Easy Tuna Casserole Recipes
These easy tuna casserole recipes turn simple pantry ingredients into warm, family-friendly dinners. Combine canned tuna with noodles, pasta, peas, broccoli, cheese, creamy sauce, and a crisp topping to create an affordable family meal that's easy to prepare.
Tuna casseroles are also a helpful way for children to practice everyday kitchen skills. Kids can measure ingredients, flake drained tuna, stir sauces, mix pasta, add vegetables, and sprinkle toppings. Adults should supervise boiling water, draining pasta, opening cans, stovetop cooking, and the oven.
Start Here: Choose a Tuna Casserole
- Want a traditional family dinner? Start with the Classic Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole.
- Looking for a cheesy pasta bake? Make the Cheesy Tuna Pasta Casserole.
- Prefer a casserole without canned soup? Try the Homemade Tuna Noodle Casserole from Scratch.
- Want tuna with rice and vegetables? Make the Tuna Broccoli Rice Casserole.
Kids Cooking Activities Teaching Materials
Teaching kids to cook? Save time with ready-made lesson plans used by parents and teachers. Browse teaching materials →
This page may contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
On This Page
| Recipe | Main Ingredients | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole | Egg noodles, peas, and creamy mushroom sauce | A traditional family casserole |
| Cheesy Tuna Pasta Casserole | Rotini, cheddar cheese, and vegetables | Kids who enjoy cheesy pasta |
| Homemade Tuna Noodle Casserole | Egg noodles and homemade white sauce | A canned-soup-free dinner |
| Tuna Broccoli Rice Casserole | Rice, broccoli, tuna, and cheese sauce | A hearty pasta-free option |
Classic Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole
This classic tuna noodle casserole combines tender noodles, tuna, peas, creamy mushroom sauce, and a buttery breadcrumb topping. It is an easy pantry meal that children can help assemble and a dependable family dinner for busy evenings.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 8 ounces egg noodles or small pasta shells
- 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna, drained well and flaked
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups frozen peas, thawed and drained
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Cook the noodles according to the package directions until just tender. Drain well.
- In a large bowl, stir together the cream of mushroom soup, Greek yogurt or sour cream, softened cream cheese, milk, and black pepper until smooth.
- Add the drained tuna, peas, cooked noodles, and cheddar cheese, if using.
- Fold the ingredients together until the noodles are evenly coated with sauce.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for about 25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling and the topping is lightly browned.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Kid Chef Jobs
- Measure the yogurt, milk, peas, cheese, and breadcrumbs.
- Flake the drained tuna with a fork.
- Stir together the creamy sauce.
- Fold the tuna, peas, and noodles into the sauce.
- Mix the breadcrumbs with cooled melted butter.
- Sprinkle the topping over the casserole.
Adult Helper
An adult should cook and drain the noodles, open and drain the tuna cans, melt the butter, handle the hot casserole dish, and place it in and out of the oven.
Lighter Sauce Variation
For a sauce without condensed soup, blend 1 cup cottage cheese, 1/2 cup milk, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth. Use this mixture in place of the cream of mushroom soup, yogurt, cream cheese, and milk.
Easy Variations
- Replace the peas with broccoli, corn, green beans, mushrooms, spinach, or mixed vegetables.
- Use rotini, penne, shells, or whole-wheat pasta instead of egg noodles.
- Replace cheddar with Monterey Jack, Swiss, mozzarella, or Parmesan cheese.
- Use canned salmon instead of tuna.
- Add parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
- Replace the breadcrumbs with crushed crackers, cornflakes, or potato chips.
Choosing Tuna for Casseroles
Canned tuna is convenient, affordable, and easy to keep in the pantry. Most tuna casserole recipes work with either light tuna or albacore tuna, so choose the type your family prefers.
| Type of Tuna | Flavor and Texture | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Chunk light tuna | Softer texture with a stronger tuna flavor | Everyday casseroles and budget-friendly meals |
| Solid white albacore | Firmer pieces with a milder flavor | Casseroles where larger tuna pieces are preferred |
| Tuna packed in water | Light flavor and less added oil | Creamy sauces and lighter casseroles |
| Tuna packed in oil | Richer flavor and softer texture | Casseroles that need extra richness |
Drain Tuna Well
Drain canned tuna thoroughly before adding it to a casserole. Too much liquid can thin the sauce and make the finished casserole watery. Flake the tuna gently with a fork so it spreads evenly without becoming mushy.
