Easy Bake Tuna Casserole
A comforting and cheesy tuna casserole featuring creamy mushroom and celery soups, tender noodles, and melted mild shredded cheese. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a satisfying blend of flavors that appeals to families and seafood lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cook the elbow noodles according to package instructions and drain.
- In a mixing bowl, combine milk, cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, and drained tuna. Mix well.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat until it becomes creamy.
- Pour the tuna mixture over the cooked noodles in a casserole dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Continue baking until the cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a tablespoon of sour cream or cream cheese to the tuna mixture. If you'd like to enhance the flavor, try using garlic powder or onion powder. You can substitute the elbow noodles with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or rotini. This dish is versatile, and you can even add frozen peas or corn for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This tuna casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up any remaining sauce. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside Grandma Faraudo's Creamed Tuna on Toast for a delightful seafood-inspired dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tuna casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until warmed through. It can also be reheated in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Bake Tuna Casserole contains roughly 262 calories, with 17g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 579mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?
Yes, you can use fresh tuna. Just cook it until it’s fully done, then flake it into the mixture. Be sure to season it well as fresh tuna has a different flavor profile compared to canned tuna.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just cover it tightly with foil. When you're ready to bake it, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
Yes, you can make it healthier by using whole wheat pasta, low-fat soups, and reduced-fat cheese. Additionally, adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers can boost the nutritional value without sacrificing flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).