Tuna Casserole Recipe
Tuna casserole is a classic American comfort dish combining protein-packed tuna, tender pasta, a creamy mushroom sauce, and a crispy breadcrumb topping. Perfect for a satisfying lunch, this versatile recipe is easy to customize with gluten-free, dairy-free, or gourmet variations.
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta.
- Skillet for sautéing onions.
- Mixing bowls (medium and large).
- 9x13-inch baking dish (or similar size).
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Whisk for mixing the creamy sauce.
- Oven mitts to safely handle the baking dish.
- Aluminum foil (if reheating or covering leftovers).
Ingredients
For the Casserole Base
- 2 cups Elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
- 2 cans Tuna, drained
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups Frozen peas
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can Cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup Whole milk (or almond milk as an alternative)
- é tablespoons Unsalted butter
For the Topping
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs (panko works great!)
- ½ cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Melted butter
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Dried parsley
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Cook the Pasta
- Boil salted water and cook elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Onions
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent (4–5 minutes).
Make the Creamy Mixture
- In a large bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, and garlic powder. Fold in cooked pasta, sautéed onions, frozen peas, cheddar cheese, and drained tuna until combined.
Assemble the Casserole
- Add the mixed food to the baking dish with oil before baking and distribute it evenly throughout the bottom.
Add the Topping
- In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and parsley. Spread evenly over the casserole.
Bake to Perfection
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden and crispy.
Serve and Enjoy
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley, if desired, and enjoy!
