Tuna Casserole: Creamy, cheesy, and irresistible.

My First Tuna Casserole

I made my first tuna casserole for my husband, Tom. I was so nervous. He took one big bite and smiled. He asked for seconds right away. I still laugh at that.

That was over forty years ago. This dish has been a friend to me ever since. It never lets you down. What is a meal that always makes you feel good?

Why This Dish Matters

This casserole is more than just food. It brings everyone to the table. On a busy night, that is a small miracle.

It also teaches you how to cook. You learn to mix, to measure, and to wait. These simple skills build your confidence. That matters a lot in life.

Let us Talk Flavors

The creamy soup and cheese make it so cozy. The peas add a little sweet pop. Then you get the crunchy, buttery breadcrumbs on top. Does not that sound amazing?

It is a perfect mix of soft and crisp. Every bite is a little different. Fun fact: The breadcrumb topping is called a crumble in some old cookbooks. Do you like your casseroles extra creamy or extra crispy?

A Tip From My Kitchen

Do not forget the celery salt. I know it seems like a small thing. But it makes the whole dish taste better. It adds a special flavor you will miss if it is gone.

I learned this the hard way. I once made it without any. The casserole tasted fine, but just fine. It was missing its happy little spark.

Your Turn to Cook

Now it is your turn. Get your big bowl and mix everything with love. The smell in your kitchen will be wonderful. It tells everyone that a good meal is coming.

This recipe is yours to change. Maybe you add some corn or use a different cheese. What is one ingredient you would love to try in this?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
egg noodles	6 ounces	cooked
frozen peas	1 cup
tuna	10 ounces	drained (two 5-ounce cans)
cream of mushroom soup	10.5 ounces
whole milk	½ cup
shredded mild cheddar cheese	1½ cups	divided (1¼ cups and ¼ cup)
celery salt	½ teaspoon
pepper	¼ teaspoon
fresh parsley	2 tablespoons	chopped (plus more for garnish, if desired)
bread crumbs	¼ cup
butter	2 tablespoons	melted

My Cozy Tuna Casserole

This recipe is my old friend. It has saved many a busy weeknight. My grandkids always ask for seconds. The smell fills the whole house with comfort. It reminds me of my own grandma’s kitchen. She taught me that simple food is the best food.

You just mix most things in one big bowl. I love recipes like that. It means less washing up later. The topping gets all crispy and golden. That’s my favorite part. It’s creamy, cheesy, and totally irresistible. Let’s get started, shall we?

• Step 1: First, turn your oven on to 350°F. Get your casserole dish ready with a little spray. This keeps everything from sticking. I learned that the hard way once. What a mess to clean up!
• Step 2: Now, grab your biggest bowl. Put in the cooked noodles and frozen peas. The peas don’t need to thaw. Add the tuna, soup, milk, and most of the cheese. Sprinkle in the celery salt and pepper. Give it all a good stir. Doesn’t that already look wonderful?
• Step 3: Scoop your mixture into the waiting dish. Spread it out nicely with a spoon. Make sure you get all the good stuff from the bowl. (A hard-learned tip: spray your spoon with a little cooking spray first. The sticky mixture won’t cling to it!)
• Step 4: Cover the dish and pop it in the oven. It will bake for 20 minutes. You will know it’s ready when it’s hot and bubbly. I love watching it through the oven window. It’s like a little food show just for me.
• Step 5: While it bakes, make the crunchy topping. Mix the bread crumbs with the melted butter. This makes them so golden and tasty. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference. Do you like a crispy or a soft topping on your casseroles? Share below!
• Step 6: Take the hot casserole out of the oven. Be careful, it’s steamy! Sprinkle your buttery crumbs and the rest of the cheese on top. I still laugh at how fast my dog comes running when he hears the oven door.
• Step 7: Put it back in, but don’t cover it this time. Let it bake for 5 to 10 more minutes. You want the topping to be a beautiful golden brown. Then it’s done! Let it sit for a minute before serving.

Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Dinner

Three Fun Twists to Try

This recipe is like a blank canvas. You can change it up so easily. I love getting creative in the kitchen. It keeps things exciting. Here are a few of my favorite twists.

• The Crunchy Chip Swap: Use crushed potato chips instead of bread crumbs. It gives the topping a salty, amazing crunch.
• The Hidden Veggie Boost: Add a handful of shredded carrots with the peas. They get sweet and soft, and no one will even notice!
• The Little Bit Spicy: Mix in a teaspoon of mustard with the soup. It gives it a nice little zing that cuts through the creaminess.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

How to Serve Your Masterpiece

A good casserole deserves good friends on the plate. I always think about what goes well with it. A simple side can make the whole meal feel special. It doesn’t have to be complicated at all.

I love serving it with buttery green beans. A simple apple slice salad is also wonderful. The crisp, fresh taste is perfect with the creamy casserole. For a drink, a cold glass of milk is my top pick. For the grown-ups, a crisp glass of Chardonnay is lovely.

Which would you choose tonight? The cold milk or the crisp wine? Either way, you are in for a treat. I hope this recipe becomes a friend to your family, too.

Keeping Your Tuna Casserole Tasty

This casserole keeps well in the fridge. Just cover it tightly with foil. It will stay good for three days. You can also freeze it for a later meal. Let it cool completely first. Then wrap the whole dish well. It freezes beautifully for up to two months.

I remember making a double batch for my grandson. He loved having a ready-made dinner after soccer. This is why batch cooking matters. It gives you a cozy meal on a busy night. Reheat it in the oven until it is warm and bubbly. This keeps the topping crispy.

Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Casserole Troubles

Is your casserole too dry? Add a splash more milk before baking. This makes it creamy again. A creamy casserole feels like a warm hug. It is more comforting to eat.

Is the topping not browning? Make sure you bake it uncovered at the end. I once forgot this step. The breadcrumbs stayed soft and pale. A golden top adds a lovely crunch. That texture makes the whole dish special.

Does it taste a bit plain? Try adding a pinch of garlic powder. This little boost makes the flavors sing. Cooking with confidence means knowing you can fix things. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Tuna Casserole Questions

Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes! Use gluten-free noodles and cream of mushroom soup.

Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Absolutely. Assemble it the day before. Just bake it when you are ready.

Q: What can I use instead of peas? A: Try cooked chopped carrots or corn. They are both sweet and tasty.

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: You can. Use a bigger dish and add a few more minutes to the bake time.

Q: Is the parsley important? A: It adds a fresh pop of color and flavor. But you can skip it if you need to. Which tip will you try first?

A Note From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love this cozy recipe. It has warmed many hearts in my family. Fun fact: This was my go-to meal for new neighbors. It is a simple way to show you care.

I would love to see your creation. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! Your photos always make my day. Thank you for cooking with me today.

Happy cooking!

—Anna Whitmore.