This Crock Pot Tuna Casserole makes preparing this classic American dish even easier. This creamy casserole brings together tender egg noodles, hearty canned tuna, and a medley of ingredients like creamed soup, peas, and pimentos for a comforting, satisfying meal with the convenience of the slow cooker.
The tuna noodle casserole crock pot recipe is also a great solution for the warm summer months. No need to heat up your house with baking. Your family can enjoy this creamy casserole from the slow cooker! This dish is perfect as a main course for family dinners.
Crock Pot Tuna Casserole
Tuna casseroles have been popular for decades. These recipes make an easy and inexpensive filling family meal. No wonder they are such a home cooking staple.
This crock pot version has all the classic elements: peas, pimentos cream of celery soup and egg noodles.
This slow cooker recipe is ideal for making a big batch to serve a crowd or for meal prep and freezing.
Can you make tuna noodle casserole in a crock pot?
Yes, absolutely. As you can see tuna casserole comes out great in a slow cooker. It is also a great way to have the kids make dinner without worries of them burning down the house... lol.
Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker
Making tuna casserole in a slow cooker offers a host of benefits that make mealtime easier and more delicious. The slow cooker allows you to simply add your ingredients, set the timer, and let the magic happen, no need to hover over the stove. This gentle, even cooking method keeps your tuna casserole moist and creamy, preventing it from drying out. Plus, slow cooking gives the flavors plenty of time to blend together, resulting in a rich and satisfying dish every time. Whether you’re preparing dinner for a busy weeknight or planning ahead for a special occasion, the slow cooker is a reliable way to enjoy a delicious, fuss-free tuna casserole.
If you want to serve the meal in a few hours, simply cook on high and it will be ready in just 2 hours.
If you want to set it and forget it, cook on low and cooking will take 4-6 hours to be ready to serve.
Recipe Variations
Want to mix it up a bit? Try sprinkling on crushed potato chips rather than bread crumbs on top of the casserole for an added crunch. (like I did with this Potato Chip Crusted Cod).
Another popular variation is using cream of mushroom soup rather than the celery soup. If you are not a fan of the flavor or celery, simply swap the soup type. You can also add some sliced mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Try using chicken broth along with or instead of milk if you like, just keep it to same amount of liquid.
What to Serve with Crockpot Tuna Casserole
Start with a simple green salad with a Vinaigrette Dressing, then serve the casserole with dinner rolls or a rustic bread, such as Garlic Focaccia.
Great dessert choices to team with this easy meal are Million Dollar Pie or Caramel Apple Dump Cake, both of which are quite easy to make.
How to Make Tuna Casserole in a Slow Cooker
Here is how to make slow cooker tuna casserole complete with recipe step pictures. Full printable recipe card is below.
The recipe makes 10 servings.
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cooking Time: 2 hours (on high) 4-6 hours (on low)
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Tuna Noodle Casserole
- 14 oz egg noodles
- 2 cans cream of celery soup
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme
- 14 oz canned tuna in water two small cans
- 10 oz frozen peas thawed
- 4 oz of pimentos diced
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
Directions
Start with al dente egg noodles. Be sure to use cooked noodles for the best texture.
Begin adding the rest of your ingredients.
Add everything except the shredded cheese.
Mix well. Grease the interior of your crock pot or use a slow cooker liner for easy clean up.
Dump in your ingredient mixture. Cover and cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4-6 hours.
Dinner is served.
Storing and Reheating
Leftover tuna casserole is easy to store and just as tasty the next day. Simply transfer any remaining casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days, or freeze for longer storage (up to 3 months).
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat individual servings in the microwave by cooking on high for 30-60 seconds, stirring every 15 seconds to keep the casserole creamy and evenly heated. The tuna noodle dish can also be warmed up in a skillet on the stovetop over low-medium heat until hot throughout.
If you prefer, you can reheat larger portions in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
These methods help preserve the flavor and texture of your tuna casserole, making it a convenient option for meal prep and quick lunches.
More Easy Crock Pot Meals
- Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Potatoes and Carrots
- Crock Pot Pizza Casserole
- Vegetarian Crockpot Tortellini Soup
- Crock Pot Alfredo Chicken Pasta
- Slow Cooker Meatloaf Recipe
- Slow Cooker Beef Stew from Viva Veltoro
- Garlic Lime Chicken
Crock Pot Tuna Casserole
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 14 oz egg noodles
- 2 cans cream of celery soup
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme
- 14 oz canned tuna two small cans
- 10 oz frozen peas thawed
- 4 oz of pimentos diced
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Cook egg noodles until just under al dente.
- In a very large bowl, toss together ingredients except for 1 cup of shredded cheese and breadcrumbs. Taste for seasonings, adjust with salt and pepper.
- Grease the inside of a large slow cooker, add mixed ingredients. Top with remaining shredded cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Cover and bake on high for two hours or low for 4-6 hours.
Noelle says
This is such a delicious crockpot recipe! Love the tuna flavors
Jessica Formicola says
Tuna casserole is my favorite, and this is the best recipe I've ever tried! We are going to make it again for dinner next week!
Tayler Ross says
I made this for dinner last night and it was incredible! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!
Robin Gagnon says
So glad you liked it!
Grace B says
This tuna casserole is going into our regular dinner rotation. A big hit.
Jenn Basham says
Is there a way to make this in the oven instead?
Robin Gagnon says
I would dump everything in a greased casserole and bake at about 400 degrees F for around 20 minutes.
Dave says
I don't understand why I have to al dente the noodles first. When I make spaghetti and meatballs I add the spaghetti the last two hours with the setting on high. With hamburger helper it takes about 20 minutes for the noodles to cook, again on high.
Robin Gagnon says
I expect that would work with a little liquid adjustment of this recipe. While most recipes here are created by me, this tuna casserole is actually a friend's recipe that she makes regularly. I didn't want to mess with it and have it not work out for someone. Your input is appreciated and helpful. Thank you.
Dave says
Thank you.
Chasity says
If I don’t have pimentos can I just leave them out or is there anything I can substitute for them?
Robin Gagnon says
Skipping is fine. Roasted red peppers would be closest swap.