Easy Tuna Casserole with Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe

Tuna Casserole with Cream of Mushroom Soup is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, cheesy, and incredibly simple to make. It’s the perfect one-dish meal that combines tender noodles, flaky tuna, and a rich, flavorful sauce made with cream of mushroom soup. Finished with a golden, crunchy topping, this classic recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or when you need a nostalgic, filling meal that everyone will love.

What Is Easy Tuna Casserole with Cream of Mushroom Soup?

This casserole is a traditional American dish that brings together pantry staples like canned tuna, cream of mushroom soup, noodles, and cheese. The creamy soup forms the base of the sauce, creating a velvety texture that coats the noodles perfectly. It’s baked until bubbly and golden, resulting in a dish that’s rich, satisfying, and loaded with flavor — a true classic comfort recipe that has stood the test of time.

Other Popular Casserole Recipes

• Tuna Casserole with Green Beans
• Tuna Casserole
• John Wayne Casserole
• Tuna Casserole with Egg Noodles

Reasons to Try Easy Tuna Casserole with Cream of Mushroom Soup

• Quick and Simple – Ready in under an hour with easy, pantry-friendly ingredients.
• Creamy and Comforting – The cream of mushroom soup gives it a rich, smooth texture.
• Budget-Friendly – Made with affordable ingredients that stretch across multiple servings.
• Family Favorite – A mild, creamy flavor that’s loved by both kids and adults.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – Stores and reheats beautifully for quick dinners.
• Versatile Dish – Easy to customize with vegetables, different cheeses, or toppings.

Ingredients Needed to Make Easy Tuna Casserole with Cream of Mushroom Soup

• 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained and flaked
• 3 cups cooked egg noodles
• 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sour cream or mayonnaise (optional for extra creaminess)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips (for topping)
• 2 tbsp melted butter

Instructions to Prepare Easy Tuna Casserole with Cream of Mushroom Soup

• Preheat the oven – Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Cook the noodles – Boil egg noodles in salted water until al dente, drain, and set aside.
• Make the sauce – In a large bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth.
• Add tuna and vegetables – Stir in the tuna, peas, onion, and half the cheese. Mix until evenly combined.
• Combine with noodles – Gently fold the cooked noodles into the creamy mixture until well coated.
• Assemble the casserole – Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
• Add the topping – Mix melted butter with breadcrumbs or crushed chips and sprinkle over the top. Add the remaining cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
• Bake until bubbly – Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until hot, bubbly, and golden brown.
• Cool and serve – Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.

What Goes Well With Easy Tuna Casserole with Cream of Mushroom Soup

• Green Salad – A light salad adds freshness and balances the creamy flavors.
• Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables – Adds color and a healthy touch to your plate.
• Steamed Broccoli – A mild, nutritious side that pairs well with the casserole.
• Coleslaw – Offers a crisp, tangy contrast to the creamy dish.

Key Tips for Making Easy Tuna Casserole with Cream of Mushroom Soup

• Cook noodles al dente – Keeps them firm during baking and prevents a mushy texture.
• Drain tuna thoroughly – Excess liquid can water down the sauce.
• Add sour cream or mayo – Enhances creaminess and adds rich flavor.
• Cover while baking – Keeps the casserole moist; uncover in the last 5 minutes for crispiness.
• Mix cheese types – Try combining cheddar and mozzarella for more flavor depth.
• Don’t overbake – Bake only until bubbly and golden to keep the sauce creamy.
• Let it rest – Allow a few minutes of resting before serving to let flavors meld.

Creative Variations of Easy Tuna Casserole with Cream of Mushroom Soup

• Extra Cheesy Version – Add a layer of mozzarella or parmesan for a gooey finish.
• Vegetable Boost – Include corn, carrots, or mushrooms for extra color and nutrients.
• Spicy Twist – Add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños for heat.
• Crunchy Topping – Use crushed Ritz crackers or French-fried onions instead of breadcrumbs.
• Low-Carb Option – Swap noodles for cauliflower florets or zucchini ribbons.
• Tuna Rice Bake – Replace noodles with cooked rice for a heartier twist.

Storage Guidelines for Easy Tuna Casserole with Cream of Mushroom Soup

• Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freeze – Freeze cooled casserole in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months.
• Defrosting – Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Avoid sogginess – Reheat uncovered for a crisp topping.
• Label before freezing – Note the date for freshness tracking.

Reheating Tips for Easy Tuna Casserole with Cream of Mushroom Soup

• Oven Method – Reheat covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes.
• Microwave Method – Heat individual servings for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop Method – Warm gently on low heat with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 27 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sodium: 710 mg
• Calcium: 190 mg

FAQs

How do you make tuna casserole with creamy cream of mushroom soup?

To make your tuna casserole extra creamy, combine cream of mushroom soup with milk and a spoonful of sour cream or mayonnaise. This adds richness and keeps the sauce smooth. Avoid overbaking, as it can dry out the sauce — bake just until the casserole is hot and bubbly.

Should I cook noodles before adding them to tuna casserole?

Yes, always cook your noodles until al dente before adding them to the casserole. Partially cooked noodles will absorb some of the sauce while baking, keeping the texture firm and preventing the dish from becoming mushy.

Can I use a different soup instead of cream of mushroom in tuna casserole?

Yes, cream of chicken or cream of celery soup is a great substitute for cream of mushroom. You can also make a homemade white sauce using butter, flour, milk, and a pinch of garlic powder for a from-scratch option.

How can I keep the topping crispy on tuna casserole?

For a perfectly crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed chips mixed with melted butter over the casserole before baking. Bake uncovered for the last 5–10 minutes, or use the broiler for 1–2 minutes to achieve a golden, crunchy finish.

Final Words

Tuna Casserole with Cream of Mushroom Soup is a timeless dish that brings together comfort, simplicity, and rich flavor. With its creamy sauce, tender noodles, and crispy topping, it’s the perfect meal for families who love classic home-cooked food.

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