Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole With Cheddar Cheese

Written by
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
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Diana Rattray
Tested by
Colleen Graham Reviewed on 01/23/20 by
Colleen Graham is a cocktail expert, professional bartender, and cookbook author with over 10 years of experience in the food-writing world.
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Colleen Graham
Updated 04/17/20
Tuna Noodle Casserole
The Spruce
  • Total: 40 mins
  • Prep: 20 mins
  • Cook: 20 mins
  • Yield: 6 servings
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
1015 Calories
41g Fat
112g Carbs
48g Protein
See Full Nutritional Guidelines Hide Full Nutritional Guidelines
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6 servings
Amount per serving
Calories 1015
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 41g 53%
Saturated Fat 22g 109%
Cholesterol 137mg 46%
Sodium 1599mg 70%
Total Carbohydrate 112g 41%
Dietary Fiber 5g 18%
Protein 48g
Calcium 839mg 65%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

A classic American dish, tuna noodle casserole is a favorite family meal. This simple recipe is a great way to switch up your weeknight dinner routine and make good use of a few pantry staples. Not only is it quick and delicious, but it's easy on the budget, too.

This tuna noodle casserole is a nostalgic recipe that many adults remember from their childhood. It's a tasty one-dish pantry meal, and you can probably find a substitute for any ingredients you don't have. For instance, you can make egg noodles or use shells, macaroni, spaghetti, or almost any pasta instead. It works with different types of condensed cream soup or canned or frozen mixed vegetables as well. Serve it with bread, and dinner is on the table in less than an hour.

1:19

Click Play to See This Tuna Cheddar Casserole with Noodles Recipe Come Together

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces medium egg noodles (cooked and drained)
  • 2 cups green peas (cooked)
  • 2 (10.75-ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 (6-ounce) cans tuna (drained and flaked)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup soft breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons butter (melted)

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole With Cheddar Cheese
     The Spruce 

  2. Heat oven to 350 F.

  3. Spray a 2 1/2- to 3-quart casserole dish with cooking spray.

  4. Combine the noodles, peas, soup, milk, cheese, and tuna. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper. Spoon into the prepared baking dish.

    Combined tuna noodle casserole ingredients
    The Spruce

  5. In a small bowl, toss the breadcrumbs with the melted butter and sprinkle over the top of the casserole.

    Combined tuna noodle casserole ingredients in a baking pan
    The Spruce

  6. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until hot and bubbly and crumbs are browned.

    Tuna noodle casserole
     The Spruce

  7. Serve and enjoy.

Recipe Variations

  • Top the casserole with French fried onions, crumbled cheese crackers, or crumbled potato chips. Omit the soft breadcrumbs and melted butter.
  • Instead of peas, use 2 cups of cooked peas and carrots or mixed vegetables.
  • Jazz up the flavor by adding an Italian seasoning blend or a combination of dried oregano, basil, and garlic. Paprika is an excellent addition as well.
  • Add some sliced sautéed mushrooms or onions to the casserole mixture.
  • Add a few tablespoons of diced drained pimientos to the casserole.
  • Use cream of celery soup instead of cream of mushroom soup.
  • If you prefer a homemade sauce, omit the soup and milk, replacing them with about 2 1/2 to 3 cups of thickened white sauce. 
  • No tuna? This recipe is also a good use for canned chicken and cream of chicken soup. Or, cook and flake a couple of boneless chicken breasts.

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