Dinner

Old Fashioned Tuna Casserole Recipe

ByJack Voss October 24, 2025October 24, 2025

Introduction

Old Fashioned Tuna Casserole is a comforting, nostalgic dish perfect for busy weeknights. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with a crispy layer, it’s easy to make and sure to please the whole family.

A close-up view of a baked casserole in a white ceramic dish with scalloped edges shows three clear layers: the bottom layer is creamy and white with visible small chunks of light-colored meat and bright green peas scattered throughout, the middle layer consists of curly pasta coated in a cheesy white sauce, and the top layer is a golden-brown crunchy topping made of thin, crisp flakes with small bits of green herbs sprinkled on top; the dish is set on a wooden surface with a softly blurred background featuring greenery, all against a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups egg noodles (cooked)
2 cans tuna (drained)
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup milk
1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
1 cup frozen peas (optional)
1 small onion (diced)
2 tbsp butter
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
Step 2: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the egg noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the diced onions until they turn translucent.
Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, frozen peas (if using), and sautéed onions. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then mix well.
Step 5: Transfer the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Step 6: Sprinkle the crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs evenly over the top for a crunchy finish.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the casserole is golden brown and bubbling.
Step 8: Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your classic tuna casserole!

Tips & Variations

Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or cream of chicken for a different flavor.
Add a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill to brighten the dish.
Use crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs for an alternative crispy topping.
For extra creaminess, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese before baking.

Storage

Store leftover tuna casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through. Avoid freezing as the texture may change.

How to Serve

A creamy casserole sits in a white ceramic dish with scalloped edges, filled with three visible layers: at the bottom, tender curly pasta wrapped in thick white sauce mixed with small pieces of light brown cooked chicken and bright green peas scattered throughout; the top layer is covered with a crunchy golden layer of crispy potato chips, some garnished with small bits of green herbs. The white marbled surface beneath the dish adds a clean contrast to the warm and textured casserole. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned soup?

Using fresh mushrooms would require additional steps like sautéing and adding a cream base. The canned soup provides a convenient creamy texture, but you can make a homemade sauce if you prefer fresh ingredients.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute egg noodles with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and toppings to make a gluten-free version of this casserole.