Slow Cooker Tuna Casserole Recipe – A Comforting Classic

Are you craving a cozy, comforting meal that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor? Look no further! This Slow Cooker Tuna Casserole is exactly what you need.

🍲🐟 With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can have a delicious, creamy casserole ready to serve for dinner or meal prep. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a family gathering, this recipe will surely become a favorite!

Let’s dive into how to make this hearty and flavorful dish. 😋

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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Hands-Off Cooking – Toss the ingredients in your slow cooker and forget about it!

✅ Comforting & Creamy – The perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness with tuna.

✅ Budget-Friendly – Affordable ingredients that make a big impact.

✅ Family-Friendly – A dish everyone will love, from picky eaters to adults!

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🛒 Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy tuna casserole in your slow cooker. You can also find some helpful substitutions to fit your taste or dietary needs.

For the Casserole:

• 2 cans of tuna (in water or oil) – drained 🐟
• 12 oz egg noodles – uncooked, or any pasta of your choice 🍝
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup – or use cream of chicken if you prefer 🍄
• 1 ½ cups frozen peas – adds color and sweetness to the casserole 🌱
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – or mix it up with mozzarella or gouda 🧀
• 1 cup milk – whole milk works best for creaminess 🥛
• ½ cup sour cream – optional, but it adds extra creaminess 😍
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – for a delicious aromatic flavor 🧄
• ½ teaspoon onion powder – enhances the overall flavor 🌰
• Salt and pepper – to taste 🧂

For the Topping:

• 1 cup crushed potato chips – for a crunchy topping 🍟
• ¼ cup melted butter – for extra richness and flavor 🧈

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💡 Substitutions & Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta. There are many great alternatives on the market!
• Low-Carb Version: Use cauliflower florets instead of pasta for a low-carb alternative.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese and substitute coconut or almond milk for the milk.
• Vegetarian: Skip the tuna and add more veggies, such as corn, mushrooms, or bell peppers, for a vegetarian version.

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this Slow Cooker Tuna Casserole is a breeze! Follow these simple steps for a meal your whole family will love.

🔥 Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1️⃣ Prepare the Tuna: Open your two cans of tuna, drain them well, and break them apart with a fork. Set aside.

2️⃣ Cook the Pasta: Since you’ll be using uncooked pasta, there’s no need to cook it beforehand. Just toss it straight into the slow cooker! If you’re using a type of pasta that requires boiling first, go ahead and cook it according to the package instructions.

3️⃣ Measure Out the Ingredients: Measure out the peas, cheese, milk, and sour cream (if using). This will make the assembly process quick and easy!

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🥄 Step 2: Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

1️⃣ Layer the Pasta and Tuna: Start by adding the uncooked pasta to the bottom of your slow cooker. Then, layer the tuna on top of the pasta.

2️⃣ Add the Creamy Ingredients: Pour in the cream of mushroom soup and milk, then add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to ensure it’s well combined.

3️⃣ Add the Peas: Sprinkle the frozen peas over the top. They will cook as the casserole simmers.

4️⃣ Stir in the Cheese and Sour Cream: Finally, add the shredded cheese and sour cream (if using). Stir everything together until it’s all well-mixed.

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🔥 Step 3: Cook the Casserole

1️⃣ Set Your Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it on low heat. Cook for 3 to 4 hours, or until the pasta is tender and the casserole is hot and bubbly.

2️⃣ Stir Halfway Through: Stir the casserole halfway through the cooking time to ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed. This helps the flavors meld together!

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🍟 Step 4: Add the Crispy Topping

1️⃣ Prepare the Topping: About 10 minutes before the casserole is done cooking, mix the crushed potato chips and melted butter in a small bowl.

2️⃣ Top the Casserole: Once the casserole is cooked through, sprinkle the potato chip mixture on top.

3️⃣ Crisp the Top: Place the lid back on and let the casserole cook for an additional 10 minutes until the topping becomes crispy and golden.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This Slow Cooker Tuna Casserole is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it even more exciting:

• Pair with a Green Salad – A fresh, crisp salad is a perfect contrast to the creamy casserole.
• Serve with Garlic Bread – Crunchy, buttery garlic bread adds extra flavor.
• Top with Fresh Herbs – Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

If you have leftovers, don’t worry! This casserole keeps well and can be stored for a few days.

📦 Storing Leftovers:

• In the Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or slow cooker.
• Freezing: You can freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn.

🔥 Reheating:

• In the Microwave: Heat individual portions for 1–2 minutes or until hot.
• In the Oven: Reheat in an oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through. If frozen, allow extra time.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
Yes! You can use any pasta shape you like. Rotini, penne, or shells all work well for this recipe.

2️⃣ Is There a Way to Make It Spicy?
Yes, if you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or even some spicy mustard to the mixture!

3️⃣ Can I Make This in the Oven Instead of the Slow Cooker?
Yes! If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can bake this casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes or until it’s hot and bubbly.

4️⃣ What If I Don’t Like Tuna?
No worries! You can replace the tuna with chicken, shrimp, or even a mix of your favorite veggies.

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🍴 Conclusion – A Comforting Classic You’ll Love!

This Slow Cooker Tuna Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious! Whether you’re looking for a simple dinner after a long day or a dish that will please the whole family, this casserole will hit the spot.

With minimal prep and a hands-off cooking process, you can spend your time relaxing while the slow cooker does all the work.