Elevated Tuna Casserole

Learn how to make tuna casserole that's creamy, flavorful, and topped with crispy potato chips! This easy recipe is comfort food perfection. Get the recipe!

May 25, 2025
By Laura Tide.

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever wondered how to make tuna casserole that actually excites people? honestly, this isn't your average tuna noodle casserole . think comfort, kicked up a notch.

It’s got that classic, familiar feel, but with a flavour punch that'll surprise you.

Brief Overview

Tuna noodle casserole is an all-american classic with roots in thrifty home cooking. this version is a bit fancier than the usual.

It's easy-medium difficulty, taking about 50 minutes total. this recipe makes 6 servings.

Main Benefits

The best part? it’s packed with protein. it's also perfect for a cosy night in. this recipe is special because it's familiar but elevated.

It uses fresh herbs and a crispy topping. let's get into those ingredients.

Elevated Tuna Casserole Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:30 Mins

Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) elbow macaroni or other short pasta
• Water for boiling
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• 3 cups (710ml) whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 cup (60ml) dry sherry (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• 2 (5 ounce/142g each) cans tuna in water, drained well
• 1 cup (115g) frozen peas, thawed
• 1 cup (100g) sliced mushrooms, sautéed until softened (optional)
• 1/2 cup (60g) chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped pimentos (optional)
• 1 cup (100g) crushed potato chips (plain, kettle-cooked work best)
• 1/4 cup (28g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons (28g) melted unsalted butter

Instructions:

• Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
• Melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Cook until thickened. Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, sherry (if using), parsley, and chives.
• In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, creamy sauce, tuna, peas, mushrooms (if using), celery, and pimentos (if using). Mix well.
• In a separate bowl, combine crushed potato chips, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter.
• Pour the tuna mixture into the baking dish. Sprinkle the potato chip topping evenly over the top.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
• Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

What You’ll Need for the Elevated Tuna Noodle

Alright, let's talk ingredients. We're moving beyond Tuna Casserole Easy territory. We're aiming for something special. First, for the pasta, you will need elbow macaroni, water, and salt. Easy peasy.

Next up, the creamy sauce. forget that tuna noodle casserole campbells shortcut. melt butter and add flour. it's kinda like making a roux.

Whisk in milk and seasonings. sherry adds a certain je ne sais quoi! fresh herbs make all the difference.

Then there's the Tuna and veggies. Tuna in water is fine, just drain it well. Frozen peas are a must. Sautéed mushrooms add a delicious umami kick. Don't forget celery and pimentos.

Finally, the topping. Potato chips, Parmesan, and melted butter create a golden crust. I swear, it's what makes this gourmet tuna noodle casserole truly sing!

Okay, let's dive into making this Elevated Tuna Casserole . It's a twist on the classic, trust me. We're taking a trip down memory lane with this Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe , but with a little gourmet touch!

Ingredients & Equipment

Ready to rustle up this easy tuna recipe ? Let's gather our bits and bobs!

Main Ingredients

• Elbow Macaroni or other short pasta: 1 pound (450g) . Honestly, any short pasta works!
• Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons (57g) . The good stuff makes a difference, yeah?
• All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup (60g) . Plain old flour will do the trick.
• Whole Milk: 3 cups (710ml) . Makes the sauce lovely and creamy.
• Canned Tuna in Water, drained well: 2 (5 ounce/142g each) cans. Flaked tuna is best. For Tuna and Egg Noodle Recipes I usually make sure that the tuna is top quality.
• Frozen Peas, thawed: 1 cup (115g) . Adds a pop of green and a touch of sweetness.
• Potato Chips: 1 cup (100g) . We're using plain crisps, trust me on this one! Kettle-cooked ones are awesome. If you prefer classic Tuna Noodle Casserole Campbells style, try breadcrumbs.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup (28g) . Adds a salty, cheesy kick.

Quality Indicators: For the tuna, go for sustainably sourced! It makes a difference. As for your pasta, don't over cook it!

Seasoning Notes

This is where the magic happens!

• Essential Spice Combination: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Don't be shy!
• Flavor Enhancer: A splash of dry sherry (optional, 1/4 cup (60ml) ). It adds depth, promise! I once forgot the sherry, still tasted great, but… you know?
• Aromatics: Fresh parsley and chives. 1/4 cup and 2 tablespoons chopped.

Quick Substitutions: No sherry? A splash of dry white wine or even a bit of chicken broth works.

Equipment Needed

Let's keep it simple, shall we? Tuna Surprise Casserole requires very basic equipment.

• Large pot (for pasta)
• Colander (for draining pasta)
• Large saucepan (for the sauce)
• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls

Household alternatives: don't have a fancy baking dish? a deep casserole dish will do nicely. you can also use what is called a noodle bake dish, or even prepare a tuna noodle casserole for one in a small pan.

Elevated Tuna Casserole: From Ordinary to Extraordinary

This isn't your nan's Tuna Noodle Casserole Pioneer Woman style. Unless, of course, your nan is a gourmet genius! We're taking comfort food and making it fancy.

