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Tuna casserole has always had that nostalgic, comforting pull for me—something about creamy sauce, tender noodles, and savory tuna just hits the spot on a cold or chaotic day.
The first time I made it in the crockpot, I didn’t stir it halfway through (lesson learned!), and the edges got a little dry. But the center? Perfectly creamy and delicious. Now I give it a quick stir midway, and it turns out just right every time.
This Tuna Casserole is the definition of easy comfort food. It’s creamy, cheesy, and hearty—everything you want from a retro casserole, made simpler with the help of your slow cooker.
It’s the kind of dish that practically makes itself and welcomes customizations like peas, mushrooms, or extra cheese.
If you love this crockpot recipe, be sure to check out some of my other favorite cozy recipes like my crockpot pulled pork sandwiches, comforting chicken cacciatore, or these quick and veggie side dish ideas.
Whether you’re in the mood for something hearty, light, or crowd-pleasing, there’s something here for everyone!
Ingredients:
- 12 oz egg noodles (uncooked)
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup (or another can of mushroom if preferred)
- 1 cup milk
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup frozen peas (no need to thaw)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs (optional topping)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
- Mix the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream soups, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the tuna, peas, and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese.
- Add to Crockpot: Lightly grease the crockpot. Add the uncooked egg noodles and pour the soup mixture over them. Gently stir to combine and coat all the noodles.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 2–3 hours, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking and to prevent noodles from sticking to the sides. (Don’t overcook—egg noodles can get mushy!)
- Add Cheese and Topping: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top during the last 15 minutes of cooking. If using the cracker or breadcrumb topping, mix with butter and sprinkle on top at the end or just before serving for a bit of crunch.
- Serve: Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow it to thicken slightly. Serve warm with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
Notes:
- This recipe serves 4–6 people, making it great for family dinners or meal prep.
- Stir halfway through cooking for best texture—this prevents the edges from drying out.
- For extra richness, stir in a spoonful of sour cream or cream cheese at the end.
- Want to mix it up? Try adding sautéed mushrooms, canned corn, or a pinch of cayenne for a little kick.
- If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked noodles and reduce cook time to about 1 hour—just heat through and melt the cheese.
Creamy Crockpot Tuna Casserole: A Classic Made Easy
Tuna casserole has always had that nostalgic, comforting pull for me—something about creamy sauce, tender noodles, and savory tuna just hits the spot on a cold or chaotic day.
The first time I made it in the crockpot, I didn’t stir it halfway through (lesson learned!), and the edges got a little dry.
But the center?
Perfectly creamy and delicious.
Now I give it a quick stir midway, and it turns out just right every time.
This Crockpot Tuna Casserole is the definition of easy comfort food.
It’s creamy, cheesy, and hearty—everything you want from a retro casserole, made simpler with the help of your slow cooker.
It's the kind of dish that practically makes itself and welcomes customizations like peas, mushrooms, or extra cheese.
Ingredients
- 12 oz egg noodles (uncooked)
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup (or another can of mushroom if preferred)
- 1 cup milk
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup frozen peas (no need to thaw)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs (optional topping)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Mix the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream soups, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the tuna, peas, and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese.
Add to Crockpot:
Lightly grease the crockpot. Add the uncooked egg noodles and pour the soup mixture over them. Gently stir to combine and coat all the noodles.
Cook:
Cover and cook on low for 2–3 hours, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking and to prevent noodles from sticking to the sides. (Don’t overcook—egg noodles can get mushy!)
Add Cheese and Topping:
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top during the last 15 minutes of cooking. If using the cracker or breadcrumb topping, mix with butter and sprinkle on top at the end or just before serving for a bit of crunch.
Serve:
Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow it to thicken slightly. Serve warm with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
Notes
This recipe serves 4–6 people, making it great for family dinners or meal prep.
Stir halfway through cooking for best texture—this prevents the edges from drying out.
For extra richness, stir in a spoonful of sour cream or cream cheese at the end.
Want to mix it up? Try adding sautéed mushrooms, canned corn, or a pinch of cayenne for a little kick.
If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked noodles and reduce cook time to about 1 hour—just heat through and melt the cheese.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 610Total Fat: 32gSaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 91mgSodium: 1343mgCarbohydrates: 55gFiber: 4gSugar: 12gProtein: 26g
Wrapping Up Crockpot Tuna Casserole
Creamy, cozy, and loaded with nostalgia, this Crockpot Tuna Casserole is an easy, satisfying meal that brings all the comfort with none of the stovetop juggling.
With tender noodles, savory tuna, melty cheese, and optional crispy topping, it’s a throwback classic that fits effortlessly into your modern routine.
Whether you’re leaning into a cozy evening or need a no-fuss weeknight dinner, this dish checks all the boxes.
Plus, it’s budget-friendly, endlessly customizable, and always hits the spot.
