Tuna Casserole with Corn Recipe
The best old fashioned tuna noodle casserole is an easy, comforting dinner recipe made with tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, creamy sauce, and sweet corn.
This classic casserole has been a family favorite for generations because it’s budget-friendly, simple to make, and perfect for busy weeknights.
This old-fashioned recipe just like Grandma made is sure to become part of your regular dinner rotation.
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Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole
- Uses simple pantry staples.
- Sweet corn adds extra flavor and texture.
- Ready in about an hour.
- Great for meal prep.
- Freezer-friendly.
- Kid-approved comfort food.
What are the main ingredients in tuna casserole?
This hearty recipe comes together with inexpensive pantry staples.
- Egg noodles – The classic base for tuna noodle casserole.
- Butter – For sautéing the vegetables and making the sauce.
- Onion, celery & garlic – Add savory flavor.
- All-purpose flour – Thickens the homemade sauce.
- Milk & broth – Create a creamy, flavorful sauce.
- Salt, pepper & dried dill – Simple seasonings that complement the tuna.
- Corn kernels – Add sweetness and texture.
- Canned tuna – The star ingredient.
- Shredded cheddar cheese – Makes the casserole creamy and cheesy.
- Crushed Ritz crackers – Add a buttery, crunchy topping.
Ingredient Tip
For the best flavor and texture, shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded varieties, and don’t overcook the egg noodles—they’ll continue cooking as the casserole bakes.
How to Make Tuna Noodle Casserole
- Boil egg noodles to al dente, so they hold their texture after baking. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables in butter.
- Make a roux
- Combine the crackers with butter.
- To assemble the casserole, combine tuna, vegetables, corn, the creamy sauce and half of the crackers in a large bowl.
- Spread the cooked noodles evenly in a prepared baking dish.
- Pour the tuna mixture over the noodles and mix lightly to combine.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese and the remaining crackers on top.
- Bake until the sauce is set and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Yes! Rotini, bowtie, or small shells can be used instead of egg noodles.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave until warmed through.
Yes. Tuna noodle casserole freezes surprisingly well either before or after baking. For the best texture, wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, or store individual portions in airtight freezer-safe containers.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Yes! Corn is one of the easiest ways to add sweetness, texture, and color to tuna casserole. It pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce and tender noodles without changing the classic flavor. You can use frozen, canned, or fresh corn depending on what you have available. If using canned corn, drain it first before stirring it into the casserole mixture.
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole up to one day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When baking straight from the refrigerator, add about 10–15 extra minutes to the baking time so the center heats through completely.
Stored in an airtight container, it will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through. If it seems a little dry, stir in a splash of milk before reheating to help bring back its creamy texture.
What are some common side dishes for tuna casserole?
Because it’s so rich and creamy, this recipe pairs best with lighter vegetable sides, fresh salads, or warm bread to round out the meal.
Some of the most popular side dishes include:
- Homemade Biscuits or Garlic Breadsticks
- A light and refreshing green salad or cucumber salad
- Roasted Vegetable recipes such as roasted carrots or Brussel sprouts
- Baked cauliflower
- Crispy Roasted Potato Wedges or Air Fried Sweet Potatoes
Give these easy recipes a try too—they’re simple, delicious, and perfect for any night of the week when you’re craving something quick and satisfying!
- Our Favorite Recipes for Classic Comfort Food are perfect for cozy nights when you want a hearty and satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.
- Try these Easy Casserole Recipes Using Bisquick and Ground Beef for quick, delicious meals that are both budget-friendly and full of flavor.
- Looking for a fresh dinner idea? Check out these Easy Recipes Using Seafood, packed with flavors that are sure to make mealtime exciting and simple!
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Tuna Noodle Casserole with Corn
Ingredients
- 1 lb egg noodles
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- 1 onion diced
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 2 garlic cloves sliced
- 4 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1-5 oz can tuna
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup Ritz crackers crushed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Cook the egg noodles according to package directions.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, melt 1 Tablespoon of the butter over medium heat.
- Add the onion and celery to the butter and cook until onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add the garlic and continue cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Remove vegetables to a small dish.
- Place 2 Tablespoons of butter in the same saucepan and melt. Stir in the all-purpose flour until you form a brown roux.
- Whisk the milk into the roux, and then add the broth and spices. Increase heat to medium-high until boiling.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for two minutes, then remove from heat.
- In a small frying pan, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the crushed Ritz crackers and cook for two minutes.
- Place the cooked egg noodles in a casserole dish, then stir in the vegetables (including the corn), tuna and dill sauce (will still be quite thin).
- Top with shredded cheese and Ritz crackers.
- Bake for 35-30 minutes, until the sauce is set and the cheese is completely melted.
We make a different version of this (my MIL always made it for my husband growing up) and my kids love it. I think we need to try yours!
I’d love to hear what you do!