Best Campbell’s Tuna Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Best Campbell’s Tuna Casserole is a quick, comforting weeknight dinner that uses simple pantry staples like canned tuna, egg noodles, and cream of mushroom soup. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s creamy, satisfying, and beloved by kids and adults alike. Sometimes the easiest recipes really are the best!
Ingredients
- 4 cups hot cooked medium egg noodles
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) Campbell’s condensed cream of mushroom soup (regular or 25% lower sodium)
- 2 cans (10 oz each) tuna, drained
- 2 cups frozen peas
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp dry bread crumbs
- 1 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Gather all your ingredients and preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your oven is hot and ready when it’s time to bake the casserole.
- Step 2: In a 3-quart casserole dish, stir together the hot cooked egg noodles, cream of mushroom soup, drained tuna, frozen peas, and milk until everything is evenly combined.
- Step 3: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the mixture is hot and bubbling. Once baked, stir the casserole well to evenly distribute the creamy sauce.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, mix the dry bread crumbs with the melted butter until the crumbs are coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the hot casserole, then return it to the oven.
- Step 5: Bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the bread crumbs turn golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use tuna packed in water for a lighter dish or in oil for richer flavor; just be sure to drain well to avoid a watery casserole.
- Substitute egg noodles with penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni, cooking them just shy of al dente before baking.
- Try cream of celery or cream of chicken soup instead of cream of mushroom for a different flavor profile.
- Swap frozen peas for mixed vegetables, corn, or green beans; if using fresh peas, blanch them briefly.
- For a dairy-free option, replace milk with unsweetened almond milk or use chicken broth to keep it lighter.
- For the topping, crushed crackers, panko, or even crushed potato chips can be used instead of bread crumbs for extra crunch.
- Avoid overcooking noodles before baking to prevent mushy texture; aim for just under al dente.
- Make sure to thaw frozen peas before adding to ensure even cooking and no cold spots.
Storage
Store leftover casserole covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It often tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. To freeze, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheat covered with foil in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of milk if needed to moisten upon reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh cooked tuna or other cooked fish by flaking it into bite-sized pieces. Just be sure it is fully cooked and drained before adding to the casserole.
What can I serve with tuna casserole?
This casserole is a complete meal on its own but pairs well with a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or buttery dinner rolls to balance the creamy richness.
PrintBest Campbell’s Tuna Casserole Recipe
This Best Campbell’s Tuna Casserole recipe is a quick, easy, and comforting family meal made with simple pantry staples like canned tuna, egg noodles, frozen peas, and Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup. Ready in under an hour, this creamy, hearty casserole is perfect for busy weeknights and also makes great leftovers. It’s budget-friendly, nostalgic, and loved by kids and adults alike.
- Prep Time: 18 minutes
- Cook Time: 37 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the casserole:
- 4 cups hot cooked medium egg noodles
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) Campbell’s condensed cream of mushroom soup (regular or 25% lower sodium)
- 2 cans (10 oz each) tuna, drained
- 2 cups frozen peas, thawed
- 1 cup milk
For the topping:
- 2 tbsp dry bread crumbs
- 1 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare for Baking: Gather all your ingredients and preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your oven is hot and ready when it’s time to bake the casserole.
- Combine Ingredients in Casserole: In a 3-quart casserole dish, stir together the hot cooked medium egg noodles, both cans of cream of mushroom soup, drained tuna, thawed frozen peas, and milk until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the mixture is hot and bubbling. Once baked, stir the casserole well to evenly distribute the creamy sauce.
- Prepare and Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix the dry bread crumbs with the melted butter until the crumbs are coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the hot casserole, then return the casserole to the oven. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the bread crumbs are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth. Enjoy your warm and comforting tuna noodle casserole!
Notes
- Do not overcook the noodles before baking; cook just shy of al dente to avoid mushy texture after baking.
- Drain the tuna thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole.
- Thaw frozen peas before adding to ensure even cooking.
- Mix bread crumbs with melted butter for a perfect golden crunchy topping.
- If the casserole browns too quickly, cover with foil for the remaining baking time.
- Leftovers store well covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheat leftovers covered at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Keywords: tuna casserole, Campbell’s soup recipe, easy family dinner, creamy casserole, quick casserole recipe, pantry staple meals
