Crockpot Tuna Noodle Casserole

Enjoy the comforting Crockpot Tuna Noodle Casserole, a creamy blend of tuna, noodles, and cheesy goodness. This easy, hands-off recipe delivers classic flavors with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Toss it in the slow cooker and savor nostalgic deliciousness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crockpot Tuna Noodle Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, blending creamy, cheesy textures with the savory goodness of tuna. It’s a nostalgic dish that’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few minutes of prep before the slow cooker works its magic. Perfect for busy families, this recipe is budget-friendly, kid-approved, and great for meal prep. The creamy sauce, tender noodles, and optional crunchy topping make every bite irresistible. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to your pantry staples or dietary preferences, ensuring everyone at the table leaves happy.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Cook Noodles Al Dente: Slightly undercook noodles before adding to prevent them from becoming mushy in the slow cooker.
• Cheese Melting: Add cheese toward the end of cooking to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
• Crispy Topping: For a crunchy finish, sprinkle crushed crackers or breadcrumbs on top and broil briefly after cooking.
• Stir Gently: Mix ingredients carefully to avoid breaking noodles or creating a gummy texture.
• Check Consistency: If the casserole looks too thick, add a splash of milk or broth before serving.
• Prep Ahead: Assemble ingredients in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate overnight for a quick start.

Yield: 8 Servings

Crockpot Tuna Noodle Casserol

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Creamy Crockpot Tuna Noodle Casserole with tuna, noodles, and cheese—perfect for easy, comforting family dinners.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 3 hours

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 3 hours 25 minutes

Ingredients

• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 12 oz wide egg noodles
• 2 (5 oz) cans tuna in water, drained
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• Optional topping: ½ cup crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Noodles: Boil egg noodles until just al dente (about 1 minute less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.
2. Prep the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease a 6-quart slow cooker to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
3. Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Add Tuna and Veggies: Stir in drained tuna, thawed peas, and diced onion until evenly mixed.
5. Combine with Noodles: Gently fold in cooked noodles, ensuring they’re coated in the creamy mixture.
6. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Pour the mixture into the slow cooker, spreading it evenly for consistent cooking.
7. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 3 hours or high for 1.5 hours, until heated through.
8. Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top in the last 15 minutes, letting it melt into gooey perfection.
9. Optional Crunch: For a crispy top, transfer to an oven-safe dish, add crushed crackers, and broil for 2-3 minutes.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Spoon into bowls, serve warm, and watch everyone dig into this cozy, nostalgic dish!

Notes

• To avoid a watery casserole, drain tuna and thaw peas thoroughly before adding.
• If using low-sodium soup, taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper.
• For a richer flavor, mix in ¼ cup grated Parmesan with the cheddar.
• Leftovers can be repurposed into a baked casserole with a breadcrumb topping.

Nutrition Information

Yield

8

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 381Total Fat 20gSaturated Fat 10gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 72mgSodium 759mgCarbohydrates 26gFiber 2gSugar 6gProtein 24g

The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

• Tuna: Use water-packed tuna for a lighter dish; drain well to avoid excess moisture.
• Egg Noodles: Wide egg noodles hold up well; substitute with other sturdy pasta like rotini if needed.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Provides a creamy base; choose low-sodium to control saltiness.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor; shred fresh for better melting.
• Milk: Whole milk creates a rich sauce; 2% or plant-based milk works for lighter options.
• Peas: Frozen peas add color and sweetness; thaw slightly to avoid extra water.
• Onion: Finely diced onion adds subtle flavor; use onion powder for a quicker option.
• Butter: Enhances richness; can be omitted for a lighter casserole.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Swap: Replace tuna with cooked chicken, turkey, or canned salmon for a different flavor.
• Vegetable Add-Ins: Swap peas for broccoli, carrots, or green beans for extra nutrition.
• Soup Alternatives: Use cream of celery or cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom.
• Cheese Options: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend for varied flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and soup; ensure tuna and toppings are gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute cream soup with a dairy-free version and use plant-based milk and cheese.
• Low-Carb: Replace noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets for a lighter dish.

Storage Options

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat in the microwave or oven.
• Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Add a splash of milk when reheating to restore creaminess; heat on low to avoid separating.
• Meal Prep: Divide into single-serve containers for quick lunches or dinners.

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