Best Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe (Gluten-Free) (2024)

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Transform a classic dish into a nutrient-rich, gluten free, dairy free, comfort food with the Best Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe! Made with just a few simple ingredients, it bakes in the oven in minutes for an easy dinner the whole family will enjoy!

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Not Your Grandma’s Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

Did you grow up eating tuna noodle casserole? It was a staple in our house! And while I loved the creamy, cheesy goodness of it, it’s not always the most allergy-friendly or nutritious recipe out there. Until now! We took the classic tuna noodles casserole recipe and transformed it into a gluten free casserole and made it dairy free with real food ingredients! Every bit as comforting as you remember, this version is loaded with nutrients and fiber and is perfect for easy weeknight meals and family-friendly meal prep. Dinner doesn’t get better than that!

Health Benefits of Canned Tuna

Not only is it cost-effective and easy to use, but canned tuna is also super good for you, too! For instance, a complete source of high-quality protein, canned tuna is also high in omega-3 fatty acids. As a result, consuming it as part of a healthy diet can help:

  • Reduce blood pressure
  • Lower triglyceride levels
  • Improve eye health
  • Strengthen your bones
  • Build muscle
  • And more!

Real Food Ingredients You’ll Need

This easy tuna noodle casserole recipe comes together with the typical ingredients you’d expect to see like tuna and pasta, of course! However, it also features a few items you might not think of when it comes to classic tuna noodle casserole. Here’s what you’ll need:

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  • Gluten Free Pasta – We like this gluten free pasta, but any you have on hand can be used.
  • Light Olive Oil – This helps add flavor and healthy fats while preventing the noodles from clumping together. We prefer light olive oil as its neutral flavor allows the rest of the ingredients to shine through, but regular olive oil or avocado oil can be used, too.
  • Salt and Pepper – Adjust according to taste.
  • Canned Albacore Tuna – We recommend using tuna packed in water, and draining it well.
  • Hummus – In a tuna noodle casserole?! Yep! You read that right. Plain chickpea hummus helps create a smooth, creamy texture without the need for dairy.
  • Minced Garlic – Used to add a savory kick.
  • Veggies – Pack in tons of nutrients with fresh spinach leaves and broccoli florets!

Flavor Variations and Substitutes

As with most casserole recipes, this easy tuna noodle casserole can easily be adjusted to fit a variety of needs and flavor preferences. So, feel free to experiment with different ingredients. For instance, some of our favorite variations include:

  • Swap Out the Pasta: Use cooked rice, cooked quinoa, or cauliflower rice instead!
  • Hummus: Skip a step by omitting the minced garlic and opting for garlic-flavored hummus instead.
  • Protein: If preferred, canned salmon can be used in place of tuna. Or, leave it out altogether for a vegetarian option.
  • Use Different Veggies: Feel free to mix and match any veggies you have on hand like zucchini, mushrooms, onions, and peas!

How to Make the Best Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

Easy to toss together, this is the best tuna noodle casserole recipe you’ll ever make because it bakes in just 30 minutes or less!

  1. Prepare the Gluten Free Pasta. Gently toss the cooked pasta with oil, salt, and pepper. Then, layer it in the bottom of a 9×9 casserole dish.
  2. Create the Tuna Mixture. In a small mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, part of the hummus, and the garlic. Spread the mixture in an even layer on top of the pasta.
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  1. Combine the Ingredients. Next, using the same bowl, combine the rest of the hummus with more olive oil. Layer the veggies on top of the tuna, and dollop the hummus mixture on top. Season with salt and pepper.
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  1. Bake. Place the dish in the oven until the top is golden brown, and serve warm!

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Pro-Tip: If doubling the recipe, use a 9×13 pan, and add more oil to the pasta along with a bit of non-dairy milk or broth if the pasta is dry.

Make Ahead and Storage Options

The best tuna noodle casserole for meal prep, this budget-friendly recipe stores well, meaning leftovers can be enjoyed for days!

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Make Ahead: If you want to prepare ahead of time, you can layer the ingredients, and store them covered in the oven for 2-3 days. Then, just pop the dish in the oven when you’re ready to bake!

