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Home » Recipes » Dinner Recipes

by Traci · Published: 06/20/2020 · Updated: 01/02/2022 · This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Instant Pot Tuna Casserole

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4.99 from 52 votes
25 minutes

Instant Pot Tuna Casserole is the easiest way to make tuna casserole without soup. Dump ingredients in, press a button, and enjoy tuna noodle casserole comfort in under 30 minutes.

tuna casserole on white plate with silver fork on gray and white linen

Instant Pot tuna casserole has become a favorite rescue dinner recipe. Chicken Alfredo is a close second as a convenient comfort. This toss-and-go pressure cooking method is the easiest way to enjoy tuna noodle casserole in under 30 minutes. It's a family-loved budget-friendly dinner recipe where pantry staples really go the distance.

Table of Contents hide
1) Instant Pot tuna casserole key ingredients
2) How to make Instant Pot tuna casserole
3) How is Instant Pot tuna casserole different from old fashioned tuna noodle casserole?
4) Can I freeze tuna casserole?
5) Best noodles for tuna casserole
6) How to add crispy toppings to Instant Pot tuna casserole
7) Ingredient substitutions
8) Instant Pot dinner recipes we love
9) Instant Pot Tuna Casserole

Instant Pot tuna casserole key ingredients

Ingredient amounts are listed in the printable recipe card below.

  • egg noodles - use plain or whole wheat
  • canned tuna - oil or water packed
  • peas - use fresh, frozen, or canned
  • carrots - use fresh or frozen
  • mushrooms - any variety
  • chicken broth - or preferred broth
  • dried onion - the perfect pantry substitute if you don't have raw onions on hand
  • milk - or preferred dairy product
  • cheddar cheese - white or yellow cheddar (I use both)
  • Parmesan cheese - grated or shredded
Tuna casserole ingredients in jars and bowls displayed on stainless baking sheet laying on linen on blue table surface

How to make Instant Pot tuna casserole

Recipe instructions are listed in the printable recipe card below.

  1. Chop carrots and mushrooms (or use pre-cut veggies).
  2. Place egg noodles, tuna, peas, carrots, mushrooms, chicken broth, and onion in the Instant Pot.
  3. Press ingredients down to submerge in the liquid.
  4. Close the lid, seal the pressure valve, and pressure cook, followed by a natural pressure release.
  5. Release remaining steam, open the lid, stir in milk and cheese, and devour!
tuna casserole ingredients are gathered in the Instant Pot waiting to be pressure cooked

How is Instant Pot tuna casserole different from old fashioned tuna noodle casserole?

  • it's pressure-cooked = no need to heat up the whole kitchen
  • uses less dirty dishes
  • the pasta cooks with other ingredients = creamier
  • dinner's on the table in 30 minutes
  • perfect for don't know how to cook or don't like cooking
  • hands-free cooking = get stuff done while dinner is being made
  • no canned soup = real food with less salt and more flavor
  • perfect for people who literally forget to plan dinner ?

You'll be glad to know that the flavor, texture, and tuna casserole dreaminess is all there with Instant Pot Tuna Casserole. It's almost hard to believe that a pressure cooker tuna casserole can be this easy and delicious!

tuna casserole on white plate

Can I freeze tuna casserole?

Absolutely! That is, if there's any left over Like any casserole, this tuna noodle casserole can be frozen up to 90 days portioned into freezer-safe containers or freezer-safe plastic zip top bags.

To thaw frozen tuna casserole, place casserole portion(s) in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost function on a microwave following manufacturers instructions.

Best noodles for tuna casserole

Egg noodles are the most common pasta for old fashioned tuna casserole. Compared to conventional pasta noodles, egg noodles actually cook a little quicker. But fee free to use regular pasta in place of egg noodles by adding an extra +1 minute of pressure cook time to the recipe (for a total of +2 minutes on high pressure).

If using a gluten free pasta, keep the original pressure cooking time of +1 minute, especially if your pasta is made from beans or legumes, which tend to be more delicate and cook more quickly.

tuna casserole on white plate with silver fork on gray and white linen on blue table surface

How to add crispy toppings to Instant Pot tuna casserole

Want that crispy topping like an old fashioned tuna casserole? Use breadcrumbs (lightly coated in olive oil or melted butter), or French fried onions, or potato chips, and either of these 2 methods:

Method 1: Turn the oven broiler to HIGH; transfer the tuna casserole into a baking dish or individual serving dish sprinkled with your choice of topping. Place casserole 6-10" under the broiler until golden brown (about 2 minutes).

Method 2: If you have the Instant Pot air fryer lid, you can sprinkle your toppings over the casserole in the cooker and follow the manufacturers instructions to toast them to your liking.

