Tuna Casserole Recipe
Tuna casserole is the ultimate comfort food, with tender pasta, creamy sauce, and hearty chunks of tuna. It’s a classic dish that’s quick to prepare, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers. This easy recipe combines pantry staples to create a delicious, cozy meal that everyone will love.
This casserole has a creamy, cheesy sauce that coats every bite of pasta, with tender chunks of tuna scattered throughout. The top is baked until golden and bubbly, adding a perfect crispy finish to the creamy base. It’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures—comforting and full of savory goodness.
Tools to Use
- Large pot (for cooking pasta)
- Large mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Spoon or spatula
- Aluminum foil (for baking)
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni (or any pasta of your choice)
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained and flaked
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for greasing the pan)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Casserole Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
4. Add the Pasta and Peas:
Add the cooked pasta to the mixing bowl and fold it into the tuna mixture. If using peas, stir them in at this point.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the tuna pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. If you like a crunchy topping, sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top as well.
6. Bake the Casserole:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to brown the top and make the cheese bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the casserole is golden and bubbly, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy tuna casserole!
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Tuna Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot (for cooking pasta)
- Large mixing bowl
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Spoon or spatula
- Aluminum foil (for baking)
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni or any pasta of your choice
- 2 cans 5 oz each tuna in water, drained and flaked
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup frozen peas optional
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs optional, for topping
- 2 tablespoons butter for greasing the pan
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Cook the Pasta:
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Casserole Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Add the Pasta and Peas:
- Add the cooked pasta to the mixing bowl and fold it into the tuna mixture. If using peas, stir them in at this point.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Transfer the tuna pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. If you like a crunchy topping, sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top as well.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to brown the top and make the cheese bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the casserole is golden and bubbly, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy tuna casserole!
Tips for Cooking
- Substitute the Pasta: You can use any kind of pasta you like, such as rotini, penne, or shells, to make this casserole your own.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, green beans, or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Crunchy Topping: If you love a crispy topping, use crushed potato chips or panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for added texture.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños if you want to spice things up.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This tuna casserole is the epitome of comfort food—it’s easy to make, flavorful, and budget-friendly. The creamy sauce and cheesy topping make it a hit for family dinners or potlucks. It’s also great for using pantry staples you likely already have on hand, making it a quick go-to meal when you’re short on time.
This tuna casserole recipe is a delicious, no-fuss meal that’s sure to satisfy your hunger and warm your soul. With a creamy base, cheesy topping, and a crispy finish, it’s a dish the whole family will love. Give it a try tonight and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic casserole!
