Go Back
–+ servings
Print
A hand using a large spoon to scoop up some tuna casserole showing the texture of the noodles and tuna and the crunchy topping

Tuna Casserole

This Tuna Casserole is the ultimate cozy comfort food. Flakey Tuna, mushrooms (no cans!), peas, cheese, a luscious sauce, egg noodles and a zesty lemon panko topping with caramelized lemons. Seriously this is the ultimate Tuna casserole recipe to make! 
Course comfort food, Comfort Meals, cozy, main, Main Course, Main Dish
Cuisine American, midwest
Keyword casserole, casserole recipe, tuna casserole, tuna casserole recipe, tuna recipes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings 8 people
Author Mahy

Ingredients

Casserole

  • 4 tablespoons butter unsalted, divided
  • 2 lemons sliced
  • 1 red onions finely diced
  • 2 cups mushrooms sliced
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 3 1/2 cups Milk mix in some half n half totalling 3 1/2 cups.
  • 2 cups grated cheese
  • 2 tablsepoons dijon mustard
  • 3 cans tuna drained
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2-3 teaspoons seasoning below. Use more or less to your taste

Seasoning blend

  • 2 tablespoons orgeano dried
  • 1 tablespoon granulated onion
  • 1 Tablespoon granulated garlic
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley or basil
  • 1 teaspoon salt and pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes optional

Assembly

  • 12 ounce egg noodles cooked super aldente

Topping

  • 1/3 cup Panko or breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest or zest of 1 whoe lemon
  • 1 teaspoon chili flkes optional
  • 1 tablespoon thyme leaves fresh
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. We start by infusing a rich deep lemon taste which pairs so beautifully with our recipe. To do that, just add in lemon slices to some melted butter in the pot over medium heat. Caramelize the lemon for 1 minute per side until golden, then remove from the pan.
    lemon slices caramelizing in the bottom of the pot
  2. Begin the sauce in the same pot where the butter is infused with the lemon flavor. Add in the onions and seasoning. You can use Italian seasoning blend or simple blend salt, pepper, oregano, onion and garlic powder and some paprika.
    Onions are added into the same pot to start making the sauce
  3. Once the onions have cooked until soft and translucent, you're going to add in some sliced mushrooms and garlic. While you can use white button mushrooms, we prefer cremini. Cook the mushrooms with the onions until they have softened but not totally wilted down.
    sliced cremini mushrooms are added to the pot of onions
  4. Now you're going to add in the flour along with a tablespoon more of butter. This is the base for the béchamel sauce and this is how it will thicken up.
    A hand sprinkling flour over the onion and mushrooms
  5. At this point it is KEY to sauté the flour with the mushrooms and onions for at least 1 minute or until slightly golden. This step removes the raw flour taste from your sauce.
    The flour sautéed until slightly golden with the onions and mushrooms
  6. You're now ready to add in the liquid. We're using milk and half n half, this creates a super luscious and creamy tuna casserole recipe. You can use exclusively half n half for a richer result, or use half stock and half milk for a lighter recipe. We assure you either way it will be delicious. Now make sure you season the liquid with the same seasoning above.
    A hand pouring the milk and half n half into the pot
  7. Increase the heat slightly to medium high and bring the mixture to a boil while mixing. You'll notice how the liquid will thicken and at that point, drop the heat to medium low. Let the sauce bubble for 2-3 minutes to infuse with the flavors.
  8. At that point you're going to add the drained tuna, peas and cheese. Give it a mix until all blended.
    The tuna, green peas and cheese are added to the pot once the sauce has boiled
  9. It's best to cook them super aldente. That's because the noodles will further cook in the oven. We've used here the classic no yolks noodles, but you can most definitely use pasta or a gluten free option if needed.
    Cooked noodles in a pot
  10. The noodles are tossed into the pot and coated well with the sauce, tuna, peas and mushrooms. Now we pour the whole pot into a 9 by 13 inch dish, and spread the noodle tuna mixture evenly into the baking dish. You can use the same pot if that's your preference.
    the noodles mixed into the post with the remaining ingredients and spread into a baking dish
  11. This is frankly a MUST for the recipe, so please don't skimp. The topping is a mixture of panko bread crumbs, parmesan cheese,  fresh thyme, chilli flakes and lemon zest. An absolute flavor and texture addition to your dish!
    topping ingredients all mixed in a bowl which is panko bread crumbs, thyme, chilli flakes lemon zest
  12. Sprinkle the topping evenly all over the baking dish covering all the tuna casserole. And to finish off, add the caramelized lemon slices ontop.
    The topping added over the casserole and lemon slices too
  13. Bake for about 25 minutes until it's golden and bubbly. You want the crispy golden tops and bubbly insides.
    The tuna casserole out of the oven with golden tops and perfectly cooked
  14. Once out of the oven , we added some chopped chives (optional) and a dash of chilli flakes.
  15. Be super careful about serving it right away as it will be really hot and bubbly. So give it about 10 minutes before serving.
    close up of the baked tuna casserole showing very up close the texture of the golden panko and caramelized lemons
  16. And there you have the absolute Tuna casserole packed with freshness and flavor, and yet just as cozy.
    A plate with a serving of tuna casserole and a fork next to it