Ingredient substitutions

  • Heavy cream or half and half in place of milk for a creamier texture and richer flavor (but beware the fat calories)
  • Frozen mixed vegetables in place of fresh vegetables (thawed and mixed in after the pressure cook cycle)
  • Canned chicken or salmon in place of canned tuna
  • Your favorite cheese in place of the cheddar and parmesan
  • Regular pasta in place of egg noodles and add 1 minute to the pressure cook time (for a total of 2 minutes)
  • Vegetable broth in place of chicken broth
  • Fresh onion in place of dried onion flakes
  • Gluten-free pasta in place of egg noodles

Instant Pot dinner recipes we love

  • Instant Pot Taco Pasta
  • Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo
  • Lasagna Soup For Instant Pot Or Stove
  • Instant Pot Spaghetti
  • Italian Sausage Soup With Orzo
  • Ham Alfredo Pasta For Instant Pot Or Stove
tuna casserole on white plate with silver fork on gray and white linen

Instant Pot Tuna Casserole

Instant Pot Tuna Casserole is the easiest way to make tuna casserole without soup. Dump ingredients in, press a button, and enjoy tuna noodle casserole comfort in under 30 minutes.
4.99 from 52 votes
Print Pin
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 8 1-cup servings
Author: Traci The Kitchen Girl

INGREDIENTS
 

  • ½ (12 ounce package) Uncooked Egg Noodles, (about 3 cups)
  • 1 (5 ounce can) Tuna, drained
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas, or canned or fresh
  • 1 medium Carrot, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 4 ounces Mushrooms, sliced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth
  • 2 tablespoons Dried Onion Flakes, or ¼ cup diced raw onion
  • ¼ teaspoon Sea Salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Milk, any variety
  • 4 ounces Cheddar Cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese, shaved, shredded, or fresh grated
  • (optional) Lemon, zested and juiced for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Add EGG NOODLES to the Instant Pot. Then cover the noodles with TUNA, PEAS, CARROTS, MUSHROOMS, ONION, SALT, and PEPPER. Pour in CHICKEN BROTH.
  • Do not stir the ingredients. Instead, press down to submerge the noodles in the broth. (I like to use a potato masher for this).
  • Secure the Instant Pot lid, close the valve seal, and cook on manual HIGH pressure for 1 minute (yes, that’s only one minute), followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release (NPR). DO NOT SKIP the NPR...the noodles are still cooking.
  • Carefully turn the pressure valve to release any remaining steam and open the lid.
  • NOTE: You will see a little excess liquid at first, but it helps incorporate the cheese in the next step AND the noodles will soak it up the longer it sits.
  • Stir in MILK, CHEDDAR CHEESE, and PARMESAN CHEESE. I used a minimal amount of cheese, so feel free to add more.
  • Serve warm with (optional) grated LEMON ZEST and a squeeze of LEMON JUICE.

RECIPE VIDEO

Tried this recipe? I'd love your review!Visit the comments below and tell me how it went.

Traci's Recipe Notes

Tuna Casserole Ingredient Substitutions

  • Use heavy cream or half and half in place of milk for a creamier texture and richer flavor (but beware the fat calories)
  • Frozen mixed vegetables in place of fresh vegetables (thawed and mixed in after the pressure cook cycle)
  • Canned chicken or salmon in place of canned tuna
  • Your favorite cheese in place of the cheddar and parmesan
  • Replace egg noodles with regular pasta and pressure cook 1 minute for thin pasta (such as medium shells) or 2 minutes for thicker pasta (elbow, bow tie, rigatoni, etc).
  • Vegetable broth in place of chicken broth
  • Fresh onion in place of dried onion flakes
  • Gluten-free pasta in place of egg noodles

Equipment

  • chef's knife
  • cutting board
  • 6 quart Instant Pot
  • stirring utensil
  • can opener
  • airtight storage container(s)

NUTRITION

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 204kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 492mg | Potassium: 408mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1853IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 204mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition data provided as courtesy estimates using unbranded ingredients from a nutrition database. Please consult preferred resource for precise data.

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Comments

  1. DeeAnn says

    October 23, 2022 at 5:45 pm

    4 stars
    Five stars for flavor!!! I made the recipe as it stated. I did wait the 10 minutes for natural pressure release. The egg noodles were done but I had broth in the pot. My husband and I enjoyed our tuna noodle soup? Maybe I will pressurize for 2 minutes next time. First time ever using my Instapot. We will make this again.

    Reply
    • Traci says

      October 23, 2022 at 7:09 pm

      Hi DeeAnn, yes there should be some broth in the pot because it helps the cheese along to make it saucy. But if you have soupy results, something else went wrong for you there (which is not uncommon for a first time use). Let me know if you'd like me to help you figure out what went wrong. Thanks!

  2. Bryan says

    October 06, 2022 at 6:59 pm

    5 stars
    Amazing recipe! I'm eating it right now and it's sooo good! The only thing I did different was I added a second can of tuna. That may make it too strong of a tuna flavor for some people, but I love it! I will definitely be making this again!

