One-Pan Wonder: The Ultimate Skillet Tuna Casserole Recipe

Skillet tuna casserole is a comforting, budget-friendly, and incredibly convenient meal. Forget the traditional layered casserole baked in the oven – this skillet version comes together quickly on the stovetop, making it perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe takes all the best parts of a classic tuna casserole – creamy sauce, tender noodles, flaky tuna, and a crispy topping – and streamlines the process for maximum flavor with minimal effort and cleanup. Get ready to enjoy a hearty and satisfying dinner in under an hour!

## Why You’ll Love This Skillet Tuna Casserole

* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe is ready in about 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver on busy evenings.
* **One-Pan Wonder:** Everything cooks in one skillet, reducing cleanup significantly.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Tuna casserole is traditionally an economical meal, and this skillet version is no exception. It uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt this recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or toppings.
* **Comfort Food Classic:** This skillet tuna casserole delivers all the comforting flavors you know and love from the classic baked version.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients:

* **1 tablespoon olive oil:** For sautéing the vegetables.
* **1 medium onion, chopped:** Adds savory flavor to the base of the casserole.
* **2 cloves garlic, minced:** Enhances the savory flavor.
* **2 cups vegetable broth:** Provides the liquid for cooking the noodles and creating the sauce. Chicken broth can also be used.
* **8 ounces egg noodles:** The traditional noodle choice for tuna casserole. You can also use other short pasta shapes like rotini or penne.
* **1 cup frozen peas:** Adds a touch of sweetness and color. Other frozen vegetables like mixed vegetables or broccoli florets can also be used.
* **1/2 cup milk:** Adds richness to the sauce. You can use whole milk, 2% milk, or even a non-dairy milk like almond milk or oat milk.
* **1/4 cup all-purpose flour:** Helps thicken the sauce. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch.
* **1/2 teaspoon salt:** Enhances the flavors.
* **1/4 teaspoon black pepper:** Adds a touch of spice.
* **1/4 teaspoon garlic powder:** Boosts the garlic flavor.
* **Two 5-ounce cans tuna in water, drained:** Provides the protein for the casserole. Make sure to drain the tuna well to avoid a watery casserole.
* **1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese:** Adds cheesy flavor and melts beautifully. Other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby Jack can also be used.
* **1/2 cup crushed potato chips, optional:** Provides a crispy topping. You can also use crushed crackers, bread crumbs, or fried onions.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large skillet (at least 12 inches):** A large skillet with a lid is essential for cooking everything in one pan.
* **Cutting board:** For chopping the vegetables.
* **Knife:** For chopping the vegetables.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurately measuring the ingredients.
* **Wooden spoon or spatula:** For stirring the ingredients.
* **Can opener:** For opening the cans of tuna.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to make the perfect skillet tuna casserole:

**Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables**

* Heat the olive oil in the large skillet over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

**Step 2: Cook the Noodles**

* Pour the vegetable broth into the skillet.
* Add the egg noodles and frozen peas.
* Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked through and the liquid is mostly absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

**Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce**

* In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth. This prevents lumps from forming in the sauce.
* Pour the milk mixture into the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.

**Step 4: Add the Tuna and Cheese**

* Stir in the drained tuna and shredded cheddar cheese.
* Cook until the cheese is melted and the tuna is heated through, about 2 minutes. Be gentle when stirring in the tuna to avoid breaking it up too much.

**Step 5: Add the Topping (Optional)**

* If using, sprinkle the crushed potato chips or your preferred topping over the casserole.

**Step 6: Serve**

* Serve the skillet tuna casserole immediately. Enjoy!

