There are some dishes that simply define comfort, and this **Easy Tuna Macaroni Casserole** is undeniably one of them. It’s a timeless, economical, and incredibly satisfying dinner idea that brings a wave of nostalgia with every creamy, cheesy bite. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family meal, this recipe stands out with its simplicity, requiring just a handful of pantry staples like canned tuna, elbow macaroni, and cream of mushroom soup. Unlike many traditional versions, our crowning glory is not a breadcrumb topping, but a generous layer of perfectly melted sharp cheddar cheese, making it simple comfort food at its absolute finest!

This old-fashioned tuna casserole is a go-to for quick weeknight dinners, especially when you’re short on time but still want to put a wholesome, delicious meal on the table. Its rich, savory flavor and hearty texture make it the ultimate comfort food. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh, crisp spinach salad or a simple green salad to balance its richness.

🍒Reader Review

“Turned out great! I didn’t have cream of mushroom so I used cream of broccoli and added some broccoli diced up. Kids even liked it!“⭐⭐⭐⭐

Leah

Why You’ll Love This Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

This **tuna noodle casserole** isn’t just easy; it’s a true lifesaver on busy days and a consistent crowd-pleaser. Here’s why you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again:

• Only 5 Core Ingredients: Simplicity is key! You only need five essential ingredients to bring this delicious casserole to life, and chances are, most of them are already patiently waiting in your pantry. This minimalist approach means less shopping and more cooking enjoyment.
• Quick and Effortless Preparation: This recipe is designed for speed and convenience. It comes together remarkably fast, making it an ideal choice for those hectic weeknights when time is of the essence. Plus, you can even cook the macaroni ahead of time to shave off even more minutes when dinner time rolls around.
• Remarkably Economical: Canned tuna is a powerhouse of protein that won’t break the bank, and macaroni pasta is one of the most thrifty staples available. Combining these affordable ingredients creates a substantial, satisfying meal that offers fantastic value, stretching your grocery budget further without compromising on taste or nourishment.
• Kid-Friendly & Family Favorite: The mild flavors and creamy texture of this **tuna casserole with macaroni** are universally appealing, making it a hit with children and adults alike. It’s a wonderful way to introduce seafood into a family dinner rotation in a comforting, familiar format.
• Customizable Comfort: While simple, this recipe is incredibly versatile. It serves as a perfect canvas for adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting seasonings, allowing you to tailor it to your family’s preferences and whatever fresh ingredients you have on hand.

🥘 Essential Ingredients for Your Tuna Casserole with Macaroni

The beauty of this **tuna fish casserole** lies in its straightforward ingredients. While you can certainly experiment with different pasta shapes, I find that macaroni delivers that quintessential comforting texture. It’s also a staple I always keep in my pantry. You’ll need the following key ingredients to create this delectable dish:

My Mom’s recipe for **Tuna Macaroni Casserole** famously omitted breadcrumbs, a common topping in many variations. Instead, we elevate this dish with a generous blanket of melted cheese, because, let’s be honest, melted cheese truly makes everything better and adds an irresistible richness that breadcrumbs can’t match.

• Elbow Macaroni Noodles: This small, hollow pasta is a classic choice for casseroles, especially for mac and cheese, and for good reason. Its curved shape is excellent at capturing and holding onto the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful. If you don’t have elbow macaroni, small shells or ditalini are good alternatives.
• Canned Tuna Fish (Flaked, in Water): Canned tuna is not only a healthy and economical source of protein but also incredibly convenient. I specifically recommend using flaked tuna packed in water. Flaked tuna mixes more easily and seamlessly into the casserole mixture compared to chunk tuna. Opting for tuna in water also keeps the calorie count lower and offers a fresher taste profile compared to tuna in oil, which can sometimes overpower the other flavors. Remember to drain it thoroughly before adding to the pasta.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup (Condensed): This is the secret to an effortlessly creamy and richly flavored casserole sauce. Condensed cream of mushroom soup provides a robust base that is both easy to use and incredibly economical. It eliminates the need for making a roux from scratch, saving you time and effort while guaranteeing a velvety smooth sauce.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese (Grated): Cheddar cheese is truly the best choice for this dish due to its low melting point, which ensures a smooth, luscious texture when baked. Sharp cheddar, in particular, is ideal because its distinctive, bold flavor is more prominent and adds a wonderful tang that complements the savory tuna and creamy soup perfectly. I often use low-fat sharp or old cheddar cheese for a slightly lighter option. Feel free to grate it fresh for the best melt!
• Green Onions (Chopped): Beyond adding a vibrant flash of color, chopped green onions provide a subtle, fresh, and slightly pungent finish that cuts through the richness of the casserole. They offer a mild onion flavor without being overpowering, elevating the overall taste and visual appeal.

*See the recipe card below for precise quantities and detailed instructions.

📖 Creative Variations & Easy Substitutions

One of the best things about this **easy tuna macaroni casserole** is its adaptability. Feel free to get creative and tailor it to your taste or what you have on hand:

• Cream Soup Alternatives: If cream of mushroom soup isn’t your favorite or you’re simply out, you have several excellent options. You could use a low-fat cream of mushroom soup for a lighter dish, or swap it for another creamy soup like cream of celery or cream of chicken. For a homemade touch, you can easily prepare your own “cream of anything” soup (scroll to #17 for a recipe) from scratch.
• Cheese Choices: While sharp cheddar offers a classic, bold flavor, don’t hesitate to experiment with other cheeses. Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella would all melt beautifully and offer a slightly different flavor profile. For an extra kick, a touch of pepper jack could be exciting!
• Green Onion Swaps: If fresh green onions aren’t available, or you prefer a milder flavor, finely chopped chives make an excellent substitute, offering a similar delicate onion note and vibrant green color.
• Add Vegetables: Boost the nutrition and color of your tuna casserole by stirring in some cooked vegetables. Frozen peas, corn, or diced carrots can be added directly to the mixture before baking. Cooked broccoli florets or finely diced bell peppers are also fantastic additions.
• Crunchy Topping (Optional): If you miss a crunchy topping, instead of traditional breadcrumbs, try crushing some potato chips (plain or cheesy flavored) or a sprinkle of crispy fried onions over the cheese during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
• Spice It Up: For a subtle warmth, a pinch of black pepper, a dash of garlic powder, or a hint of onion powder can enhance the flavors. A tiny pinch of cayenne pepper could add a very mild heat if desired.
• Different Pasta Shapes: While elbow macaroni is classic, feel free to use other small pasta shapes like medium shells, penne, or rotini if that’s what you have in your pantry.

