relaxation.

Ingredients

• 300g medium egg noodles
• 2 tins (185g each) tuna in brine, drained
• 1 tin of condensed cream from celery soup
• 200ml milk
• 150g frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 100g processed cheese cubes, cut into cubes
• 75g plain biscuits, crushed
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 tsp of paprika

Method

• Boil the noodles until they are soft, then remove them and rinse thoroughly.
• Blend the soup, milk, chopped onion, and pepper in a large bowl.
• Mix in noodles, tuna, as well as vegetables and cheese cubes
• Pour into a buttered 2-litre baking dish.
• Then top with crushed biscuits mixed with melted butter.
• Sprinkle it with paprika or other spices for color.
• Bake at 180 °C for 25-30 minutes, or until the desired temperature is reached.

Tuna Rice Casserole Recipe

If you’re not a fan of pasta, or looking for a new basis, this variation of rice has the same comforting flavours and a much more nutritious base that soaks up flavours wonderfully.

Ingredients

• 300g of white rice, long grain, prepared
• 2 tins (170g each) tuna, drained
• 400ml of chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
• 150g of frozen peas, carrots, and frozen peas
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, cut
• 100g cheddar cheese grated
• 60g almonds cut into pieces
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp dried dill
• Salt and pepper as desired

Method

• Cook celery and onion in butter until they are tender.
• Mix the cooked rice with tuna and other vegetables, then fry the mixture until it’s cooked.
• Mix stock, soup, and dill. Pour it over the rice mix.
• Transfer into a greased 23x33cm baking dish.
• Serve with cheese and crushed almonds.
• Wrap the foil around the pan and bake at 175 °C for about 35 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until golden brown.

Nutrients per Serving

A common portion of tuna casserole (based upon the original recipe, serving six) will provide roughly:

• Calories: 420-480 calories per serving
• Protein: 28 to 32g (primarily from dairy and tuna)
• Carbohydrates: 45 to 55g (mainly made from noodles)
• Fat 12-18g (from dairy, tuna, and other fats)
• Fibre 3-5g (from wholegrains and vegetables if utilized)
• The amount of sodium is 800-1200 mg (varies according to the recipe and the ingredients that are used)

The nutritional profile of a dish varies depending on the recipe, the portion size, and the ingredients used. Using low-sodium soups, reducing cheese consumption, or increasing the amount of vegetables can help balance the nutrition.

Health Benefits of Tuna casserole recipe

• Tuna casserole doesn’t only serve as comfort food; it also comes with some fantastic nutritional benefits, too.
• Protein of high quality for the maintenance of muscles and repair.
• Omega-3 Fatty acids are essential for the well-being of the brain and heart.
• Vegetables such as peas, carrots, and celery offer vitamins A, C, folate, and fiber from food sources.
• Whole grains or wheat pasta (if used) add additional minerals and vitamins B.
• Dairy product is source of calcium for strong bones.

Additional protein to add nutritional value

• The blend of carbs, protein, and moderate fats creates a healthy and balanced diet that lasts for a long time, helping you feel fuller for longer.
• Traditional recipes may contain high levels of sodium and calories. So here are a few suggestions to help make them healthier.
  • Use low-sodium ingredients
  • Add more veggies
  • Use moderate amounts of cheese.
• Simple changes like these could boost the nutritional value while maintaining comfort and flavour.

Expert Tips for Tuna Casserole Recipe

Find tuna that is of the highest quality

• Tuna canned in brine is a good option; however, choosing tuna that is packed in spring water (not brine) reduces the excess sodium.
• If you’re not concerned about the calories in tuna, olive oil can add a significant amount of flavour to the dish.

Cook pasta

• The pasta should be cooked just a little so that it can continue to bake in the oven.
• Noodles that are cooked for too long can become too mushy, ruining the texture.

Be sure not to miss the resting period

• The casserole should rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking.
• It helps set it properly, resulting in healthier portion sizes that are more appealing when served.

Mix your tastes

• Fry garlic and onions, along with other aromatics, before mixing the ingredients.
• This process brings out increasingly complex flavors, as opposed to those of the raw ingredient.

Take into consideration the contrast in texture

• Include crunchy components like toasted breadcrumbs, crumbled crackers, or almonds sliced on top.
• This creates a nice texture variation and prevents the food from being too simple.