## Tips for the Best Skillet Tuna Casserole

* **Don’t overcook the noodles:** Overcooked noodles will result in a mushy casserole. Cook the noodles until they are just tender.
* **Drain the tuna well:** Excess water from the tuna will make the casserole watery. Be sure to drain the tuna thoroughly before adding it to the skillet.
* **Adjust the seasoning to your liking:** Taste the casserole before serving and add more salt, pepper, or garlic powder as needed.
* **Use your favorite cheese:** Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can also use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
* **Get creative with the topping:** Crushed potato chips are a popular choice, but you can also use crushed crackers, bread crumbs, fried onions, or even a sprinkle of paprika for a touch of color and flavor.
* **Add vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole, such as chopped celery, carrots, or mushrooms. Sauté the vegetables with the onion and garlic in Step 1.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the casserole for a touch of heat.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free egg noodles and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Dairy-Free:** Use a non-dairy milk like almond milk or oat milk and a dairy-free cheese alternative to make this recipe dairy-free.
* **Vegetarian:** While this is inherently not a vegetarian recipe, you *could* experiment with swapping the tuna for hearts of palm to mimic the texture. Otherwise, it’s best to stick to traditionally vegetarian recipes.
* **Tuna Alternatives:** Canned salmon or shredded cooked chicken can be used in place of tuna.
* **Cream of Mushroom Soup:** For a richer flavor, you can replace the milk and flour mixture with a can of condensed cream of mushroom soup. Reduce the amount of vegetable broth accordingly.

## Serving Suggestions

Skillet tuna casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with:

* **A side salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing adds freshness and balances the richness of the casserole.
* **Steamed vegetables:** Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and delicious accompaniments.
* **Garlic bread:** For a comforting and satisfying meal, serve the casserole with a side of garlic bread.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the skillet tuna casserole ahead of time and reheat it later. Here’s how:

* **Prepare the casserole as directed, but don’t add the topping.**
* **Let the casserole cool completely.**
* **Cover the skillet tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days.**
* **When ready to serve, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).**
* **Remove the plastic wrap or aluminum foil and sprinkle the topping over the casserole.**
* **Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the topping is golden brown.**

While the recipe is designed to be a one-pan skillet, it can be transferred to a baking dish and cooked in the oven from the start. Follow the steps in the recipe and transfer the casserole into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with cheese and bake for 20 minutes at 350F until golden brown.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover skillet tuna casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the casserole in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Add a splash of milk or broth if needed to prevent it from drying out.
* **Freezing:** While not ideal due to the noodles potentially becoming mushy, you *can* freeze skillet tuna casserole. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

* **Calories:** Approximately 350-450 per serving
* **Protein:** 25-35 grams
* **Fat:** 15-25 grams
* **Carbohydrates:** 30-40 grams
* **Fiber:** 2-4 grams

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I use different types of noodles?**

A: Yes, you can use other short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni in place of egg noodles.

**Q: Can I use fresh tuna?**

A: While canned tuna is typically used in tuna casserole for convenience, you could use cooked fresh tuna. Make sure the tuna is cooked through and flaked before adding it to the skillet.

**Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**

A: Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and reheat it later. See the “Make-Ahead Instructions” section for details.

**Q: Can I freeze this casserole?**

A: While not ideal, you can freeze skillet tuna casserole. See the “Storage Instructions” section for details.

**Q: What can I use instead of potato chips for the topping?**

A: You can use crushed crackers, bread crumbs, fried onions, or a sprinkle of paprika for the topping.

**Q: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?**

A: Yes, feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole, such as chopped celery, carrots, or mushrooms. Sauté the vegetables with the onion and garlic in Step 1.

**Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?**

A: This recipe is not naturally gluten-free, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free egg noodles and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

**Q: Can I use cream of mushroom soup instead of milk and flour?**

A: Yes, you can replace the milk and flour mixture with a can of condensed cream of mushroom soup. Reduce the amount of vegetable broth accordingly.

**Q: What kind of cheese is best for tuna casserole?**

A: Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can also use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

## Conclusion

This skillet tuna casserole recipe is a simple, satisfying, and budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With its creamy sauce, tender noodles, flaky tuna, and crispy topping, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, grab your skillet and get cooking! You’ll have a delicious and comforting dinner on the table in no time. Enjoy!