    Reply
    • Traci says

      October 06, 2022 at 9:25 pm

      Yayyy! I'm so glad you went for it and that you found your sweet spot with the extra tuna 🙂 Thanks so much for taking the time to leave feedback. Much appreciated!

  3. Holly says

    October 06, 2022 at 2:24 pm

    5 stars
    This was great few tweaks only because I love cheese and garlic lol. I added 2 cans tuna, carrots, peas, mushrooms, onions, minced garlic, cheddar cheese and parmesan. Topped it with fried onions and bacon in air fryer few minutes! Delicious 💖💖

    Reply
    • Traci says

      October 06, 2022 at 9:28 pm

      Awesome! Sounds like you made it your own 🙂 Glad you enjoyed and thanks for taking the time to leave feedback! Much appreciated!

  4. Teresa says

    July 12, 2022 at 5:10 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe is a keeper! So very tasty and so very easy to make. You must try it. Thank you!!

    Reply
    • The Kitchen Girl says

      July 13, 2022 at 9:30 am

      Aww thank you so much! I appreciate the feedback and really glad you're enjoying one of our favorite weeknight dinners 🙂 Yay!

  5. Lindsay says

    June 07, 2022 at 5:37 pm

    5 stars
    Made this tonight and it’s delicious! Any chance I can freeze the leftovers? I know it’s dicey since the noodles are cooked already but I’m the only one eating it. Thank you!

    Reply
    • The Kitchen Girl says

      June 07, 2022 at 10:49 pm

      I'm so glad you're enjoying it 🙂 Yes, you can freeze anything in my book, especially if it's in a freezer-safe container. Thanks for the review! Enjoy!

  6. Jeff says

    June 05, 2022 at 12:59 pm

    5 stars
    Wow! Another dinner saved by Instant Pot tuna casserole! We were starving at 7pm the other night and needed a quick dinner and we didn't want to "think" while making dinner - just load the pot and wait. Tuna noodle saved the day - again! We doubled it with no changes to the recipe and it was perfection! Thanks KG!

    Reply
  7. Rebecca says

    June 04, 2022 at 3:09 pm

    5 stars
    Can I double this recipe?

    Reply
    • The Kitchen Girl says

      June 04, 2022 at 3:23 pm

      Hiya! You sure can ... as long as your Instant Pot is 6 quart or larger. Let me know if I can answer any more questions for you. Enjoy!

  8. Lisa says

    February 09, 2022 at 10:08 am

    5 stars
    Okay my IP friends. Made this Monday evening for the second time. Just as fabulous as the first! Do yourself a favor and make this!

    Reply
    • The Kitchen Girl says

      February 10, 2022 at 12:13 pm

      Awwww nice! I'm so glad you love IP Tuna Casserole as much as we do 🙂 Thanks so much for taking the time to leave feedback. Cheers!

  9. Rikki says

    February 07, 2022 at 12:59 pm

    Question- is it possible to double this recipe with the same turn out?

    Reply
    • The Kitchen Girl says

      February 07, 2022 at 5:43 pm

      Yes, but I would cut the 10 minute natural release down to 5 minutes so the noodles don't overcook 🙂 Lmk if you have other questions. Enjoy!!

  10. Linda Vazquez says

    December 04, 2021 at 8:03 pm

    Hi I already cooked my pasta before I got the idea to try in my Insta pot is there an adjustment to be made the noodles are already cooked for cooking time or ingredients?

    Reply
    • The Kitchen Girl says

      December 04, 2021 at 8:30 pm

      Hi Linda, yes, since the noodles are already cooked, it changes the whole recipe because the pasta cooking liquid, pressure cooking, and timing work together. Since your noodles are cooked, it voids the instructions. At this point, the vegetables could be sauteed and the remaining ingredients added (tuna, milk, seasoning, cooked noodles, some splashes of broth, and cheese folded in), then served. Hope this makes sense 🙂

  11. Margaret says

    December 01, 2021 at 1:18 pm

    As delicious as this sounds, and it does… a 1 cup serving is NOT a realistic supper serving. The cholesterol, fats and sodium in 1 cup, let alone 2 cups, makes this something I could never justify trying. Too bad…

    Reply
    • The Kitchen Girl says

      December 01, 2021 at 1:49 pm

      Hiya Margaret, I appreciate the compliment. Please know that I use 1-cup servings to help readers easily visualize the amounts. If I merely said 8 servings, you would have no point of reference for recipe yield or serving amount. Also, I always encourage readers to use their favorite nutrition calculator for accuracy. Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks!

    • Colleen says

      June 05, 2022 at 12:34 pm

      Or Margaret you could just not make it and scroll on by..

  12. Katherine says

    October 13, 2021 at 2:54 pm

    5 stars
    Comfort food at its best! I have made this recipe twice now. I’m not a big milk fan so I used yogurt once and sour cream this last time. Delicious and easy to make with the Instapot.

    Reply
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