Dinner

Old Fashioned Tuna Casserole Recipe

ByEthan Lark October 20, 2025October 20, 2025

Introduction

This classic Old Fashioned Tuna Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights. With tender egg noodles, creamy mushroom soup, and flaky tuna, it’s topped with a crunchy layer of crushed potato chips for extra texture and flavor.

A white scalloped ceramic dish filled with a creamy pasta casserole showing three main layers: at the bottom, visible pieces of tender white meat mixed with green peas and pasta coated in a thick white sauce; the middle layer is made up of curly pasta noodles smoothly covered in the creamy sauce; the top layer is a crispy golden-brown crust created by crumbled yellow cornflakes evenly scattered over the dish, with some small green herb bits sprinkled throughout. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with blurred green plants and warm indoor lighting in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups egg noodles (cooked)
2 cans tuna (drained)
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup milk
1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
1 cup frozen peas (optional)
1 small onion (diced)
2 tbsp butter
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
1 cup crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
Step 2: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the egg noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the diced onions until translucent and soft.
Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, frozen peas (if using), and sautéed onions. Season with salt and black pepper to taste and mix well.
Step 5: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Step 6: Sprinkle the crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs evenly over the top for a crunchy topping.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown on top and bubbling around the edges.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of garlic powder or a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
Swap out frozen peas for other veggies like mushrooms or broccoli for variety.
If you prefer a creamier casserole, stir in a little sour cream or cream cheese before baking.
Use crushed Ritz crackers instead of potato chips for a buttery topping.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm, or reheat the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Avoid freezing as the texture of the casserole may change.

How to Serve

A white ceramic baking dish holds a creamy casserole with visible three layers: the base layer is light with tender beige pasta and scattered bright green peas; the middle layer is a thick, smooth, light-colored sauce intermixed with chunks of soft, pale meat; the top layer is a crunchy, golden-brown topping made of crumbled crispy flakes, sprinkled with small bits of green herbs. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a blurred green plant in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of cream of mushroom soup?

You can substitute fresh mushrooms sautéed until tender, but you’ll need to add a creamy element like cream or a béchamel sauce to maintain the casserole’s moist texture.

Is it necessary to use potato chips for the topping?

No, potato chips add a tasty crunch, but you can use breadcrumbs or crushed crackers as alternatives. For a healthier option, omit the topping altogether.