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Home / Recipes
45 minutes
4.64 from 87 votes
29 Comments

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

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  • 431
by: Joanna Cismaru

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This Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a comforting and reliable classic dish perfect for a busy weeknight and budget friendly that is ready in 45 minutes from start to finish!

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole in a casserole dish

Here I am with another casserole dish for you and this one is a classic that probably most of us remember from our childhood. This tuna noodle casserole is so good and so easy. It’s perfect after a long day at work, especially when the last thing you want to do is spend a lot of time in the kitchen cooking.

This is the perfect casserole for weeknight cooking because it’s ready in 45 minutes from start to finish. It’s an American classic comfort food and this recipe here is a family favorite that I’ve been making for years.

How to Make Tuna Noodle Casserole

This casserole is as simple as it gets. Cook the noodles, then toss all the ingredients together and bake. That’s all it takes, seriously!

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole process shots

I have to ask you though about cheese. Do you add cheese to your tuna noodle casserole? I, for one, prefer it without cheese, there’s just something about tuna and cheese that doesn’t sit well with me, but then there’s tuna melts, which I love, so go figure.

I leave that up to you, if you do prefer cheese, by all means add a cup or two of shredded cheese to this dish and I’m sure it will still be just as delicious. And for those of you who do not want to use canned soups, check out the recipe notes on how to make it from scratch.

I love some potato chips sprinkled over the casserole for a little extra crunchiness, it’s so delish! End of story. Go and make it for supper, it’s easy.

Can You Customize This Tuna Casserole?

Absolutely! That’s what’s so great about this casserole, you can make it how you like it. Hate peas? Don’t add them in. Same with tomatoes, add whatever you like. Here’s are some suggestions:

  • Zucchini
  • Peppers
  • Broccoli
  • Sun Dried Tomatoes
  • Frozen veggies, such as carrots, peas and corn mix
  • Mushrooms
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole in a small white plate

Do You Bake This Tuna Noodle Casserole Covered or Uncovered?

I recommend baking this uncovered because of the potato chips. If you cover it with aluminum foil or a lid, you risk the potato chips getting soggy, and their whole purpose is to provide crunchiness to the dish.

Leftovers

If stored properly, in an airtight container, tuna casserole can last 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator, which makes a perfect lunch for the next day!

Freezing

The great thing about this casserole is that you can easily freeze it before or after it’s cooked. If you’re freezing it before cooking it, make sure you wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. To cook it, that it out overnight in the fridge and make sure it’s thawed out completely before placing it in the oven.

If you want freeze a baked casserole, let it cool completely before wrapping it and freezing it. Whether you freeze the casserole cooked or uncooked they can last for up to 6 months in the freezer.

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole overhead shot

More Great Recipes To Try:

  • Linguine Puttanesca with Tuna
  • Tuna Salad with Pecans and Raisins
  • Avocado Tuna Salad
  • Shrimp Ceviche

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overhead shot of tuna noodle casserole with a serving spoon taking a scoop

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

4.64 from 87 votes
Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 40 mins
Total: 45 mins
Author: Joanna Cismaru
Serves: 6
Print Pin Rate
This Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a comforting and reliable classic dish perfect for a busy weeknight and budget friendly!

Ingredients

  • 12 ounce egg noodles dry
  • 15 ounce tuna drained (I used 3 5 oz cans tuna packed in water)
  • 10.5 ounce cream of celery soup (I used Campbell’s 10.5 oz can)
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 stalk celery chopped
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
  • 3/4 cup potato chips crumbled
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400 F degrees.
  • Cook noodles: Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
  • Mix all ingredients together: To the bowl add the remaining ingredients (excluding the potato chips) and stir until well combined. Season with salt and pepper as needed. I only added pepper, but feel free to season with salt as you prefer.
  • Transfer to a casserole dish: Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray and add the noodle mixture to the casserole dish. Sprinkle with the potato chips. 
  • Bake: Bake for 30 minutes or until heated through.
  • Serve: Serve warm and enjoy!

Video

Recipe Notes

Cream of celery soup recipe:
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 celery rib, chopped
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • salt and pepper to taste
  1. In a small saucepan melt the butter, add celery, onion and cook over medium low heat until soft. Add flour and cook for 2 minutes over low heat.
  2. Add chicken broth and cream, season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Use this to add to your tuna noodle casserole.
Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on products used.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 426kcal (21%)Carbohydrates: 56g (19%)Protein: 25g (50%)Fat: 10g (15%)Saturated Fat: 2g (13%)Cholesterol: 82mg (27%)Sodium: 595mg (26%)Potassium: 657mg (19%)Fiber: 4g (17%)Sugar: 5g (6%)Vitamin A: 1065IU (21%)Vitamin C: 11.1mg (13%)Calcium: 110mg (11%)Iron: 3.3mg (18%)
Course:Main Course
Cuisine:American
Keyword:tuna casserole, tuna noodle casserole, tuna noodle casserole recipe
Tried this recipe? Rate it belowtag @jocooks on instagram and hashtag it #jocooks!