🔪 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Easy Tuna Casserole with Elbow Macaroni

Creating this comforting **Tuna Casserole with Elbow Macaroni** is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for a perfect, cheesy, and delicious meal:

Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (or 176 degrees C). While the oven heats, lightly spray a large casserole dish with a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.

1. Step 1: Cook Macaroni. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions. It’s important to cook it until it’s al dente – meaning firm to the bite – as it will continue to cook slightly in the oven. Once cooked, drain the macaroni thoroughly in a colander.

2. Step 2: Combine Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm, cooked pasta with the cream of mushroom soup and the well-drained canned tuna. The warmth of the pasta helps the soup mix in smoothly and creates a cohesive base for your casserole.

3. Step 3: Transfer to Dish & Top with Cheese. Pour the macaroni mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, generously sprinkle the grated sharp cheddar cheese over the entire surface of the macaroni mixture. This will form that irresistible golden, melted crust.

4. Step 4: Bake to Perfection. Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be beautifully melted and bubbly, and the casserole heated through. If you prefer a slightly golden-brown crust, you can briefly broil it for the last minute or two, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.

5. Step 5: Garnish and Serve. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. For a fresh finish, sprinkle the chopped green onions evenly over the hot casserole. Serve warm and enjoy your delightful homemade tuna macaroni casserole!

🥗 Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Macaroni and Tuna Casserole

This hearty **macaroni and tuna casserole** is a complete meal on its own, but it truly shines when paired with a fresh side. Here are some excellent serving suggestions to complement its rich flavors and creamy texture:

For crisp and refreshing cold sides, consider a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette, my vibrant Artichoke Coleslaw, or this quick and easy, tangy Cucumber Kimchi. The coolness and acidity of these sides provide a wonderful contrast to the warm, savory casserole.

If you’re leaning towards hot sides, mixed steamed vegetables are always a healthy and colorful option. My Healthy Glazed Carrots (as shown in the image below) offer a touch of sweetness that beautifully complements the savory notes of the casserole. Alternatively, this classic Green Bean and Mushroom Recipe is another fantastic choice for a warm, earthy accompaniment.

And if you simply can’t get enough of the delightful combination of tuna and macaroni, then you absolutely must check out my Tuna Macaroni Salad. It’s a fantastic, quick, and easy side salad that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just a light lunch.

👪 Serving Size for This Tuna Casserole

This recipe for **tuna casserole with elbow macaroni and cream of mushroom soup** is designed to yield 6 generous servings, with each portion being approximately 1 ⅓ cups. It’s perfect for a family dinner or for having a few portions leftover. Should you need to adjust the yield, perhaps for a smaller group or a larger gathering, you can easily modify the recipe. Simply click on the serving number in the recipe card below and select your desired number of servings. The ingredient quantities will automatically adjust to scale the recipe up or down accordingly, making meal prep a breeze.

🌡️ Storage & Reheating Tips for Tuna Macaroni Casserole

Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious **tuna macaroni casserole** leftovers. Here’s how to keep it fresh and reheat it perfectly:

Store any remaining tuna casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate it promptly. For optimal taste and safety, it’s best to consume this casserole within 2 days. Tuna can develop a stronger, more “fishy” taste and smell if left in the fridge for more than two days, which might not be as appealing.

This versatile recipe also freezes exceptionally well! Transfer cooled casserole portions into a freezer-safe, sealed container or wrap tightly in foil and then place in a freezer bag. It will keep beautifully in the freezer for up to 3 months, making it an excellent option for future quick meals.

To Reheat Your Tuna Casserole:

If reheating from frozen, allow the casserole to defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can either:

Microwave: For individual servings, microwave until thoroughly warmed through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Oven Reheating (Recommended for best texture): This method helps prevent the casserole from drying out and maintains its delicious texture. I highly recommend using this casserole reheating technique for any pasta casserole:

1. Defrost and Temper: If frozen, take the casserole out of the freezer the night before and let it defrost in the fridge. Ideally, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour before placing it in the oven. This ensures more even heating.
2. Cover and Heat: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). If your casserole dish has a lid, remove any plastic wrap, then tightly seal the dish with aluminum foil (shiny side facing inwards). Place it in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until it’s completely warmed through. If you desire a slightly crisper or more golden cheesy topping, you can remove the foil for the final 2 minutes of baking, or even briefly broil it (watch carefully!). Alternatively, if your cheese topping is quite high, you can “tent” the foil over it instead of sealing tightly, creating a small dome to prevent direct contact and burning.
3. Check Temperature: For food safety, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (75 degrees C). An instant-read thermometer (affiliate link) is a handy tool for this.

❔ Frequently Asked Questions About Tuna Casserole

🍲 Discover More Delicious Casserole Recipes!

If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and comfort of this tuna macaroni casserole, you’re in for a treat! We have a wide array of other hearty and convenient casserole recipes that are perfect for any occasion, from quick weeknight dinners to impressive potluck contributions. Explore these family-favorite dishes:

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