Refrigerator: Once cooled, leftover casserole can be transferred to an airtight container and kept in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezer: For a longer-lasting option, freeze your cooked tuna noodle casserole for up to 3 months.

To Reheat: When you’re ready to eat, let your casserole thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, warm it up in the oven, or pop it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until it is heated through!

Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe: Common Questions

Why is my easy tuna noodle casserole dry?

The most common reason why your casserole might turn out dry is using the wrong-sized baking dish. For the best results, double-check that it 9×13. Also, be sure to thoroughly toss the noodles in oil! If they look dry, add a little more or a splash of non-dairy milk or broth.

Do you cook the noodles before adding them to the casserole?

Yes, be sure to cook your noodles according to the package instructions, and drain them completely before adding them to the casserole dish.

How do I thicken my easy tuna noodle casserole recipe?

If your ingredients aren’t binding together, add an extra dollop of hummus to help thicken the dish up.

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More of Our Favorite

More Gluten Free Casserole Recipes

Looking for more family-friendly casserole recipes that won’t break the bank? We’ve got you covered with more of our favorite gluten free recipes below!

  • Easy Broccoli and Cheese Casserole (Dairy Free Option)
  • Southwest Baked Polenta Casserole
  • Keto Italian Chicken Meal Prep Casserole (Vegetarian Option)

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Best Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe (Gluten-Free) (10)

Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe (Gluten Free)

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 12 reviews

  • Author: Lindsay Cotter
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 45 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe

Description

Not your average tuna noodle casserole, this version is gluten-free, dairy-free, budget-friendly, and bakes in minutes for an easy dinner the whole family will enjoy!

Ingredients

Units Scale

  • 8 ounces gluten free pasta, cooked (see notes for substitutes)
  • 3 Tablespoons light olive oil, divided
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 2 (5-ounce) cans albacore tuna or salmon, drained
  • ¾ cup plain hummus, divided (see notes)
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic (~2 cloves)
  • 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
  • 2 cups broccoli florets

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
  2. In the pasta cooking pot or a large bowl, gently toss cooked pasta, 1 tablespoon oil, salt, and pepper. Layer pasta in the bottom of a 9×9 casserole dish.
  3. In a small mixing bowl, mix together drained tuna, ½ cup hummus and garlic. Spread evenly on top of pasta.
  4. In the same bowl, whisk together the remaining ¼ cup of hummus with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Set aside.
  5. Layer the spinach and broccoli on top of the tuna in the casserole dish. Dollop the creamy hummus/oil mixture on top and sprinkle with additional salt and pepper.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
  7. Serve warm and store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Notes

Substitutes – Cooked rice, cooked quinoa, or cauliflower rice can be substituted for the pasta. Garlic hummus can be substituted for the plain hummus and minced garlic.

Cooking Tips – If doubling the recipe, use a 9×13 pan and add more oil to the pasta along with a bit of milk or broth if the pasta is dry. Feel free to combine all the ingredients before baking instead of layering. Omit tuna for a vegetarian option.

Meal Prep – Store prepared casserole in the fridge, covered, until ready to bake.

Storage Tips – For long term storage, freeze cooked casserole for up to 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 354
  • Sugar: 2.6 g
  • Sodium: 620.2 mg
  • Fat: 9.9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40.3 g
  • Fiber: 12 g
  • Protein: 29.9 g
  • Cholesterol: 19 mg

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Do you have questions, feedback, or tips about this recipe?Leave a comment below with any questions or feedback you’d like to share!

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Best Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe (Gluten-Free) (2024)

FAQs

What are the list of ingredients for tuna noodle casserole? ›

Use 2 cans soup, 1 cup milk, 1/4 cup pimiento, two 12-ounce cans tuna, 6 ounces (about 4 cups) egg noodles, 2 tablespoons bread crumbs and 1 tablespoon butter. Bake in a 2-quart casserole for 30 minutes or until hot, then for another 5 to brown the bread crumb mixture.

Why is my tuna casserole so dry? ›

Tuna casserole can become dry due to overbaking or using an insufficient amount of sauce.