Other Fish You Can Use
Canned salmon can replace tuna in most casserole recipes. Remove any skin and large bones, drain it well, and use the same amount called for in the recipe.
Pantry Staples for Tuna Casseroles
Keeping a few basic ingredients on hand makes it easy to prepare a quick tuna casserole without making a special trip to the grocery store. Mix and match these pantry and freezer staples to create dozens of family-friendly casserole combinations.
- Canned tuna
- Egg noodles, pasta, or cooked rice
- Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup
- Homemade white sauce
- Frozen peas, broccoli, or mixed vegetables
- Shredded cheddar or other favorite cheese
- Breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
- Milk and basic seasonings
Once you have these ingredients in your pantry, you can easily substitute vegetables, cheeses, pasta shapes, or rice to create a new casserole every time you cook.
Cheesy Tuna Pasta Casserole
This cheesy tuna pasta casserole combines rotini, tuna, vegetables, creamy mushroom sauce, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese. It is a quick family dinner with a mild flavor that works well for children who enjoy cheesy pasta.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna, drained well and flaked
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup frozen peas, broccoli, or mixed vegetables, thawed and drained
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Cook the rotini according to the package directions until just tender. Drain well.
- In a large bowl, stir together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, black pepper, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add the drained tuna, thawed vegetables, and cooked rotini.
- Fold the ingredients together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Kid Chef Jobs
- Measure the milk, cheese, vegetables, and breadcrumbs.
- Flake the drained tuna with a fork.
- Stir together the sauce and seasonings.
- Fold the tuna, pasta, and vegetables into the sauce.
- Sprinkle the cheese over the casserole.
- Mix and add the breadcrumb topping after the butter has cooled slightly.
Adult Helper
An adult should cook and drain the pasta, open and drain the tuna cans, melt the butter, handle the hot baking dish, and place the casserole in and out of the oven.
Make It Extra Creamy
Stir 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt into the sauce before adding the tuna and pasta. Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk if the mixture seems too thick.
Easy Variations
- Replace rotini with penne, shells, elbows, or whole-wheat pasta.
- Use sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Swiss, or a blend of cheeses.
- Add broccoli, peas, corn, spinach, mushrooms, or diced bell peppers.
- Replace the breadcrumbs with crushed buttery crackers, cornflakes, or potato chips.
- Add paprika, parsley, dill, onion powder, or a small amount of mustard powder.
- Use canned salmon or chopped cooked chicken instead of tuna.
Homemade Tuna Noodle Casserole from Scratch
This homemade tuna noodle casserole uses a creamy white sauce instead of condensed soup for a rich, comforting family dinner. It's a wonderful recipe for practicing basic cooking skills like making a roux, whisking sauce, and combining ingredients. Once you learn this recipe, you can use the same homemade sauce in many other casseroles.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna packed in water, drained and flaked
- 1 1/2 cups frozen peas, thawed
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For the Homemade White Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Cook the egg noodles until just tender. Drain well.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute without browning.
- Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth.
- Continue stirring until the sauce thickens enough to coat a spoon.
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, parsley, and 1 cup of shredded cheese until melted.
- Combine the cooked noodles, tuna, peas, mushrooms, and cheese sauce in a large bowl.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
- Mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until hot, bubbly, and lightly browned.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Kid Chef Jobs
- Measure the flour, milk, cheese, peas, and seasonings.
- Whisk the sauce with adult supervision.
- Flake the tuna.
- Mix the casserole ingredients together.
- Sprinkle the cheese and breadcrumb topping over the casserole.
Adult Helper
An adult should supervise making the white sauce over the stovetop, help whisk the hot sauce until smooth, drain the cooked noodles, and place the casserole in and out of the oven.
