Old Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole with Potato Chips

Learn how to make Old Fashioned Tuna Casserole with crunchy potato chips just like Mom’s! This retro, classic tuna noodle recipe with cheese has a creamy homemade sauce using no condensed soup and is easily adaptable to make gluten-free!

old fashioned Tuna Casserole

Recently my tastebuds traveled back the 70s and 80s when family meals revolved around tuna casserole, old school tamale pie, mac and cheese, and salisbury steak. My flashback made me want to replicate this comforting dish immediately.

My mother’s baked tuna casserole recipe was a family hit not only because of the creamy sauce, canned tuna and peas, but the crunchy layer of potato chips on top. Typically you don’t have to ask kids twice to eat potato chips with their dinner!

Now my own family requests this easy casserole dinner just as much as other favorites, such as quick walking taco casserole and bacon cheeseburger casserole. But, no complaints from me because it’s equally easy!

While Mom used the Campbell’s mushroom soup shortcut, this tuna casserole without cream of mushroom soup uses a simple sauce of butter, milk, seasonings, and chopped mushrooms. It’s thickened with cornstarch so the sauce is naturally gluten-free.

If you do not need a gluten-free tuna casserole recipe use egg noodles for the most authentic old fashioned taste, or swap them out for other pasta, such as elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne.

Below I share how make tuna casserole with potato chips, including adaptations for gluten-free tuna casserole, easy ingredient swaps, serving suggestions, and my favorite how to reheat a casserole tips. Let’s get started!

Ingredient notes

• Tuna – Use solid white albacore tuna or chunk light tuna in water, but not tuna canned in oil. 
• Cheese – Freshly grated cheese adds flavor and makes an extra creamy sauce. I recommend sharp cheddar or cheddar cheese.
• Hard Boiled Eggs – This is something my Mom added to a lot of casseroles, but can be left out.
• Noodles -The type of pasta depends on your dietary preference. For a classic recipe use egg noodles, or swap out with gluten-free elbow macaroni or penne.
• Potato Chips – Use regular or wavy chips or see below for alternative tuna casserole toppings

How To Make old fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole 

(Below shows step-by-step photos and modified instructions. For the complete recipe, along with ingredient amounts, scroll down to the recipe card.)

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9X13 baking dish.
2. Sauté the fresh mushrooms and onions in 3 tablespoons butter until the vegetables are soft. Make sure you’re using a large pot to add in 2 cups of milk.
3. Add the milk and seasonings to the sauce pan. Bring to a boil and then add the cornstarch mixed with chicken broth. Cook until thickened and set aside.
4. Gently mix all the casserole ingredients together in a large bowl.
5. Pour tuna mixture into prepared baking dish, top with potato chips, and bake for 30-40 minutes.

Gluten-Free Tuna Casserole

Enjoy the same great, classic taste with this gluten-free tuna casserole adaptation! It’s easy to do since this tuna casserole without cream of mushroom soup is thickened with cornstarch.

This recipe uses a homemade condensed cream of mushroom soup, which can easily be adapted for dairy-free diets as well.

Unfortunately gluten-free egg noodles aren’t readily available, but elbow macaroni or penne pasta is a perfect substitute. The retro sauce, cheddar cheese, peas, flaky tuna, and potato chip topping mimics that classic taste so all can enjoy!

Making the recipe Lighter

This casserole has 500 calories per serving using light mayonnaise, sour cream, and 2% milk. However, there are ways to make it this recipe even healthier.

• Substitute 1% or skim milk.
• Use fat free mayonnaise and sour cream
• Omit the potato chip topping, halve the amount, or substitute breadcrumbs.

Serving suggestions

Since this casserole is pretty filling, a lighter, simpler side dish pairs great with it. A fresh fruit salad, steamed veggies, or green salad make great accompaniments.

• Steamed veggies, such as corn, broccoli, or green beans.
• Roasted veggies, such as brussels sprouts, green beans, or butternut squash
• Applesauce
• Green salads
• Dinner rolls

Freezing Tips

Yes, you can freeze tuna casserole before baking or after.

How to freeze UNBAKED:

1. Assemble casserole, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
2. When ready to serve, thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight.
3. Bake according to directions, covering with foil so it doesn’t become dry. Remove the foil for the last 20 minutes.
4. It may need an extra 10-15 minutes to warm through.

How to freeze BAKED:

1. Portion baked casserole into serving sizes and freeze up to 3 months. (Reheating an entire baked tuna casserole will make it dry out.)
2. Thaw serving in the refrigerator.
3. Microwave at 50% power until almost heated through, stirring occasionally. Finish heating at full power to warm completely.
4. To make topping crispy again, place serving in an oven-proof container, sprinkle cheese on top, and broil for 1-2 minutes.

Reheating Instructions

Tuna casserole will keep for 2-3 days refrigerated in an airtight container.

HOW TO REHEAT:

Take out a serving size and place on a microwave safe dish. Heat at 50% power for 2 minutes. Mix gently to not disturb topping and finish heating at full power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. To make the dish creamy again, you may want to add a splash of milk.

If you like to recreate the crispy topping, add a few more crushed potato chips or crackers on top before serving.

Alternative Toppings

If you are wanting something a little different than tuna casserole with potato chips, use one of these alternative toppings.

• Sprinkle on sharp cheddar, parmesan cheese, swiss, or colby to make an extra cheesy casserole.
• In a small bowl mix together 1/2 cup bread crumbs, panko, or gluten-free breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter.
• Crushed Ritz crackers
• Crispy french fried onions 
• Make a combination! Add 1/2 cup grated cheese to bread crumbs, crackers, or fried onions

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