Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a classic comfort food featuring tender elbow macaroni, flaky tuna, and a creamy cheese sauce with peas and celery. Topped with a crispy panko breadcrumb crust, it's a quick and satisfying baked dish perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Pasta and Tuna

  • 8 ounces of elbow macaroni
  • 2 – 5 ounce cans of chunk light tuna in water, drained
  • 1/2 cup of frozen peas
  • 2 celery stalks, finely diced
  • 1 cup of chopped onion

Sauce

  • 1 can of condensed soup (celery, chicken or mushroom)
  • 3/4 cup of milk
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 1/2 cups mozzarella, shredded, divided
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Topping

  • 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing veggies)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole later.
  2. Cook pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  3. Sauté vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced celery and sauté for about 5 minutes until they become soft and aromatic.
  4. Combine tuna mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, frozen peas, sautéed celery and onion, and cooked pasta. Mix gently to integrate all ingredients.
  5. Prepare cheese sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed soup, milk, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella, and 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese. Add cayenne pepper (if using), paprika, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Mix well until combined and smooth.
  6. Mix sauce and tuna pasta: Pour the cheese sauce mixture into the bowl with the tuna and pasta, stirring until everything is evenly coated.
  7. Assemble casserole: Transfer the tuna mixture into a non-stick 9×13 baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheeses on top, followed by the panko breadcrumbs.
  8. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and the breadcrumbs are toasted to a golden crisp.
  9. Serve: Garnish the casserole with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm for a comforting meal.

Notes

  • To freeze leftover tuna casserole, freeze it in the baking dish covered with foil or transfer into a sealed container. Once frozen, you can remove it from the container and store it in a freezer bag to save space.
  • When reheating frozen casserole, let it thaw completely in the refrigerator. Then bake at 350 degrees F for 20 to 30 minutes or until heated through. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit before serving for food safety.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Halal

Find it online: https://recipesvibe.com/easy-tuna-noodle-casserole-recipe/