Tuna Casserole

Q: Can you freeze tuna casserole?

Definitely. Tuna casserole is freezer-friendly , and you can freeze it both before and after baking. Just remember to double-wrap and label your dish with the date. For the best flavor, try to use frozen casseroles within 3–4 months .

Q: How to reheat leftovers without drying them out?

To keep your reheated casserole moist, add a splash of milk or broth before warming. Cover the dish with foil when reheating in the oven to retain moisture. In the microwave, cover with a paper towel and heat in short intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.

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Looking for a hearty, feel-good meal that’s both affordable and delicious? Tuna casserole is a timeless comfort food that checks all the boxes. From busy weeknights to potluck dinners, this classic dish has been winning hearts (and emptying plates) for decades. With its creamy texture, flaky tuna, and tender egg noodles baked to perfection, it’s no wonder this old-school favorite never goes out of style. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to make the best tuna casserole, complete with easy swaps, freezer tips, and answers to all your casserole questions.

Looking for inspiration? Try our hearty stuffed pepper casserole for another easy weeknight win.

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Why Tuna Casserole Is Still Everyone’s Favorite

A nostalgic dish with timeless appeal

There’s something special about tuna casserole that taps into pure nostalgia. For many, it’s the ultimate childhood dinner—warm, creamy, and straight from the oven. It brings back memories of home-cooked meals and cozy evenings at the family table. This dish is still a go-to for good reason: it’s simple, satisfying, and feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.

Ingredients that are always in your pantry

What makes tuna casserole even more irresistible is its simplicity. You probably already have most of the ingredients on hand: canned tuna, a bag of egg noodles, a can or two of condensed soup, and some frozen peas. With just a few basic staples, you can whip up a dish that tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen—even if it only takes 30 minutes.

Budget-friendly and family-approved

In an era of rising grocery prices, meals that are affordable and filling are more important than ever. Tuna casserole is a frugal cook’s best friend. Not only is it incredibly cost-effective, but it also scales easily, making it ideal for large families, weekly meal prep, or unexpected guests. Don’t miss our slow cooker chicken and gravy for another affordable family favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Tuna Casserole

Choosing the right noodles and tuna

For the most classic version, you’ll want wide egg noodles—they hold the sauce perfectly and bake beautifully. As for the tuna, go with water-packed canned tuna for a leaner result, or oil-packed for a richer flavor. Either way, make sure it’s fully drained before adding it to your mix.

What kind of soup base works best?

The creaminess in tuna casserole usually comes from condensed soup. Cream of mushroom is the traditional pick, but cream of celery or even cream of chicken work well too. If you like a moister casserole, add an extra half can of soup and more milk.

Ingredient	Recommended Amount
Egg noodles	16 oz
Tuna (canned)	10 oz (2 small cans)
Condensed soup	2 cans (10.5 oz each)
Milk	1 cup
Cheddar cheese	1 cup shredded
Frozen peas	1 cup
Panko crumbs	½ cup
Butter	1 tbsp (melted)

Don’t miss our classic green bean casserole for more creamy, old-school sides that never fail.

Extra toppings and optional add-ins

Want a crunchy topping? Mix panko bread crumbs with melted butter before baking. For something extra, toss in a handful of French-fried onions, or sprinkle with extra cheese before it hits the oven. You can also swap peas for mixed vegetables or stir in sriracha for a spicy twist. Learn more about adding spice with our sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the Best Tuna Casserole

Boiling and prepping your noodles

Start by boiling your egg noodles according to the package directions. Make sure to keep them al dente, as they’ll finish cooking in the oven. Once boiled, drain and return to the pot—this will be your mixing bowl for the rest of the ingredients.

Mixing, layering, and baking

Next, combine the drained tuna, frozen peas, condensed soup, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese with the noodles. Add salt and pepper to taste, then transfer the mixture into a buttered 9×13″ casserole dish. Top with panko mixed with melted butter, and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.

How long to bake tuna casserole perfectly

Your casserole is done when the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. If baking from frozen, cover with foil and add 45–60 minutes to the bake time. Remove the foil for the last 15–20 minutes so the top crisps up.

Discover great ideas like our creamy scalloped potatoes for another crowd-pleasing oven dish.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing Tips

How to prepare it ahead of time

One of the best parts about tuna casserole is how well it works for meal planning. You can assemble the entire dish up to 48 hours in advance, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, dinner parties, or prepping ahead for guests.

Want to go one step further? Make a double batch—bake one now and freeze the other for later. Your future self will thank you!

Storing leftovers safely

Leftover tuna casserole should be cooled completely before refrigerating. Store in an airtight container and it’ll keep for 3–4 days in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions with a splash of milk to keep them moist.

Check out our easy meatballs and gravy recipe for another make-ahead dish that stores and reheats beautifully.

Freezing before vs. after baking

You can freeze tuna casserole before or after baking. For unbaked versions, wrap the entire dish tightly with two layers of foil. If freezing for more than a month, add a layer of plastic wrap underneath the foil. When ready to cook from frozen, bake covered for 45–60 minutes, then uncover and finish baking for 20 more minutes until bubbly and golden.

If already baked, cool completely and freeze individual portions or the full dish. Reheat frozen portions in the oven or microwave.

Pro tip: Use disposable foil pans for freezer meals so you’re not tying up your cookware.

Tasty Variations to Try

Make it spicy, creamy, or gluten-free

Spice lovers—try adding Frank’s RedHot or sriracha directly to the casserole mix. Even a teaspoon brings a subtle kick. For extra creaminess, stir in sour cream or a spoonful of cream cheese.

Need a gluten-free version? Simply use certified gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs. You can also thicken the sauce with cornstarch and milk instead of canned soup if needed.

Protein swaps: Chicken or turkey?

If you’re not in the mood for tuna, this recipe is super versatile. You can substitute in canned chicken, leftover shredded turkey, or even cooked rotisserie chicken. The rest of the recipe stays exactly the same—no changes needed.

Explore more poultry ideas like our cranberry pecan chicken salad that’s perfect for lunches or picnics.

Vegetable swaps and add-ins

Not a fan of peas? Swap in mixed vegetables, broccoli florets, or even chopped carrots. Mushrooms also add an earthy richness that pairs well with tuna. You could even add canned corn or sautéed onions for extra flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tuna Casserole

Do you need to cook the noodles first?

Yes, absolutely. The noodles must be cooked before assembling the casserole. While they will cook slightly more in the oven, uncooked noodles won’t absorb the sauce properly and will leave your casserole dry or unevenly cooked.

Can you freeze tuna casserole?

Definitely. Tuna casserole is freezer-friendly, and you can freeze it both before and after baking. Just remember to double-wrap and label your dish with the date. For the best flavor, try to use frozen casseroles within 3–4 months.

How to reheat leftovers without drying them out?

To keep your reheated casserole moist, add a splash of milk or broth before warming. Cover the dish with foil when reheating in the oven to retain moisture. In the microwave, cover with a paper towel and heat in short intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.

What’s the best topping for tuna casserole?

Classic panko breadcrumbs mixed with butter are ideal. But you can also try crushed potato chips, buttery crackers, or French-fried onions. Each option adds crunch and extra flavor.

Final Thoughts on the Best Tuna Casserole Recipe

Tuna casserole isn’t just a blast from the past—it’s still one of the easiest, coziest meals you can make. Whether you’re looking to feed a crowd or prep ahead for busy days, this recipe checks all the boxes. With countless variations, simple ingredients, and freezer-friendly features, this is a dish every home cook should have in their back pocket.

Don’t miss our tuna salad boats recipe for another twist on tuna that’s fresh, light, and great for summer!

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