Instant Pot Tuna Casserole
Egg noodles are a staple in my home and make the best casseroles. In fact today I am sharing this amazing Instant Pot Tuna Noodle Casserole recipe which is a great family meal and easy dinner to cook up in no time. So what are you waiting for, grab that pressure cooker and the ingredients ready to make this easy Instant Pot Tuna Casserole recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Tuna Casserole Recipe
- Comfort Food Classic: This recipe brings back the nostalgic flavors of your childhood kitchen.
- Quick and Easy: The Instant Pot simplifies the process, making it a breeze to prepare.
- Nutritious and Filling: It’s packed with protein and veggies for a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Instant Pot Tuna Noodle Casserole Ingredients
- Olive Oil: Helps to release their flavors and soften them.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds a rich, creamy element to the dish and helps in developing a thicker consistency.
- White Onion, Diced: Provides a sweet, tangy base that complements the tuna and other ingredients.
- Chicken Broth or stock, low sodium: Infuses the noodles with a savory depth of flavor.
- Kosher Salt & Pepper: Enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Garlic Powder, Onion Powder & Dried Dill Weed: Add layers of flavor, from pungent garlic and onion to the slightly bitter note of dill.
- Canned Tuna: The protein star of the dish, canned tuna is convenient, flavorful, and hearty.
- Wide Egg Noodles: These soak up the flavorful broth and provide a satisfyingly chewy texture.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds a creamy, umami-rich element that ties all the flavors together.
- Half and Half: Adds creaminess to the casserole, making it richer and more luxurious.
- Frozen Peas: Add a pop of color and a fresh, sweet contrast to the rich, savory flavors.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded: Melts into the casserole, adding a tangy, cheesy layer that makes the dish even more comforting.
How to Make Instant Pot Tuna Casserole?
Here is a step by step guide for cooking this tuna noodle casserole Instant Pot recipe.
Step One: Turn Instant Pot to Saute Mode
Turn your Instant Pot onto sauté mode. Once it is hot, add in your oil and butter. Stir well until the butter is completely melted. Add the diced onions to your melted butter.
Sauté the onions for about 3 to 5 minutes until they are fully cooked.
Step Two: Add Chicken Broth and Spices to Tuna Casserole
Next, add the chicken broth, salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder, dill weed. Pour in the cup of half and half and mix well.
Step Three: Add Noodles to Your Tuna Casserole
Place your noodles on top of your liquid mixture.
Step Four: Add Tuna to Instant Pot
Add the drained tuna fish to the top of your noodles. Make sure the tuna is evenly distributed on top of the noodles.
Step Five: Add Soup Can to Instant Pot Tuna Casserole
Pour the can of mushroom soup evenly over the top of your tuna mixture.
Step Six: Pressure Cook Tuna Noodle Casserole
Stir the ingredients well. Close the Instant Pot lid by twisting it closed. Push the sealing valve away from you to lock in the pressure.
Set your Instant Pot to high pressure for three minutes.
Step Seven: Quick Release Pressure
After your three minutes cooking time, use a hot pad or towel, bring the sealing valve toward you to open and release the pressure.
Once the pressure has been released, open your Instant pot lid.
Give your casserole a good mix.
Step Eight: Add Peas and Cheese
Add the peas into your Instant Pot Tuna casserole and stir well. Then mix your shredded cheese. into the pot and combine.
Step Nine: Garnish and Serve Pressure Cooker Tuna Casserole
Enjoy this delicious comfort food casserole in a owl garnished with fresh parsley or chives. Serve alongside some crusty bread and a crisp salad for the perfect meal.
Cook Time for This Tuna Casserole Instant Pot Recipe
This recipe takes 3 minutes on high pressure making it a great meal to pressure cook on a busy weeknight.
What to Serve With Tuna Noodle Casserole?
If you’re wondering what to serve with this Instant Pot Tuna Noodle casserole dish, then here are a few side dish options:
- Crispy roasted potatoes
- Mashed sweet potatoes
- Roasted asparagus and tomatoes
- Sauteed Brussels sprouts
- Steamed green beans and carrots
- A crisp, light salad with fresh herbs or citrus vinaigrette.