Honestly, who doesn't love a good casserole? It's perfect for those "can't be bothered" evenings. This Tuna Surprise Casserole is easy enough for a Tuesday night, but fancy enough for guests.

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

• Essential Mise en Place : First things first, chop the celery and parsley. Thaw those peas. And, crucially, drain the tuna. Seriously, drain it WELL.
• Time-Saving Tips: Get the water boiling for the pasta before you start anything else. I can't tell you how many times I've forgotten this.
• Safety First: Remember to use oven gloves! That oven is HOT .

Step-by-Step: How To Make Tuna Casserole The Right Way

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil 1 pound (450g) of elbow macaroni until al dente. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water.
2. Make the Sauce: Melt 4 tablespoons (57g) of butter, then whisk in 1/2 cup (60g) of flour. Cook for 1- 2 minutes. Slowly add 3 cups (710ml) of milk. Stir until smooth and thickened. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon onion powder.
3. Add Some Oomph: Stir in 1/4 cup (60ml) of dry sherry, 1/4 cup parsley, and 2 tablespoons chives. This adds a fancy touch!
4. Combine It All: Mix cooked pasta, sauce, 2 (5 ounce/142g each) cans of tuna, 1 cup (115g) thawed peas, 1 cup (100g) sautéed mushrooms (if using), 1/2 cup (60g) celery, and 1/4 cup pimentos. Mix well!
5. Top It Off: Combine 1 cup (100g) crushed potato chips, 1/4 cup (28g) Parmesan cheese, and 2 tablespoons (28g) melted butter.
6. Bake Time: Pour the tuna mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle that gorgeous topping all over. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20- 25 minutes . It should be golden and bubbly.
7. Cool Down: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Pro Tips: Secret Weapon Edition

• Don't Overcook! Mushy pasta is a crime.
• Seasoning is Key! Taste the sauce and adjust as needed.
• Ever wonder about Tuna Noodle Casserole For One ? This recipe is easily halved! Or, embrace leftovers!

This tuna casserole easy is one of my favourite easy tuna recipes . seriously, this is proper noodle bake material, and a cracking fish casserole .

You could try it as a one pot creamy tuna noodle casserole , but i prefer baking it. it is one of the best casserole recipes for dinner for a reason!

You know, thinking back, my first attempt at tuna and egg noodle recipes wasn't exactly a masterpiece. i added way too much salt, and the topping was burnt.

But hey, we live and learn, right? that's why i'm here, so you don't make the same mistakes! now go on, have a go and enjoy tuna noodles !

Recipe Notes

Alright, you've got the recipe for this amazing Elevated Tuna Noodle Casserole Pioneer Woman style. But, before you dive in, a few little notes to make sure your Tuna Casserole Easy is a total triumph!

Serving It Up Like a Pro

Presentation is key, innit? Don't just dump it on a plate! A nice scoop, maybe a sprinkle of extra parsley, and you're golden.

Plating and presentation ideas : think about a cute ramekin for individual servings! or go big with a rustic bake dish right on the table.

Side-wise, a simple green salad cuts through the richness. honestly? a nice chilled glass of pinot grigio goes down a treat with this too.

Fish and white wine, duh.

Complementary sides or beverages : Steamed green beans are a shout. They add a bit of freshness. Or, for something a bit different, try roasted asparagus. So yummy.

Storage Secrets

Life happens. Sometimes you can't eat the whole Tuna Noodle in one go. Here's how to make tuna casserole leftovers last.

Refrigeration guidelines : Pop any leftovers into an airtight container. It'll keep happily in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing options : Freezing this Fish Casserole is doable, but the texture might change a bit. Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It's best used within 2 months.

Reheating instructions : microwave works fine for a quick fix. but, for the best results, reheat in the oven at 350° f ( 175° c) until heated through.

Cover it with foil so the topping doesn't burn, yeah?

Remixing the Classics

Feeling adventurous? This Noodle Bake is super versatile. You could even try Tuna Noodle Casserole For One by simply halving or quartering the ingredients!

Dietary adaptations : Going gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta and flour. Easy peasy!

Seasonal ingredient swaps : swap the peas for some roasted butternut squash in the autumn. or add some sauteed courgette in the summer.

Makes it feel a bit more special, tuna surprise casserole style!

Nutrition Nuggets

Okay, I'm no nutritionist, but here's the lowdown on the good stuff in this Gourmet Tuna Noodle Casserole .

Simplified nutrition information : We're talking protein from the tuna, carbs from the pasta, and a bit of goodness from the veg. Not bad for comfort food, eh?

Key health benefits : Tuna is packed with omega-3s, which are fab for your heart. Plus, this is a great way to sneak in some veggies. You know?

So there you have it! all the extra bits and bobs you need to make this egg noodle tuna casserole recipes rock.

Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. happy cooking, loves! you've absolutely got this and don't forget your tuna and egg noodle recipes , ready and waiting!