Why Make Homemade White Sauce?
Learning to make a basic white sauce is one of the most useful cooking skills for young cooks. The same sauce can be used in homemade macaroni and cheese, vegetable casseroles, chicken casseroles, cream soups, and pasta bakes.
Practice the technique with our Homemade White Sauce lesson.
Easy Variations
- Add sautéed celery, onions, or carrots for extra flavor.
- Replace cheddar with Swiss, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Parmesan cheese.
- Add broccoli, spinach, corn, or mixed vegetables.
- Use canned salmon instead of tuna.
- Replace the breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or cornflakes.
- Season with dill, thyme, paprika, Old Bay seasoning, or fresh parsley.
Tuna Broccoli Rice Casserole
This tuna broccoli rice casserole combines tender rice, broccoli, flaky tuna, creamy cheese sauce, and a crunchy topping into a hearty family dinner. It's an excellent way to use leftover rice while adding extra vegetables to dinner.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna packed in water, drained and flaked
- 2 cups broccoli florets, lightly steamed
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
- In a large bowl, stir together the soup, milk, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
- Add the cooked rice, tuna, steamed broccoli, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Fold everything together until evenly coated.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Combine the cracker crumbs or breadcrumbs with the melted butter.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Kid Chef Jobs
- Measure the rice, milk, cheese, and seasonings.
- Flake the tuna with a fork.
- Break the broccoli into bite-size pieces.
- Mix the casserole ingredients together.
- Sprinkle the cracker topping over the casserole.
Adult Helper
An adult should steam the broccoli if needed, open and drain the tuna, melt the butter, place the casserole in and out of the oven, and ensure the casserole is heated through before serving.
Great for Leftover Rice
Day-old refrigerated rice works especially well because the grains stay firm while baking. This recipe is an excellent way to use leftover rice from another meal.
Easy Variations
- Replace broccoli with peas, cauliflower, spinach, corn, or mixed vegetables.
- Use cooked brown rice or wild rice for a nuttier flavor.
- Replace cheddar with Swiss, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Parmesan cheese.
- Substitute canned salmon or cooked chicken for the tuna.
- Replace the condensed soup with about 2 cups of homemade white sauce.
- Top with crushed potato chips, cornflakes, or French fried onions instead of crackers.
Tuna Casserole Tips
- Undercook the pasta slightly: Cook noodles until just tender so they do not become overly soft while baking.
- Drain ingredients well: Tuna, canned vegetables, and thawed frozen vegetables can release extra liquid.
- Use enough sauce: Pasta absorbs moisture as the casserole bakes, so coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Taste before adding salt: Canned tuna, condensed soup, cheese, and crackers may already contain plenty of sodium.
- Add vegetables: Peas, broccoli, corn, mushrooms, spinach, and mixed vegetables all work well.
- Cover when needed: Loosely cover the dish with foil if the topping browns before the center is hot.
- Check the middle: The casserole should be hot and bubbling around the edges and in the center.
- Let it rest: Allow the casserole to stand for 5-10 minutes so the sauce can thicken before serving.
Why Tuna Casseroles Are Great for Kids
Tuna casseroles are one of the best beginner family dinners because they combine simple pantry ingredients with practical cooking skills. They're inexpensive, filling, and easy to customize with whatever vegetables, pasta, rice, or cheese you already have on hand.
- Budget-friendly family meals
- Made with everyday pantry ingredients
- Good source of protein from tuna
- Easy to customize with favorite vegetables
- Perfect for leftovers and meal prep
- Many recipes freeze well
- Practice measuring and mixing ingredients
- Build confidence with baking casseroles
As children become more confident in the kitchen, they can learn to make homemade sauces, substitute ingredients, and create their own casserole combinations using the same basic techniques.
