Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Name: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 16 ounces egg noodles; 10 ounces canned tuna (drained); 2-10.5 ounce cans cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup milk; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese blend; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; ½ cup bread crumbs; 1 tablespoon butter (melted); 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)

Easy tuna noodle casserole recipe is a simple version of the classic. This quick dinner recipe takes just 30 minutes – perfect for weeknights!

Tuna noodle casserole is a retro classic! This simple version is made with pantry staple ingredients and takes just minutes to make.

This tuna casserole recipe makes a great weeknight dinner, and it only takes about 30 minutes to prepare. Serve it with a simple green salad for a quick and easy meal.

Ingredient notes

Ingredients for tuna noodle casserole in dishes.

Canned tuna: Solid white albacore tuna in water or chunk light tuna in water will work.
Cream of mushroom soup: You can use another type of condensed soup, like cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup, if you would prefer.
Milk: Any milk from skim milk to whole milk will work.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is my go-to. However, you can substitute white cheddar cheese, a triple cheddar cheese blend, or another type of cheese like Monterey Jack or Colby.

How to make tuna noodle casserole

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions. Drain the pasta, and return them to the pot.

Ingredients for tuna noodle casserole in a pot.

Step 3: Stir in the tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper.

Uncooked tuna noodle casserole in a baking dish.

Step 4: Spread the noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish in an even layer.

Bread crumbs and butter in a small bowl.

Step 5: In a small mixing bowl, combine the bread crumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle the bread crumbs over the noodles.

Bread crumbs on a dish of unbaked tuna noodle casserole.

Step 6: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top starts to brown. Sprinkle the fresh parsley over the top of the casserole just before serving.

Tuna noodle casserole in a white baking dish.

Recipe FAQs

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

You can! If you’d like to add peas to the casserole, just stir frozen peas into in with the other ingredients in step 4.

Can I use another type of noodle?

Yes, feel free to use a different type of noodle, like penne or elbow macaroni, if you would prefer.

What type of breadcrumbs work best?

Panko or regular bread crumbs will work. You can use regular or Italian bread crumbs.

A close up photo of a plate of tuna noodle casserole topped with parsley.

Variations

Toppings: Omit the breadcrumbs and butter and use crumbled potato chips or Ritz crackers instead.
Vegetables: You can use a pea and carrot blend or sauté celery and onion.
Cheese: Feel free to omit the cheese if you prefer.
French fried onions: French fried onions make a tasty topping. Just use them with, or in place of, the bread crumbs.

A plate o tuna noodle casserole next to the baking dish.

Make ahead directions

Tuna noodle casserole can be made up to one day in advance. Prepare the casserole through step 5.

Wrap the casserole in plastic wrap and place in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake the casserole, resume the recipe at step 6 and add an additional 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Storage

Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole is best eaten within 3 days.

More easy casserole recipes

If you’ve tried this easy tuna noodle casserole recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below. I love to hear from people who’ve made my recipes!

You can subscribe to receive my latest recipe newsletters or follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest for even more delicious food.