Serving Instant Pot Tuna Casserole with a side dish will make the meal more balanced and healthy. Try pairing it with a side of your favorite vegetables, rice or bread for the perfect meal. No matter how you choose to enjoy this budget friendly casserole dish, one thing is certain–you’re sure to love it!
How to Store Leftover Tuna Casserole?
You can store leftover Instant Pot tuna casserole in the refrigerator for up to four days in an airtight container.
Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to the airtight storage container or freezer bag. Once refrigerated, reheat your leftovers on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Tuna Casserole?
Tuna casserole is a classic American dish made with egg noodles, tuna and cheese. It is a simple dish to make and is typically served as a quick and easy dinner perfect on a weeknight.
Is Tuna Noodle Casserole Healthy?
While tuna casserole is not necessarily considered a light and healthy dish, it does have some nutritional benefits. Tuna is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids which can be beneficial for your heart health.
The tender noodles are also high in protein and contain essential vitamins such as vitamin B12, calcium, iron and zinc.
Nutrition Information
The nutrition calories in this dish will vary depending on the types of cheese and milk used so it is important to choose wisely.
It’s best to pick lower fat options for a lighter, more wholesome meal when cooking tuna casserole in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker.
Are Egg Noodles and Spiral Pasta the Same Thing?
The answer is no. Egg noodles and spiral pasta are very similar, however, spiral pasta tends not to be made from eggs.
Noodles, on the other hand, have much more egg in them, and the spiral-shaped dry pasta makes them great for casseroles and stews.
If you have an egg allergy, you can switch out the egg noodles for an egg-free spiral-based pasta.
What Makes Instant Pot Tuna Casserole So Tasty?
Mention the name “Tuna Casserole” and most people will immediately think of something that is bland. However, when you make tuna helper in a pressure cooker, with some slight modifications, pressure cooker tuna casserole can be one of the tastiest dishes you have ever made.
Why Is This the Best Tuna Noodle Casserole?
Here’s why… The Pressure Cooker … Even though you are pressure cooking at high temperatures, you still have the benefit of the food being “steam-cooked” which locks in the moisture making your Tuna fish casserole even more tasty.
Why Use Mushroom Soup?
Mushroom soup is the perfect addition to tuna casserole because it adds a rich, creamy flavor that complements the savory tuna and tender pasta.
Additionally, it provides some of the same health benefits as mushrooms themselves, such as fiber, protein, antioxidants and other key nutrients.
Whether you prefer traditional cream soup or opt for low-sodium canned soup you can find a variety of options to make this Instant Pot tuna casserole recipe your own.
Best Cheese for Instant Pot Tuna Casserole
Many people choose to use cheddar cheese in tuna casserole recipes because of its rich, creamy texture and mild flavor. However, there are many other types of cheeses that work well with this dish.
You can try using mozzarella, swiss or parmesan if you prefer a sharper flavor. You may also Monterey jack, feta, gruyere or gouda for a slightly different twist on the dish.
Do I Have to Use Peas in Tuna Noodle Casserole?
If you’re not a fan of frozen peas, simply leave them out of switch them for corn or diced fresh carrots. Some people also like to add bread crumbs to the top of their tuna noodle casserole for a crispy topping. You can use the air fryer lid to make the bread crumbs golden brown and crispy with extra cheese.
Can I Use Heavy Cream Instead of Half and Half?
If you prefer to use heavy cream instead of half and half, this will work well in your Instant Pot tuna noodle casserole recipe.
However, keep in mind that this may change the texture and flavor slightly. Heavy cream is thicker and richer than half and half, so if you want a creamier dish you may want to try this substitution when pressure cooking.
Chicken Stock V’s Vegetable Broth
Choosing between chicken stock or vegetable broth for your one pot tuna casserole is largely a matter of personal preference.
While both will work well in this dish, the vegetable broth may make the recipe slightly healthier if you are concerned about counting calories or reducing sodium intake.
Additionally, chicken stock tends to create a richer flavor that works well with the savory tuna and umami flavors of the mushrooms.
