Instant Pot Tuna Noodle Casserole has all the flavors of that yummy casserole that Grandma used to make. But, with a new twist of cooking right in your pressure cooker.
When I was growing up my grandmother would make this creamy noodle dish that was so delicious. I’ve never been a fan of tuna, however I loved this casserole. After growing up and branching out on my own I’ve started remaking my childhood favorite recipes and trying to modernize them. What better way to make them more modern by using the pressure cooker to make this delicious recipe. Even better is that it’s a one pot meal. I used egg noodles for this recipe because my family likes them however you could make this instant pot tuna noodle casserole with elbows if you prefer those.
Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Tuna Noodle Casserole
Can I use something besides Tuna in this recipe?
Absolutely you can use chicken in this recipe. I like to use fresh poached chicken or leftover grilled chicken. However, you could also use canned chicken if your family likes it.
Can I use something beside Cream of Mushroom Soup?
If you don’t like to use canned cream of soups you can make your own. You could also make a cream sauce using half and half or heavy cream mixed with your seasonings for your casserole. It would just as well. Here is the recipe that I use when I want to make a cream of mushroom soup from scratch.
Can I add a crunchy topping?
Yes! You can certainly add something crunchy to the top of your casserole. My family prefers the casserole without the crunchy topping. My personal favorite crunchy toppings for Tuna Noodle casserole are French’s Fried Onions, crushed Corn Flakes, crushed Ritz Crackers, or crushed cheese crisps. If you want to get really fancy in your crunchy topping mix together crushed cheese crisps and the fried onions. It will make a delicious and very flavorful crunchy topping for your casserole.
How do I reheat Tuna Noodle Casserole?
I prefer to reheat tuna noodle casserole on the stove top. I find that the tuna noodle casserole gives the best taste by reheating that way. Place your casserole in a saucepan and add about a tablespoon of milk to bring the creamy texture back to your casserole. You may need more milk depending on how much you are reheating at one time.
Another way to reheat is in the microwave on a microwave safe plate. You can also add milk to this recipe when you are reheating to bring back the creamy texture.
Can I freeze Tuna Noodle Casserole?
Yes and no. Tuna Noodle Casserole can be frozen. However, the noodles will get mushy as they do tend to change texture in the freezer. You may also experience some separating due to the half and half as dairy tends separate or clump up when frozen.
Instant Pot Tuna Noodle Casserole
- olive oil
- unsalted butter
- white onion, diced
- low sodium chicken stock
- Kosher salt
- pepper
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- dried dill weed
- tuna, drained
- wide egg noodles, uncooked
- cream of mushroom soup
- half and half
- frozen peas
- shredded sharp cheddar cheese
How To Make
Turn your Instant Pot on sauté mode. Once it is hot, add in your oil and butter. Stir well until the butter is completely melted. Once it is melting add in your onions. Sauté your onions for about 3 to 5 minutes until they are fully cooked.
Next, add in your chicken broth, salt, pepper, Garlic and onion powder, dill weed, and half-and-half. Mix well.
Place your noodles on top of your liquid mixture. Do not stir.
Add your tuna fish to the top of your noodles. Make sure they are evenly distributed on top of the noodles. Do not stir.
Add your soup evenly distributed on top of your tuna mixture. Do not stir.
Close the lid on your instant pot by twisting it close. Push the ceiling valve away from you to lock in the pressure. Set your Instant Pot to high pressure for three minutes.
After your three minutes have completed, using a hot pad or towel, bring the ceiling valve toward you to open and release the pressure.
Once the pressure has been released, open your Insta pot by unscrewing the lid.
Give your casserole a good mix.
Mix in your peas. Stir well. Lastly, mixing your shredded cheese. Stir well.
Enjoy this delicious comfort food casserole!
Cooking Tips
- Salted butter would work in this recipe also.
- You can use broth or bouillon instead of stock if you have them on hand already.
- Canned chicken makes a great substitute for tuna.
- Cheese you shredded yourself works best. Pre-shredded would work also.
More Instant Pot Recipes
Pressure Cooker Peanut Butter Chicken
Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
Pressure Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Instant Pot Tuna Noodle Casserole
Equipment
- Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ medium white onion diced
- 3 cups low sodium chicken stock
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried dill weed
- 12 ounces canned tuna, drained
- 12 ounces wide egg noodles uncooked
- 21 ounces cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Turn your Instant Pot on sauté mode. Once it is hot, add in your oil and butter. Stir well until the butter is completely melted. Once it is melting add in your onions. Sauté your onions for about 3 to 5 minutes until they are fully cooked.
- next, add in your chicken broth, salt, pepper, Garlic and onion powder, dill weed, and half-and-half. Mix well.
- Place your noodles on top of your liquid mixture. Do not stir.
- Add your tuna fish to the top of your noodles. Make sure they are evenly distributed on top of the noodles. Do not stir.
- Add your soup evenly distributed on top of your tuna mixture. Do not stir.
- Close the lid on your instant pot by twisting it close. Push the ceiling valve away from you to lock in the pressure. Set your Instant Pot to high pressure for three minutes.
- After your three minutes have completed, using a hot pad or towel, bring the ceiling valve toward you to open and release the pressure.
- Once the pressure has been released, open your Instant pot by unscrewing the lid.
- Give your casserole a good mix.
- Mix in your peas. Stir well. Lastly, mixing your shredded cheese. Stir well.
- Enjoy this delicious comfort food casserole!