Originally published August 2014. Updated with new pictures and video.

  • 431

Meet Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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Comments

  1. Joanne says

    August 23, 2018 at 6:48 am

    5 stars
    The potato chip crunch on top is SO perfect. Love!

    Reply
  2. Stephanie @CopyKat.com says

    August 23, 2018 at 4:12 am

    5 stars
    Such great flavors in here. I love how easy this is to prepare.

    Reply
  3. cathy says

    August 22, 2018 at 9:42 pm

    5 stars
    My dad made his version every Friday night. Great memories!

    Reply
  4. Toni | Boulder Locavore says

    August 22, 2018 at 8:24 pm

    5 stars
    Looks like a new favorite for weeknights!

    Reply
  5. Heather says

    August 22, 2018 at 6:07 pm

    5 stars
    An absolutely fun family favorite!

    Reply
  6. Erin says

    August 22, 2018 at 2:41 pm

    5 stars
    Such a classic! So much better than what I grew up with!

    Reply
  7. Lori @ RecipeGirl says

    August 22, 2018 at 2:16 pm

    5 stars
    My husband’s fave!

    Reply
  8. lc says

    August 22, 2018 at 11:50 am

    5 stars
    such a great recipe!

    Reply
  9. Liz says

    August 22, 2018 at 11:45 am

    5 stars
    My mom always put potato chips on her tuna casserole! Your nostalgic recipe looks wonderful!

    Reply
  10. Wendy Hampton says

    August 22, 2018 at 10:46 am

    5 stars
    I had forgotten about this recipe and I don’t know why because I have loved it since the first time I tried it. So glad for the reminder! I need comfort food today after my dentist appointment and this will be perfect! Thanks for sharing it AND the reminder posting. I especially like the crushed potato chips on top!

    Reply
    • Joanna Cismaru says

      August 22, 2018 at 11:12 am

      Oh good luck with the dentist appointment. 🙂

      Reply
  11. Maria says

    August 22, 2018 at 8:04 am

    Recipe sounds great! If you make the cream of celery soup, do you still add the cup of milk listed in the ingredients?

    Reply
    • Nicole Beaulieu says

      August 22, 2018 at 9:18 am

      If you’re using the DIY recipe in the notes, still use the milk. If it’s your own big batch you can skip the milk. Just make sure you use enough soup so that the noodles aren’t dry.

      Reply
  12. Angelina says

    January 25, 2018 at 9:49 am

    5 stars
    A straightforward, easy & delicious recipe (nice photos). I liked using Cream of Celery soup, since most recipes for tuna casserole call for Cream of Mushroom soup. I used Heart Healthy soup and frozen peas & carrots, since that’s what I had on hand. A friend suggested this to me a long time ago….”If you want your casseroles ‘creamy’ (without milk on the bottom of your casserole dish) use Condensed Milk instead of regular milk”. I thought I’d pass this on, since it always works for me. I like your recipes, so I’ll be signing on to receive your blog.

    Reply
    • Angelina says

      January 25, 2018 at 4:41 pm

      Regarding the tuna casserole, I meant to say evaporated milk NOT condensed milk. Sorry for the confusion.

      Reply
      • Maureen D Dugan says

        October 22, 2018 at 7:30 am

        How much evaporated milk do you use?

  13. Charlie Hendricks says

    November 6, 2014 at 11:03 pm

    5 stars
    I made this the other night for my little crew and they absolutely loved it. I added edamame and sugar snap peas. My husband is a fan. Sure beats his lightning fast tuna casserole. I’ll take yummy every time.

    Reply
  14. Thalia @ butter and brioche says

    August 10, 2014 at 3:29 am

    5 stars
    ooh this looks delicious, definitely know what im making for dinner tonight! thanks for the recipe and inspiration!

    Reply
  15. michele leblanc says

    August 9, 2014 at 12:59 pm

    You are so funny, Jo! I wear progressives and yes, it does get better….although it’s a little like walking around with your head in a fishbowl the first couple of days!

    Reply
    • jo says

      August 9, 2014 at 1:02 pm

      Well that’s good to know, and yes you nailed it, it is like having your head in a fishbowl. LOL

      Reply
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I'm Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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