When it comes to weeknight cooking, this easy tuna chip casserole is a dish that you can always rely on. This recipe is easy to make and uses ingredients that you likely have on hand. Plus, it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
So, if you’re looking for a quick and easy meal, give this tuna chip casserole a try. You won’t be disappointed.
Tuna Casserole
My husband is a huge fan of anything tuna. Tuna casserole is one of his favorite dishes. I am a little picky when it comes to tuna fish. I have made classic tuna casserole in the past with egg noodles, but I didn’t like the texture nearly as much as this tuna chip casserole which puts a whole new spin on it.
My husband has approved this new recipe and I think this is the best tuna casserole!
Why Tuna Chip Casserole is a Family Favorite
I love to make tuna casserole of any kind because it is ridiculously easy to throw together quickly on a busy weeknight.
However, this one takes the old-fashioned tuna casserole to a new level. With simple ingredients such as crushed potato chips, cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, canned flaky tuna, fresh or frozen green peas, frozen or fresh mushrooms, butter, salt, whole milk, and pepper, you are well on your way to creating an easy tuna casserole recipe.
We keep most of these ingredients on hand all the time, so this recipe comes together in a snap!
We also love this recipe because you don’t have to cook noodles which saves about 15 minutes of time. Who doesn’t love to save time on a busy night?
Kettle Chips vs Classic Potato Chips
I find that kettle chips are best for making tuna casserole extra flavorful and lend a better texture than the pasta.
Kettle chips hold up better during cooking and storage as well versus classic potato chips. You really want the chips to hold up in the casserole especially with all the creamy sauce you’ll add.
Mushrooms for Tuna Casserole
The best mushrooms to use for tuna casserole are baby portobello mushrooms. I like to buy them pre sliced to save even more time; however, you can slice or chop them yourself.
For the perfect casserole, and the best flavor you must sauté the mushrooms in melted butter until browned. Doing this takes your dish to the next flavor level.
Variations and Options
You can choose to use cooked pasta of almost any kind or crackers in this tuna casserole in place of potato chips.
We also find that topping or mixing in some cheddar cheese can be yummy as well or consider substituting one of the cream soups for cheddar soup or cheese soup if you want a cheesy tuna casserole.
You may even want to top this casserole with crushed crackers or crushed croutons or breadcrumbs.
We also like to add sautéed onions to the dish because they also lend a robust flavor to this easy dinner. Here is a simple list of variations you can add to this recipe:
- Ritz crackers
- Pasta
- Parmesan cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Cheddar soup
- Cream of chicken soup
- Sour cream
- Chicken broth in place of milk
- Dry breadcrumbs
Mastering the Soup Mixture
The canned soups you choose will make a big difference in what your casserole tastes like. Classic comfort food is creamy and savory.
I like to pick out two cans of soup, they can be mushroom, celery, chicken, cheddar cheese, or any other variation you desire.
The key to preparing the cream soup is to mix just enough milk in it to make it pourable, but not too much because you don’t want your casserole to become soggy. I like to mix the soups in a medium mixing bowl. This is also a good time to taste the soup mixture to decide if it needs black pepper, salt, more milk, or other seasonings such as parsley.
Then, split your ingredients and make two layers in your casserole dish so you can have two layers of the soup mixture. This makes the dish creamier and more consistent throughout.
Storing Leftover Tuna Casserole
This casserole is very easy to store. I like to use a nine by 13-inch baking dish that comes with a lid to make storage a breeze after supper.
However, this dish can be stored in any airtight container. This chip version of the classic American dish is also better for storing as the chips I find hold up better to storage without becoming soggy like the tuna noodle casseroles can sometimes do.
You an also freeze this casserole for up to two months when stored in an airtight container.
How Long Does Tuna Casserole Last in the Fridge?
When stored in an airtight container, this casserole will remain fresh for up to 5 days. When you are ready to enjoy more of this dish, just place your portion into a microwave safe container and heat in 1 minute increments until warm. Generally 1 to 2 minutes.
How to tell when the casserole is done
It is easy to tell when this casserole is done. It should take about half an hour to 40 minutes. You want it to be slightly bubbling and the top of the casserole should be golden brown in color. Pay attention and adjust the time as needed if your casserole bakes faster or slowing depending on your level of wet ingredients and your oven.
Easy Tuna Chips Casserole Recipe
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 8 Ounces Mushrooms Sliced
- 1 Cup Onion Diced
- 10.5 Ounces Cream of Celery 1 can
- 10.5 Ounces Cream of Mushroom 1 can
- ½ Cup Milk
- 8 Ounces Kettle Potato Chips crushed
- 20 Ounces Tuna 4 Cans tuna in water and drained
- 1.5 Cups Peas frozen peas thawed
Instructions
- Butter the inside of a 9 x 13 baking dish and set aside.
- Sauté the onions and mushrooms until browned and caramelized.
- In a medium bowl, mix the milk with the cream of celery and cream of mushroom soups.
- Drain the liquid from the tuna.
- Save 1 cup of the crushed kettle chips.
- Layer a quarter of the mushroom and onion mixture, tuna, peas, soup mixture, and chips in the casserole dish. Continue layering until all the ingredients are used.
- Top with the remaining crushed kettle chips.
- Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-40 minutes. Until hot and bobbly.
