Tuna Or Chicken Casserole
A comforting casserole combining tender noodles with savory tuna or chicken, creamy mushroom soup, and crisp bread crumbs topped with melted mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners, it offers hearty flavors and a creamy texture that appeals to all ages. An easy, satisfying dish for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup onion ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 (6 1/2 oz) can tuna, undrained and flaked ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz) can sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 8 ounces noodles ⓘ
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs ⓘ
- shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a skillet, sauté onion and celery in butter or margarine.
- Stir in tuna or chicken, condensed cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, milk, and drained sliced mushrooms.
- Meanwhile, cook noodles according to package directions; drain.
- Combine cooked noodles and tuna mixture in a greased 2-quart casserole dish.
- Top with bread crumbs and melted butter or margarine.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes or until lightly browned and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, or try adding some grated carrots for extra nutrition. If you prefer chicken, use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience. Cooking the noodles slightly less than package directions can help them hold up better in the casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a light green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a comforting touch, serve with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side. You can also sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or dill on top before serving for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna Or Chicken Casserole contains roughly 596 calories, with 14g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (55% of the Daily Value), protein (28% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 825mg per serving (36% 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 a different type of noodle for this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free noodles. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the noodles you choose.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it for a day or two. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When you're ready to bake, adjust the baking time as it may need a few extra minutes due to being chilled.
What can I do if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can make a quick substitute by combining equal parts of sour cream and milk with some sautéed mushrooms and seasoning. Alternatively, any cream-based soup, like cream of chicken, can work in this recipe.
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).