What is smart ones tasty american favorites tuna noodle casserole? ›

Smart Ones Tuna Noodle Casserole offers a quick meal solution for lunch or dinner. Our savory meal features chunks of tuna, mafalda pasta and peas in a creamy sauce topped with toasted breadcrumbs. Each meal contains 270 calories, 12 grams of protein and 8 WW Points® per serving.

Does tuna noodle casserole freeze well? ›

The Good Way

Lastly, you can freeze cooked tuna casserole if you cannot eat it within 3-4 days. Whether it's fresh out of the oven or leftovers, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. If straight from the oven, allow it to cool completely before sealing it so it doesn't continue to cook.

What is the main ingredient in a casserole? ›

In the United States, a casserole or hot dish is typically a baked food with three main components: pieces of meat (such as chicken or ground meat) or fish (such as tuna) or other protein (such as beans or tofu), various chopped or canned vegetables (such as green beans or peas), and a starchy binder (such as flour, ...

Do you cook noodles before putting them in a casserole? ›

Do you cook the noodles before adding them to the casserole? Yes, you should cook the egg noodles until they're al dente before combining with the other ingredients.

How do you thicken tuna casserole? ›

How do you thicken tuna casserole? To thicken your tuna casserole, keep it in the oven for longer. This should thicken it right up. Mixing in an extra ¼ cup of parmesan cheese will also help bind it together.

How to make a casserole less dry? ›

For best results, bring the it up to room temperature before reheating. Add a ¼ cup of water or milk to the top before you put it in the oven to reheat. The added moisture will do wonders in preventing the it from drying out. The best way to is to cover it and put it into a cold oven.

What can I add to tuna to make it less dry? ›

Add a little moisture to the mix

But if you're averse to the white and creamy condiment or don't have it in your fridge, here are some other great options that add moisture and make tuna palatable: Oil. Olive, truffle, and even toasted sesame (which I use in my recipe below) are just a few drool-worthy examples.

What method should be used to cool tuna casserole? ›

Proper cooling methods for food
  1. Separate food into smaller portions. A large pot of hot food put right into the fridge can become dangerous. ...
  2. Cover food loosely while it cools. ...
  3. Stir loose foods. ...
  4. Use an ice bath. ...
  5. Add ice as an ingredient. ...
  6. Use a blast chiller or tumbler.

Where is tuna noodle casserole from? ›

Although most associated with 1950s Middle America, this iconic bootstrap recipe first popped up in the Pacific Northwest in 1930.

Who makes frozen tuna casserole? ›

Tuna Noodle Casserole Frozen Meal | Official STOUFFER'S®

How many days is tuna noodle casserole good for? ›

Store your leftover tuna noodle casserole in a shallow, airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat thoroughly in the oven or in the microwave.

What is the shelf life of tuna noodle casserole? ›

According to Project Meal Plan, a cooked tuna casserole can last for about four days when kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, if there are signs of spoilage like atypical aromas or the presence of mold, then it's wise to dispose of the casserole.

How to reheat tuna casserole without drying it out? ›

For reheating, add a splash of milk or a little water to keep the casserole moist and prevent it from drying out. Cover with a lid or foil while reheating to ensure it stays bubbly and cheesy.

What does tuna pasta contain? ›

The base is super simple – just tuna and pasta with some aglio olio! I add shallot, tomatoes, and black olives for some great flavours, but you can substitute or add so many other great flavours! Try capers, pickles, peas, etc. This pasta with tuna is so simple and yet so delicious!

What are the main ingredients in canned tuna? ›

Finally, despite being canned, many brands of canned tuna are minimally processed, containing only tuna, water or oil, and salt. Some brands may also add seasonings or broth for extra flavor. Canned tuna is an inexpensive, low calorie source of protein and other important nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids.

What are the 4 parts of a casserole? ›

Not every single casserole has all of them, but as a rule of thumb, here's what to look for: a starch, a binding agent or sauce, and a protein or vegetable. Many casseroles also have both vegetables and proteins, as well as a crunchy element to give some textural contrast, and cheese.

What are five basic components of most casseroles? ›

According to food blog High Heeled Homemaker, your basic casserole requires five ingredients: a protein, starch, vegetable, sauce, and cheese. If you have those five ingredients in your casserole dish, congratulations; you just made a casserole, whether it's a beloved recipe or a concoction of your own creation.

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