Easy Tuna Casserole

Easy Tuna Casserole is a comforting, budget-friendly, and nostalgic dish made with pantry staples like canned tuna, condensed soup, pasta, and cheese. Topped with crispy French fried onions, it’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you need a warm, crowd-pleasing dish without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to make

• Requires only five main ingredients

• Great use of pantry staples

• Kid-friendly and adult-approved

• Delicious as leftovers

• Customizable with add-ins like peas or spices

• Freezer-friendly for make-ahead meals

• No fancy equipment required

• Budget-conscious

• Classic comfort food flavor

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cooked macaroni

• Canned tuna, drained

• Condensed cream of chicken soup

• Shredded Cheddar cheese

• French fried onions

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In the dish, mix together the cooked macaroni, tuna, and condensed soup until well combined.

3. Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

4. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.

5. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with French fried onions, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.

6. Let cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Use different soup: Try cream of mushroom, celery, or a combo of both.

• Add vegetables: Stir in peas, corn, or mixed vegetables for added texture.

• Make it cheesier: Add Velveeta, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses.

• Try different pasta: Egg noodles, rotini, or penne all work well.

• Spice it up: Add cayenne, paprika, or hot sauce for heat.

• Swap the topping: Use crushed potato chips, buttery breadcrumbs, or crushed Ritz crackers instead of fried onions.

• Use canned chicken: An easy substitution if you don’t have tuna.

• Make it creamy: Add sour cream or mayo to the soup mixture.

• Boost the protein: Use two cans of tuna or add shredded rotisserie chicken.

• Add aromatics: Sautéed onions, garlic, or celery can deepen the flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap.

• Reheating:

  • Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, covered with foil.

  • Microwave: Heat individual servings for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway.

  • From frozen: Bake covered at 350°F for 60–70 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use canned chicken instead of tuna?

Yes, canned chicken works well as a substitute and has a mild flavor similar to tuna.

Is there a substitute for cream of chicken soup?

Cream of mushroom or celery are great alternatives, or use a homemade white sauce if you prefer.

Can I freeze tuna casserole?

Yes. Freeze before or after baking. Just be sure to wrap it tightly to avoid freezer burn.

How do I keep the casserole from drying out?

Add a splash of milk or extra soup to the mixture before baking if it looks too dry.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours before cooking.

What kind of pasta works best?

Elbow macaroni is classic, but any short pasta like penne, rotini, or egg noodles works.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free condensed soup. Double-check your fried onions too.

What vegetables can I add?

Peas, carrots, corn, broccoli, or mixed frozen vegetables are all great options.

How can I make it more flavorful?

Try adding spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or Dijon mustard. A splash of milk or sour cream also helps.

Can I use fresh tuna?

Yes, cooked and flaked fresh tuna can be used in place of canned tuna.

Conclusion

Easy Tuna Casserole is a beloved classic for a reason—it’s hearty, creamy, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re making it as-is or adding your own twist, this fuss-free recipe is sure to become a go-to in your weeknight rotation. With just a few ingredients and under an hour from start to finish, it’s a simple comfort food that always delivers.

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