Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my privacy policy.
Make this creamy tuna noodle casserole, using easy to find ingredients that might already be in your pantry, for the ultimate in comfort food.
Right now, we all need comfort food recipes more than ever. This creamy tuna noodle casserole is so easy to put together and ready in under 30 minutes. With plenty of vegetables and lots of flavor, it makes the perfect weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love This Tuna Pasta Recipe
- Comfort food that reminds many people of their childhood.
- Great use of pantry staples.
- Low cost recipe.
- Freezer friendly and great for meal prep.
- Full of flavor.
Easy Tuna Casserole Ingredients
- Sour cream – This helps add a tanginess to the creamy sauce.
- Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup – This helps make the tuna casserole extra creamy. You can buy canned or make your own.
- Cheddar cheese – For the best melting, I recommend shredding your own cheese instead of buying pre-shredded.
- Tuna – I usually use tuna in water for this recipe over tuna in oil. Be sure to drain it well.
- Mixed vegetables – Canned or thawed frozen mixed vegetables will work.
- Egg noodles – Egg noodles work great in this tuna noodle casserole recipe because they are flat and wide and get very tender and fluffy, easily absorbing the sauce.
Tuna Casserole Variations
There are lots of variations for this pasta casserole. You can swap tuna with shredded, cooked chicken. Or, use peas in place of the mixed vegetables. Another great option would be to change the topping to either fried onions or crushed Ritz crackers.
How to Freeze Tuna Noodle Casserole
- Before Baking: You can freeze these creamy pasta casserole prior to baking. I find that the texture and flavor of the casserole are best preserved when frozen before baking. You can freeze for up to 3 months. Then, simply thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
- After Baking: Let the casserole cool completely prior to wrapping and freezing. Thaw prior to reheating in the oven.
This recipe is so simple to make but is always a crowd pleaser. My family asks for it at least every other week. They love how creamy it is and I love that it gives them vegetables I don’t have to force them to eat.
Other Great Pantry Recipes
If you love this recipe for classic tuna noodle casserole, be sure to try these other simple recipes focused on using pantry staples.
- Balsamic Chicken Vegetable Skillet
- Coconut Mango Chicken Skillet
- Vegetarian Chili Pasta Bake
- Fire Roasted Taco Soup Two Ways
- Chicken noodle Casserole
Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup sour cream
- 1 can cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cans chunk light tuna drained
- 1 can mixed vegetables drained
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups egg noodles cooked 2 minutes less than package instructions
Topping
- 1 cup panko crumbs
- 1/4 cup butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9×13 or 9-inch round baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine sour cream, cream of mushroom or celery soup, and cheese. Stir in mixed vegetables, tuna and noodles. Season with salt and pepper. Put into prepared baking dish.2/3 cup sour cream, 1 can cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 2 cans chunk light tuna, 1 can mixed vegetables, 2 cups egg noodles, Salt and pepper to taste
- Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine melted butter and panko crumbs. Spread on top of casserole and bake for an additional 10 minutes.1 cup panko crumbs, 1/4 cup butter
Notes
- You can substitute thawed mixed vegetables or peas in place of canned.
- You can substitute Ritz cracker crumbs or fried onions for the panko crumbs.
- The measurement for the egg noodles is pre-cooking. Measure them dry and then cook for 2 minutes less than the package instructions.
- The pre-baked casserole can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw completely prior to baking.
Nutrition