However, if you are looking for a vegetarian version of this casserole, vegetable broth is an excellent choice that will give your Tuna helper a fresh and light flavor.
Whichever way you choose to make it, your Instant Pot tuna casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and will taste absolutely delicious.
Can You Freeze Tuna Noodle Casserole?
You can freeze any leftover tuna casserole by wrapping it tightly in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months.
Just be sure not to add the peas and cheese before freezing, as they will likely turn mushy when thawed and reheated.
Instant Pot Tuna Noodle Casserole
Delicious and tasty tuna noodle casserole. A recipe the family will love
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 3 Tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 1/2 White Onion, Diced
- 3 Cups Chicken Broth or stock, low sodium
- 1/2 Tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/2 Tsp Pepper
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 Tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 Tsp Dill Weed, dried
- 2 (6 oz) Canned Tuna, drained
- 12 oz Wide Egg Noodles, uncooked
- 2 (10.5 oz) Can Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 1 Cup Half and Half
- 1 Cup Frozen Peas
- 2 Cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
Instructions
Turn your Instant Pot onto sauté mode. Once it is hot, add in your oil and butter. Stir well until the butter is completely melted. Add the diced onions to your melted butter.
Sauté the onions for about 3 to 5 minutes until they are fully cooked.
Next, add the chicken broth, salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder, dill weed. Pour in the cup of half and half and mix well.
Place your noodles on top of your liquid mixture. Do not stir.
Add the drained tuna fish to the top of your noodles. Make sure the tuna is evenly distributed on top of the noodles. Do not stir.
Pour the can of mushroom soup evenly over the top of your tuna mixture. Do not stir.
Stir the ingredients well. Close the Instant Pot lid by twisting it closed. Push the sealing valve away from you to lock in the pressure.
Set your Instant Pot to high pressure for three minutes.
After your three minutes cooking time, use a hot pad or towel, bring the sealing valve toward you to open and release the pressure.
Once the pressure has been released, open your Instant pot lid.
Give your casserole a good mix.
Add the peas into your Instant Pot Tuna casserole and stir well. Then mix your shredded cheese. into the pot and combine.
Enjoy this delicious comfort food casserole in a owl garnished with fresh parsley or chives. Serve alongside some crusty bread and a crisp salad for the perfect meal.
Notes
Why Use Mushroom Soup?
Mushroom soup is the perfect addition to tuna casserole because it adds a rich, creamy flavor that complements the savory tuna and tender pasta.
Additionally, it provides some of the same health benefits as mushrooms themselves, such as fiber, protein, antioxidants and other key nutrients.
Whether you prefer traditional cream soup or opt for low-sodium canned soup you can find a variety of options to make this Instant Pot tuna casserole recipe your own.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 489Total Fat: 31gSaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 97mgSodium: 878mgCarbohydrates: 30gFiber: 2gSugar: 7gProtein: 24g
More Quick Weeknight Meal Instant Pot Recipes
If you love this pressure cooker Tuna casserole recipe then you may also love the following posts:
- Instant Pot Chicken Stew
- Instant Pot Ramen Noodles and Chicken
- Instant Pot Orange Chicken
- Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Soup
- Instant Pot Fish Tacos
- Instant Pot Salmon
- Instant Pot Steak Bites
- Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo
- Wild Buffalo Chicken Pasta
- Instant Pot Spaghetti Meat Sauce
- Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
This is a very forgiving recipe, as I made a few changes (omit dill weed, sub evaporated milk for half and half, sub 2x diced sweet onion for white onion, sub 2x frozen pea & carrot mix for frozen peas) and missed the instruction not to stir before pressure cooking, but it still came out well. This will be my go-to recipe for tuna casserole, as I grew up making upgraded Tuna Helper, not the baked casseroles with crispy topping. This was much better and faster, using only what I had on hand.
Making any adjustments where you feel you can make changes is the best thing about cooking. I am glad you liked this recipe. As for the Stirring instruction, we can add that to the recipe. Thank you for the input.
I am confused. At the end of step 5 it says do not stir. But the first thing step 6 says is stir well. Which is correct?
Hi burt,
You can stir the ingredients at any point. We just prefer to layer the ingredients and stir it all at the end but either way will work.