Easy Tuna Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and full of flavor, yet incredibly easy to make. The combination of canned tuna and egg noodles is a classic that everyone can enjoy, while the cream of celery soup brings a velvety smooth texture to the casserole. It’s also highly customizable: You can add more veggies, swap out cheeses, or tweak the seasonings to your liking. Best of all, it’s ready in no time, making it a perfect go-to meal for busy nights.

Ingredients

• 14 oz of egg noodles
• 2 cans of cream of celery soup
• 1 cup of milk
• 2 tablespoons of dried parsley flakes
• 1 ½ teaspoons of dried thyme
• 14 oz of canned tuna (two small cans)
• 10 oz of frozen peas, thawed
• 4 oz of pimentos, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup of breadcrumbs

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare casserole mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of celery soup, milk, parsley flakes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir in the canned tuna (drained), thawed peas, and diced pimentos.
4. Add noodles and cheese: Add the cooked noodles and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the soup mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.
5. Assemble casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
7. Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious, creamy tuna casserole!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20-25 minutes in the oven

Variations

• Add more veggies: You can add other vegetables like chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Use different pasta: Swap the egg noodles for other pasta shapes like penne, shells, or rotini.
• Use different cheese: While cheddar is classic, you can mix in other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites.
• Make it spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to give the casserole a little kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use other types of soup instead of cream of celery?

Yes, you can substitute cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup for a slightly different flavor.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.

Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?

Yes, fresh cooked tuna can be used in place of canned tuna, though the flavor may be slightly different. Be sure to flake it before adding it to the casserole.

Can I use non-dairy milk?

Yes, you can substitute the regular milk with non-dairy options like almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version.

Can I add more cheese?

Absolutely! If you love cheese, feel free to add more shredded cheddar on top or mix in other cheeses for an extra cheesy casserole.

Can I make this gluten-free?

To make the casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and make sure your cream of celery soup is gluten-free. Some canned soups may contain gluten, so always check the label.

Can I use frozen peas instead of canned peas?

Yes, frozen peas work great in this recipe! Just be sure to thaw them before mixing them into the casserole.

How do I make the casserole more creamy?

For a creamier casserole, you can add a little extra milk or even a bit of cream cheese to the soup mixture.

Can I add more seasonings to this dish?

Yes, feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. You could add garlic powder, onion powder, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for more flavor.

Conclusion

Easy Tuna Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—simple, creamy, and satisfying. It’s a quick and budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for feeding a family or making ahead for busy days. The tender noodles, flavorful tuna, and cheesy topping come together to create a dish everyone will enjoy. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a cozy meal, this casserole is sure to hit the spot!

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