Easy Overnight Tuna Casserole
Overnight tuna casserole assembled the night before with rotini, canned tuna, cheddar, mixed vegetables, and cream of mushroom soup. Microwave or bake the next day for a no-stress dinner.
YIELD
6 servingsPREP
10 minCOOK
20 minREADY
30 minAssemble this tuna casserole before bed, slide it into the fridge, and forget about it until tomorrow. The uncooked rotini softens overnight in the creamy soup and milk mixture, so there’s no boiling water, no draining pasta, no extra pot to wash.
The next day, it goes straight from fridge to microwave (or oven if you prefer) and comes out bubbly and thick with cheddar cheese, flaked tuna, and frozen mixed vegetables that cook right in the casserole. Buttered bread crumbs on top get sprinkled on at the end for a golden, crunchy finish.
It’s the ultimate make-ahead weeknight dinner for six to eight people.
Pro Tips
- Use uncooked pasta and trust the overnight soak. The noodles absorb the liquid while they sit in the fridge. This is why the recipe works without boiling water first.
- Stir three times during microwave cooking. The edges heat faster than the center. Stirring ensures everything cooks evenly and the cheese melts throughout.
- Drain the tuna well. Press out as much water as you can. Extra liquid thins the sauce and makes the casserole watery instead of creamy.
Variations
- Chicken casserole: Replace the tuna with a can of shredded chicken for a milder, kid-friendly swap.
- Oven method: Skip the microwave. Bake uncovered with the bread crumb topping for about an hour until hot and bubbling with crispy golden edges.
Ingredients
Directions
In 2 qt. casserole, combine all ingredients except margarine and bread crumbs.
Cover and refregerate 12 hours or overnight. In small mixing bowl, microwave margarine at HIGH for 45 seconds to 1 minute until melted. Add bread crumbs. Toss to coat. Set aside.
Microwave casserole at HIGH, covered for 12 to 15 minutes, or until mixture is hot, stirring 3 times.
Sprinkle with bread crumb topping. Microwave at HIGH, uncovered, for 2 minutes or until hot.
NOTE; This can be baked in the oven at 350x. Sprinkle with bread crumb topping. Bake uncovered for 55 minutes to 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
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