Make dinner easy with this quick prep 30-minute Tuna Casserole. It’s the perfect make-ahead meal crafted from simple, fresh ingredients and pantry staples, that’s always a hit at potluck gatherings or busy evenings at home. Its extra crunchy topping makes it unique and irresistible.
Ingredients For Quick And Easy Tuna Casserole
To make this 30-minute tuna casserole you need:
- Egg noodles
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup
- Milk
- Water-packed canned tuna
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Frozen peas
- Chopped onion
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Butter
How To Make 30-Minute Tuna Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 350 F. Cook the egg noodles until al dente in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Rinse with cold water, drain, and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked noodles, condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, tuna, shredded cheese, frozen peas, chopped onion, garlic powder, and pepper until well combined.
- Make the crunchy topping: in a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter until well combined.
- Spoon the mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish and top evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.
Bake for 20 minutes or until the panko breadcrumbs are golden and crispy.
How Should I Reheat Leftovers?
Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, and reheat in the microwave or the oven until heated through. If using the oven, add a tbsp of water and cover with foil before reheating.

30-Minute Tuna Casserole: One Dish Comfort Food
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl
- 9x13-inch casserole dish
- Oven
Ingredients
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 2-10.5 oz cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup 2% milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2-5 oz cans water-packed tuna, drained
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ¼ cup chopped onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp freshly ground pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 F. Cook the egg noodles until al dente in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Rinse with cold water, drain, and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked noodles, condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, tuna, shredded cheese, frozen peas, chopped onion, garlic powder, and pepper until well combined.
- Make the crunchy topping: in a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter until well combined.
- Spoon the mixture into a 9x13-inch casserole dish and top evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the panko breadcrumbs are golden and crispy.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Egg Noodles With Another Type Of Pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or macaroni is great for this recipe.
What If I Don’t Have Condensed Cream Of Mushroom Soup?
You can use condensed cream of chicken soup or celery soup. They have a similar creamy texture.
Can I Use Fresh Peas Instead Of Frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh peas or any other fresh veggie of your choice like carrots (small-diced), sliced green beans, or corn. For best results, blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes before mixing them into the casserole.
Is There A Dariy-Free Cheese Alternative That I Can Use?
There are several plant-based, dairy-free shredded cheese alternatives in the market. You can use any of them.
What Can I Use Instead Of Panko Breadcrumbs?
You can use crushed potato chips, regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or fried onions. They all provide a crunchy bite!
How Can I Make This Casserole More Flavorful?
Sauteeing chopped onion and freshly minced garlic will add depth to the flavor profile of this dish. Adding dried herbs such as parsley and spices such as paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper adds tons of flavor as well.
Can This Casserole Be Made Gluten-Free?
Using gluten-free pasta and making sure you use a gluten-free version of condensed cream of mushroom soup you can make this dish gluten-free.
Can I Add More Protein To This Casserole?
Yes, you can add more tuna or a second protein like shredded or canned chicken. If using canned chicken, make sure you drain it well before adding it to the casserole.