Mom’s Tuna Tetrazzini Casserole

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

I grew up on this classic Tuna Tetrazzini Casserole.  Elbow macaroni, mushrooms, and albacore tuna in a slightly tangy sauce. We love it topped with crunchy potato chips!
Mom's Tuna Tetrazzini Casserole
I know, I know… Tuna Noodles is probably one of the easiest things in the world to make, right?  Well, it seems that every time I think I shouldn’t blog about something that seems to boring or simple, I am surprised at the response it gets. 
This post originally went on my blog about 5 years ago.  My website has grown so much over those 5 years, and it was time that this classic casserole got a face lift!
 
Mom's Tuna Tetrazzini Casserole
 
When my kids were little and they asked what was for dinner, and I answered Tuna Casserole, they always asked “Where are you going tonight?”  It is my usual fall back for making something ahead that is easy, everyone loves, and I can put it in the oven and skedaddle out the door! 
 
So, when they ask and I am at home they are surprised.  Nice to keep them on their toes. Not to mention, I get to enjoy one of the meals I loved when I was a kid.  You see this is my Mom’s recipe, and when I make it, there are rarely ever leftovers. My family devours it!!

 

Ingredients in Tuna Tetrazzini:

  • elbow macaroni
  • cream of mushroom soup
  • canned mushrooms
  • lemon juice
  • parmesan cheese
  • salt & pepper
  • potato chips

 

Do I have to use elbow macaroni?

Nope! This recipe is one I sometimes just use up what I have one hand.  You might get a mixture of elbows noodles, penne and bow tie — you just never know!  

Can I add in other things?

Sure! Make it your own! I love it with sliced black olives, but not everyone in my family likes olives. 

They all love it with peas.  My Mom used to put peas in it sometimes, canned ones.  Gak!!  Guys.  Unless it’s a snow pea or a sugar snap pea, I just can’t do it. The frozen ones aren’t as bad — but the canned ones?  No thank you.  But hey — you do what you  want to your casserole!  

Not a fan of creamed can soups?  I know some people are weird about them.  You can always make your own Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup

My Mother-In-Law puts cubed up pieces of cheese in hers.  You can always add cheese to the inside or melt some on the top in place of the potato chips.

 

Mom's Tuna Tetrazzini Casserole

I love using fresh cracked pepper, but use what you have on hand.  

 

 

Mom's Tuna Tetrazzini Casserole

^Love it?  Pin IT!^

I have to tell you a quick story about the potato chips on top.  To me, those really just make the casserole.   About 2 years ago, I got a new oven.  It has a Rapid Preheat feature.   I always use convection when I bake, so that cooks with a fan, right?  Well, not when it rapid preheats!!  So, I was in a rush — turned the oven on, and popped the casserole inside.  A little later I happened to glance at the oven, the light was on inside, and the whole thing was full of smoke!

I opened the door and black smoke rolled out.  The potato chips were ON FIRE.   You know when a campfire is smoldering?  The coals are black and orange, and there is that little bit of flame here and there?  That was my casserole.  So — we ordered a pizza and I have never put anything in my oven when it was on rapid pre-heat again!

 

Mom's Tuna Tetrazzini Casserole

 

Family Favorite Seafood Pastas and Casseroles:

 

 

Mom's Tuna Tetrazzini Casserole

Ready to make one of my childhood favorites?  Let’s do it! M.

 

Scooping out a portion of Mom's Tuna Tetrazzini Casserole
4.67 from 24 votes
Print Recipe

Mom's Tuna Tetrazzini Casserole

I grew up on this classic Tuna Tetrazzini Casserole. Elbow macaroni, mushrooms, and albacore tuna in a slightly tangy sauce. We love it topped with crunchy potato chips!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Casserole
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Mom's Tuna Tetrazzini
Servings: 6
Calories: 286kcal
Author: Michaela Kenkel

Ingredients

  • 12 ounce elbow macaroni or other pasta
  • 1 4 ounce can of mushrooms
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1- 7 oz can albacore tuna drained, broken apart with a fork
  • 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups crushed potato chips I add more!!

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees, and prepare your casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Cook pasta al dente, drain and rinse.
  • Combine pasta with all of the ingredients, except chips.
  • Pour into casserole dish, and top with potato chips.
  • Bake for 30 minutes uncovered.

Notes

*If you like peas or black olives either are GREAT in this. We are a family divided on these, so I omit them.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 286kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 632mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Similar Posts

22 Comments

    1. Thanks, Jay! It makes a 2 quart casserole dish. Feeds my family of six easily. I have never frozen any, we rarely have much left! 😉 I would imagine it would freeze just fine. 🙂

  1. You can dish it big helping of that tuna casserole on my plate! Classic, favorite and delicious thank you for sharing your mom’s recipe!

  2. This had just the right amount of sauce in it …. so creamy and wonderful I saw my niece using her fingers to scrape every last bite of it! (ps… fresh peas in it were a huge hit! ). Reminds me of what my grandma used to make…. Thanks!

  3. Oh man, this casserole is definitely one of the best comfort food ever, and so easy too. Definitely a dish to make when I don’t want to think too much. 😀

  4. This is a great family meal and you had me chuckling about your kids observing that you’re out for the night when you served this casserole. This will for a couple of days at our house. Perfect to warm up for lunch!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.