Why is my tuna casserole dry?

If your casserole turns out dry, it’s usually because the noodles absorbed too much liquid. To prevent this, cook the noodles al dente and avoid overbaking. Adding a little extra milk or sauce before baking also helps keep the casserole creamy.

What are the three ingredients in tuna noodle casserole?

At its most basic, a tuna noodle casserole includes tuna, noodles, and a creamy sauce. Most versions, like ours, build on this base with cheese, vegetables, and a crunchy topping.

What can I add to tuna noodle casserole to make it taste better?

A dash of hot sauce, Dijon mustard, or Worcestershire sauce adds depth. Fresh herbs, sautéed mushrooms, or swapping in different cheeses also boost flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this casserole is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge until ready to bake. For the best results, add the crumb topping just before baking to keep it crispy.

What can I use instead of peas?

Peas are traditional, but you can swap them with other vegetables you enjoy. Corn, diced carrots, broccoli, or green beans all work well. Frozen mixed vegetables are also a quick and colorful substitute.

What’s the best kind of tuna to use?

Albacore tuna packed in water is often recommended because it has a clean, mild flavor and firm texture. However, chunk light tuna is a good budget-friendly choice, and tuna packed in oil can be used if drained thoroughly. Choose the type that matches your taste and budget.

What all goes in a tuna casserole?

A classic recipe has egg noodles, tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk, peas, cheese, and a breadcrumb topping. Some cooks add celery, onions, or carrots for extra flavor and crunch.

Can you mix noodles with tuna?

Yes, that’s the heart of this recipe. Cooked noodles are combined with tuna and a creamy sauce, then baked for a comforting, one-dish meal.

Best Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe for Comfort Dinners

Description

Tuna Noodle Casserole is a timeless comfort food that never goes out of style. With tender noodles, creamy mushroom sauce, peas, and flaky tuna all baked under a cheesy breadcrumb topping, this dish is a weeknight favorite the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

For the casserole:

3 cups egg noodles (about 6 ounces dry)
1 tablespoon butter
1 small onion, diced
2 ribs celery, diced
2/3 cup frozen peas, thawed
1 (5-ounce) can tuna, drained
1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/3 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)

For the crumb topping:

1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
1 tablespoon melted butter
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). In a small bowl, mix panko, melted butter, cheddar, and parsley for the topping. Set aside.
Cook the Noodles: Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
Sauté the Vegetables: In a skillet, cook onion and celery in butter for 5–7 minutes, until softened.
Make the Casserole Mixture: In a large bowl, combine noodles, onion mixture, peas, tuna, soup, milk, cheddar cheese, and parsley. Stir until well mixed.
Assemble: Spread mixture evenly into a 2-quart casserole dish. Sprinkle prepared crumb topping over the top.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 18–20 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Serve: Enjoy warm straight from the oven.

Notes

For extra flavor, stir in 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and a dash of Worcestershire sauce with the filling. You can swap cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or cream of chicken for variety.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Pasta Casseroles
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 365
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 640mg
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 21g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: tuna noodle casserole, creamy tuna casserole, easy family dinner