classic easy tuna casserole on a plate
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Rediscover the Classic Tuna Casserole

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There’s something special about revisiting recipes from our childhood. These dishes carry memories, flavors, and a sense of comfort that’s hard to replicate.

Recently, I found myself flipping through an old family recipe book, the pages yellowed with age and stained with spilled ingredients (I can always tell where the favorite recipes are – they are the most stained!). Nestled among the pages was a recipe I hadn’t thought about in years: the classic tuna casserole.

Now, I’ll be honest. It had been a long time since I’d even considered making tuna casserole, and there’s a reason for that. My last memory of this dish wasn’t exactly pleasant.

It’s a bit of a family legend now—the time my sister decided to make tuna casserole without a recipe. She figured it was simple enough, so she threw together some ingredients, but the result was a thick, pasty mess that was more glue than casserole.

We all tried to be supportive, of course, but after a few bites, even she admitted defeat. The experience was enough to turn our whole family off tuna casserole for years.

clear casserole dish containing hot bubby tuna casserole with crumb topping

But as I looked at that old recipe, I remembered how much I used to enjoy it before that unfortunate incident. There was something about the creamy sauce, the tender noodles, and the satisfying mix of tuna and vegetables that just worked.

I decided it was time to give tuna casserole another chance. After all, this was a recipe that had been passed down through the family, and I was curious to see if it would be as good as I remembered.

I’m happy to report that not only did it turn out just as delicious as I remembered, but it also brought back so many warm memories. This dish is comfort food at its finest—creamy, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and budget-friendly, which is always a bonus in my book.

Tuna Casserole: A Simple, Budget-Friendly Meal

One of the things I love most about this tuna casserole recipe is how straightforward it is. There’s no need for any fancy ingredients or complicated techniques.

You likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry already—canned tuna, pasta, a can of cream of mushroom soup soup, some frozen peas, and a bit of shredded cheese. It’s the kind of recipe you can whip up on a weeknight when you’re short on time but still want something warm and filling.

The steps are simple too. You start by cooking the noodles, then mixing them with the tuna and other ingredients. Spread everything in a casserole dish, top it with some cheese, and bake until it’s bubbly and golden. That’s it! The result is a dish that’s creamy and flavorful, with just the right amount of crunch from the baked cheese topping.

Easy, Classic Tuna Casserole

Recipe by Jessie
0.0 from 0 votes
Course: MainDifficulty: Easy
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

35

minutes

Made with tender pasta noodles, canned tuna, cream of mushroom soup, and frozen peas, it’s topped with shredded cheese and baked to golden perfection. It’s a creamy, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to bring back nostalgic memories of home-cooked dinners.

Ingredients

  • 2 c elbow macaroni, uncooked

  • 1 can flaked tuna

  • 1/2 c chopped celery

  • 1 c frozen peas

  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped

  • 1 can mushroom soup

  • 1 c milk

  • 1 Tbsp cooking oil

  • 1/2 c crushed corn flakes, crackers, or bread crumbs

  • 1 c shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

  • Cook macaroni to al dente according to package instructions; drain.
  • In a large saucepan, brown onion and celery in 1 Tbsp cooking oil.
  • Add mushroom soup and milk and stir until well mixed.
  • Mix in the frozen peas, cooked macaroni and the canned tuna, and stir together until well mixed.
  • Pour into a large casserole dish, and top with crushed cornflakes, crackers or bread crumbs.
  • Place in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.
  • After baking for 25 minutes, spread the shredded cheese over the top and return to the hot oven to cook for another 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted.

Notes

  • Both crumbs and cheese are optional; this dish is yummy enough on its own, but of course is just that much better with the added ingredients.
  • Don’t have peas? Try using mixed vegetables instead.
  • Out of elbow macaroni? Never fear, any pasta will substitute just fine. Try bow ties, sea shells, penne, fusilli or egg noodles. Just cook approximately 8 oz dry pasta to al dente and substitute for the macaroni in this recipe.

Perfect for Feeding a Family

Tuna casserole is also great for feeding a crowd. It’s one of those recipes that seems to stretch and stretch, making it perfect for family dinners or when you have guests over.

And because it’s so budget-friendly, you can make a big batch without worrying about the cost. I like to serve it with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables, but it’s hearty enough to stand on its own if you’re in a pinch.

Another thing I appreciate about this recipe is how forgiving it is. Don’t have elbow macaroni? No problem—use whatever pasta you have on hand (egg noodles are popular, I see from researching other recipes). Not a fan of peas? Swap them out for another veggie, like green beans or corn.

You can even add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch, like this recipes does. Or not – its up to you! The possibilities are endless, and it’s a great way to use up odds and ends in your pantry.

A Taste of Nostalgia

As I sat down to enjoy my first bite of tuna casserole in years, I was struck by how much it tasted like the version my mom used to make. It was warm, comforting, and just what I needed. And a mom win here – my kids loved it too!

If you’ve been hesitant to revisit an old family recipe, I encourage you to give it a try. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it—and how much it takes you back to those special moments from your past.

This tuna casserole has certainly earned its place back in my regular rotation, and I think it might just do the same for you.

So dust off that old recipe book, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a taste of nostalgia. You won’t be disappointed!

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