Tuna Noodle Casserole ~ An American Classic Recipe (2024)

4.4 from 28 votes

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Instant Pot Tuna Noodle Casserole is not like Grandma used to make, but it sure will make you reminisce over the past.

Bring this classic dish into the 21st century with a delicious and creamy sauce (made from scratch,) tuna, noodles, mushrooms, and peas.

Making Tuna Noodle Casserole in the Instant Pot is one way to simplify and amplify this dish.

Not only does it make dinner faster and easier, but it also makes it taste so much better! This is something you’ll want to share with the family to make your own modern memories.

Serves 6 | Ready in 20 min | Perfect for Dinner | 6Qt Instant Pot

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Tuna Casserole Without Cream of Mushroom Soup

Although many Tuna Noodle Casseroles request cream of mushroom soup to be added, I personally don’t like them.

It’s much healthier to make your own sauce, and while it can be a little more time consuming than opening a can, it’s not difficult at all.

In fact, the homemade sauce is what makes this Instant Pot Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe so darn delicious!

Even if you aren’t a fish lover, this Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is something we can all enjoy. It’s that perfect and flavorful blend that has you going back for more and it’s the perfect comfort food.

Tuna Noodle Casserole for the Instant Pot and Stove Top Directions too!

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Tuna Noodle Casserole ~ An American Classic Recipe (3)

How many of you remember when Grandma or even your own mom would make Tuna Casserole? I sure do! It makes me smile to remember those days. Wow. I’m old! haha..

Tuna Noodle Casserole is a classic, with a creamy sauce, mushrooms, peas, and of course Tuna.

I have a phobia to using canned cream of “anything” and try hard to not use them, if I can.

This from scratch sauce is quick and easy and tastes so much better than a canned sauce, trust me, you will thank me later.

I’m not a fish lover, but somehow Tuna Casserole is different and I find that even my picky eater son ate 3 bowls right up.

Not sure what makes this Easy Tuna Casserole different than other fish recipes, maybe it’s the simplicity of the dish or the comfort food that it has become.

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What is Tuna Casserole?

Tuna Noodle Casserole is the same as Tuna Casserole, a dish that became popular in the 1950’s using a can of soup, tuna, and noodles.

How to Make Tuna Noodle Casserole?

Tuna Noodle Casserole can be made in a variety of ways but traditionally Tuna Casserole Recipes have Tuna, Noodles, and a creamy sauce as a base.

How to Reheat Tuna Noodle Casserole?

You can easily reheat Tuna Casserole on the stove by adding a little bit of milk or cream and heating over a medium low heat and stirring untli desired temperature is reached.

You can also re-heat in the Microwave.

How to make Tuna Casserole without Soup?

Great question, as mentioned in the post we tend to steer away from canned soups so this recipe does not use one. It’s also super easy to make, easier than opening a can sometimes.

Check out the recipe card for full directions and measurements.

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How to Freeze Tuna Casserole

You can freeze your leftovers really easily by wrapping the casserole dish with aluminum foil and freezing it in the pan.

Once it's frozen, remove the casserole from the pan and place it in a freezer zip-loc bag. Then return it to the freezer.

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4.36 from 28 votes

Tuna Noodle Casserole

This easy Instant Pot Tuna Casserole Recipe is made with a simple homemade cream cheese and parmesan sauce, sautéed mushrooms, and fresh garlic. Topped with French Fried Onions for a deliciously crispy topping, you'll be going back for seconds!

Prep Time6 minutes mins

Cook Time2 minutes mins

Additional Time12 minutes mins

Total Time20 minutes mins

Devour Dinner

Course: Entree

Ingredients

1 can 12 oz Solid White Albacore Tuna - in water
1 12 oz package Egg Noodles
2 tbs Butter
1 tbs Garlic
1 cup Mushrooms - sliced
½ tbs Lawrey's Season Salt
3 ½ cups Chicken Broth
1 cup Heavy Cream
4 oz Cream Cheese
¼ teaspoon Pepper
½ - ¾ cup Parmesan Cheese
1 cup Frozen Peas
1 pkg 30z French Fried Onions - *(optional add-in)

Instructions

Instant Pot

Drain Tuna and set aside.
Heat Instant Pot to Sauté and wait until it reads "hot".
Add Butter and Garlic, and allow the Butter to melt while stirring.
Add Mushrooms and sauté until softened. Add Lawrey's Seasoning. Heat through.
Press Cancel and turn off the Instant Pot.
Add the Chicken Broth, then add the Egg Noodles and make sure they are mostly covered. Add the Heavy Cream, but do not stir.
Put the Tuna on top of the noodles, without stirring.
Set the Instant Pot to Manual for 2 minutes. Allow a 4 minute Natural Release and then Quick Release.
Stir the noodles and tuna together until evenly mixed.
Add in the Cream Cheese, Black Pepper, and Parmesan Cheese and stir to combine.
Add the Frozen Peas and stir. Close the lid for 5 minutes to heat the peas and melt the cheese.
Place the Tuna Casserole into a 9x13 casserole dish, and top with French Fried Onions.
To crisp the top of the casserole, bake it in the oven at 350 degrees for 7-9 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve and enjoy.

Stove Top Directions

Cook noodles according to package directions, drain the water. Set it aside.
Drain the Tuna and set it aside.
Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and add garlic. Add mushrooms and sauté until softened.
Add Lawrey's seasoning salt and stir.
In a saucepan, add 1 cup heavy cream and ½-¾ cup chicken broth and heat through.
Add parmesan cheese and cream cheese and stir.
Next, add the cooked noodles and stir to coat evenly.
Then add the tuna and stir to combine. Add peas and heat through.
Add pepper to taste.
Either enjoy right away, or place the Tuna Casserole in a casserole dish and top with French Fried Onions (optional).
Bake at 350 for 7-9 minutes until the top is crispy and warm. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Storage

Storage: Store leftover Tuna Casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it's covered in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to keep it as fresh as possible.
Reheating: Reheat this Tuna Casserole on the stove by adding a little bit of milk or cream, heating it over medium-low heat, and stirring until it's piping hot. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
Freezing: You can freeze your leftovers really easily by wrapping the casserole dish with aluminum foil and freezing it in the pan. Once it's frozen, remove the casserole from the pan and place it in a large freezer Zip-loc bag. Then return it to the freezer for compact storage. Allow it to thoroughly defrost in the fridge before reheating it.

Have you made this recipe?Mention @devourdinner or tag us #devourdinner! Please leave a comment and rating below. Thank you!

Nutrition Disclaimer

All nutrition values are approximate and calculated by a plugin and are provided as a courtesy. Adding or subtracting ingredients will change the nutritional value.

Nutrition