Make-ahead convenience

• Completely assemble the casserole. However, put the topping aside for later.
• Refrigerate and cover for at least 24 hours.
• If you’re ready to bake, you can add the topping. Increase your baking time to approximately 10 minutes to account for the cold temperature.

Storage of Tuna Casserole Recipe

If you’re planning to keep a tuna casserole recipe in storage, there are some important things to bear in mind when preserving the flavour and texture. Here’s how you can store tuna casserole properly:

Storing of Tuna Casserole in the Refrigerator

• Allow the dish to cool to room temperature prior to storing it. 
• Put the rest of the casserole into an airtight container in order to avoid the absorption of smells in the fridge and also for the sake of keeping it fresh.
• Tuna casseroles can be safe to keep in the refrigerator for up to four days. Make sure you take the casserole out in this period to experience the best taste and texture.

2. Freezing Tuna Casserole

• Preparing to Freeze. If you want to store the dish over a long period it is an excellent alternative. It is also recommended to cool it prior to making it into a freezer.
• The items should be wrapped tightly. If you’re freezing a portion of food items then wrap them in aluminum foil, and then place them in a freezer-safe sealed container, and freezer bag.
• Tuna casserole can be frozen for as long as 2 months. It’s suggested to label and sign the containers to identify the date that the containers were put in.

3. Reheating Tuna Casserole

• If you’re using a microwave, heat each portion. Cover the dish with an absorbent piece of paper to keep it from becoming dry, then cook it for a few seconds with stirring in every time.
• The oven should be heated to 350 degF (175degC). The casserole must be put on a baking dish that is oven safe. The casserole should be covered with foil to preserve the moisture. Cook for about 20 minutes or until the dish is warm. The foil must be taken off within the final few minutes. This will allow the cooking surface to get brown as desired.
• Use these storage and cooling methods and heating methods. It will be possible to bring your tuna casserole with you to dinner in the weeks that follow its making without degrading the taste.

FAQs-Tuna Casserole Recipe

What is the best ingredient to put in the 4 ingredient tuna casserole recipe?

• 1 (12-ounce) package egg noodles.
• 2 (10.5 Ounce) cans of condensed cream of mushroom soup.
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided.
• 2 (5-ounce) cans tuna, drained.
• 1 cup of frozen green peas.
• 1/2 (4.5 1 ounce) cut mushrooms.
• 1 cup of chopped onion.
• 1 cup crushed potato chips.

What are the three main ingredients in the tuna noodles casserole?

The great thing about the recipe my mom cooks is that it only requires three ingredients and takes about fifteen minutes to prepare—my mom’s Cheater’s recipe. Tuna Noodle Casserole, which I affectionately refer to, will require your preferred boxed mac and cheese, along with frozen peas and canned tuna.

What can I make with canned tuna?

• Tuna Cakes
• One-Pot Pasta
• Tuna Melt
• Nicoise Salad
• Tuna Salad Spread

What is the tuna baking recipe?

• 300g dried macaroni pasta.
• 40g Coles Australian Salted Butter.
• 2 Tbsp Coles White Plain Flour.
• 2 cups of low-fat milk.
• 3/4 cup reduced-fat grated pizza cheese.
• 425g can of tuna in spring water, drained, flaked.

Do you put milk in a cheesy tuna casserole recipe?

Whisk in the milk and continue to whisk until the sauce begins to thicken (it will usually reach the right consistency when it starts to boil). Add the cheese to the mixture and stir until it is melted and the mixture is well combined. Mix in peas, tuna and noodles. Distribute the ingredients evenly throughout the dish.

Conclusion – Tuna Casserole Recipe

Tuna casserole is proof of the fact that food for comfort doesn’t need to be time-consuming or complicated. The recipes are flexible and provide an ideal starting point that you could modify based on your family’s preferences, your dietary requirements as well as what’s in your kitchen.

The secret to a consistent and successful recipe is to understand the most basic ratios: roughly equal portions of cooked protein and starch, joined by a sauce that keeps the baking process moist. When you’ve mastered this fundamental then you are able to play around with different flavors, ingredients and other toppings to make your personal recipe.

Be aware that the finest tuna casserole will be the one you and your family enjoy eating. Be sure to tweak the ingredients, switch vegetables or change cooking methods according to your family’s preferences. By having these dishes and methods to your kitchen you’ll never have to be in the kitchen wondering what you can cook at dinner time on busy nights ever again.