Tuna Casserole Substitutions
One of the best things about tuna casseroles is how easy they are to customize. Use these simple substitutions to make dinner with ingredients you already have on hand.
| If You Don't Have... | Try This Instead |
|---|---|
| Egg noodles or pasta | Cooked rice, brown rice, wild rice, or small pasta shapes |
| Canned tuna | Canned salmon, cooked chicken, cooked turkey, or chickpeas |
| Cream of mushroom soup | Cream of celery soup, homemade cream mushroom soup or homemade white sauce |
| Cheddar cheese | Swiss, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Parmesan, or Colby Jack |
| Frozen peas | Broccoli, corn, spinach, mushrooms, cauliflower, or mixed vegetables |
| Breadcrumb topping | Crushed crackers, potato chips, cornflakes, stuffing crumbs, or panko |
Stretch Your Pantry Meals
Tuna casseroles are a great way to use leftover rice, pasta, vegetables, and cheese before they go to waste. A small amount of tuna combined with pantry staples can easily feed an entire family while reducing food waste. Learn more about stocking your pantry.
More Ways to Add Vegetables
- Broccoli
- Peas
- Corn
- Cauliflower
- Spinach
- Mushrooms
- Carrots
- Green beans
- Bell peppers
- Mixed vegetables
Most vegetables should be cooked until just tender or thawed and drained before being added to a casserole. This helps prevent excess liquid from making the sauce too thin.
Related Casserole Recipes & Cooking Lessons
Easy Casserole Recipes
Browse family-friendly casseroles made with chicken, beef, tuna, vegetables, potatoes, pasta, and rice.
Chicken Casserole Recipes
Discover creamy chicken casseroles made with noodles, stuffing, vegetables, tortillas, and homemade sauces.
Turkey Casserole Recipes
Turn leftover turkey into comforting casseroles with rice, noodles, vegetables, stuffing, and cheese.
Broccoli Casserole Recipes
Make cheesy broccoli casseroles and family dinners featuring vegetables, rice, chicken, and homemade sauces.
Tuna Salad Sandwich Recipes
Make classic tuna salad sandwiches, wraps, melts, and other simple lunches using canned tuna.
Easy Tuna Turnovers
Turn refrigerated pastry, tuna, cheese, and vegetables into flaky baked turnovers that make a fun lunch, dinner, or after-school meal.
Easy Pasta Recipes
Practice cooking pasta with simple family dinners, homemade sauces, casseroles, and baked pasta recipes.
Homemade White Sauce
Learn to make a basic white sauce that becomes the foundation for casseroles, macaroni and cheese, soups, and vegetables.
Fish Recipes for Kids
Try more kid-friendly seafood recipes featuring tuna, salmon, white fish, and other easy family meals.
Basic Cooking Lessons
Build everyday kitchen confidence with lessons covering sauces, vegetables, soups, grains, eggs, bread, and cooking methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chunk light tuna has a stronger flavor and softer texture, while solid white albacore has larger, firmer pieces and a milder taste. Either works well in these recipes.
Yes. Drain canned tuna thoroughly before adding it to the casserole. Too much liquid can make the sauce thin and watery.
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. If baking directly from the refrigerator, allow a little extra baking time.
Many tuna casseroles freeze well. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
A homemade white sauce, cream of celery soup, or homemade cream soup all make excellent substitutes.
Peas, broccoli, corn, mushrooms, spinach, cauliflower, carrots, green beans, and mixed vegetables all work well.
Use enough sauce, avoid overbaking, and let the casserole rest for several minutes before serving so the sauce thickens.
Children can measure ingredients, flake tuna, stir sauces, mix pasta, sprinkle toppings, and assemble casseroles. Adults should supervise boiling water, opening cans, the stovetop, and the oven.
What's your favorite tuna casserole recipe?
Submit your favorite kids recipe
Do you have a favorite recipe your kids love to make? Or a recipe your kids ask you to make again and again? Share it with us!
Continue Exploring Kids Cooking Activities
Ready to cook another family dinner? Continue learning with more casseroles, cooking lessons, and kid-friendly recipes.
Get Free Kids Recipe Cards + Cooking Printables
Join Kids Cooking Activities for fun recipes, cooking ideas, and printable resources for kids, families, and classrooms.
Follow Kids Cooking Activities too:
© Debbie Madson, Madson Web Publishing, LLC — All rights reserved.
The material on this site is for educational purposes only.