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

Tips For the Best Tuna Casserole Recipe 

  1. Use quality canned tuna for the best tasting casserole recipe. Make sure you use the fish packed in water or lemon, not oil. The oil will make it hard for the tuna to blend in the sauce. And finally, make sure to drain it well before using.
  2. Frozen peas are a great choice for this recipe, better than fresh peas. Avoid canned by all means.
  3. Cremini mushrooms have a richer taste compared to white button mushrooms, however you can still use them. 
  4. The choice of cheese is completely optional as long as it is a soft melting cheese.
  5. For a richer recipe, use all half n half. And for a lighter taste, use half stock and half milk. Either option tastes great!
  6. The lemon slices add a rich sweet lemon taste to the sauce, while the zest on top adds a bright fresh tangy flavor.
  7. We prefer panko over regular breadcrumbs, however you can still use it.
  8. When adding the flour, make sure you toast it for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste from your sauce.
  9. Allow the sauce to bubble and thicken before adding the remaining ingredients, and observe the thickness.
  10. To thin out your sauce, add more liquid. To thick out the sauce, keep simmering it for longer than 8 minutes.
  11. You ca use store bought Italian seasoning or simply mix oregano, garlic and onion powders, salt and pepper and paprika.
  12. Don't overcook the noodles, you need to under cook them as they will continue cooking in the oven. 
  13. You can bake the casserole in the same pot if you'd like as long as it's oven proof. 
  14. Keep an eye on the panko topping, it should be golden and crisp. 
  15. Avoid serving the dish right away as it will be super hot, rather wait for 8 minutes before enjoying it. 

Tuna Casserole Variations

  • Ass more veggies like corn, bell peppers, broccoli, sun dried tomatoes, spinach or whichever you prefer. Don't overshadow the tuna, but feel free to be as creative as you'd like.
  • Make it spicy by adding jalapeños or more chilli flakes.
  • Use cajun spice for a beautiful twist. Also add more or less of your favorite spice blend like more onion powder than garlic.
  • Swap cheeses around, and try different varieties. 
  • Add in more seafood. You can add in some canned or cooked Sardines. While they have a bad reputation, I urge you to try my grandmother's recipe! 
  • Change the topping and use your favorite flavored chips or crackers, make sure you crush them. 

How to Make Ahead Tuna Casserole?

  1. Prepare all the recipe and assemble it in your baking dish ready to bake. Keep in mind to underbake the noodles even more, and having the sauce slightly thinner than usual. 
  2. Now cover the dish and refrigerate for up to 3 days. 
  3. When ready to bake, make sure you remove the dish from the fridge for 1 hour before baking. Bake as usual adding an extra 15-18 minutes more baking time. 

How to Freeze and Reheat?

  1. Prepare the casserole and pour into the baking dish as above. Make sure the sauce has cooled before wrapping and freezing. 
  2. You can freeze for upto 3 months.
  3. To Reheat, take the dish out of the freezer the day before. Make sure to thaw it completely. Bake as above adding an extra 20 minutes. 

Why is my casserole dry?

The two main reasons for dryness are that the dish is over baked, or the sauce was very thick to begin with. When tossing the noodles with all the ingredients, the sauce should be thick, yet thin enough to evenly coat every noodle and have some liquid left for baking.

How to tell when the casserole is done?

The edges will be bubbly, and the tops will be golden and crisp. You can use the fork knife test and insert a knife in the casserole, and when you remove it, the knife should have a thick coating on it not a thin one.

What to Serve with Tuna Casserole

A variety of Salad Recipes here for you to choose from. We love a nice salad and some Garlic Bread.

More Canned Tuna Recipes

Straight from the Mediterranean is this Tuna Salad Recipe with Olive Oil Dressing and it makes the best Sandwich too!