Classic Cheesy Tuna Casserole with Green Beans and Rotini is a comforting, family-friendly dish that brings all the flavors you love in one hearty casserole. With tender rotini pasta, savory tuna, crisp green beans, and a gooey, cheesy topping, this casserole is the ultimate easy weeknight meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a satisfying dish to feed a crowd, this classic recipe is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies while keeping things simple!

Last Updated February 21st, 2025.

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Why You’ll Love this Cheesy Tuna Casserole:

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor – With pantry staples like tuna, cream of mushroom soup, and rotini pasta, this cheesy casserole comes together with minimal effort but delivers maximum comfort. Tuna casserole is the epitome of easy comfort food for the whole family.
Customizable and Allergy-Friendly – Easily adapt this recipe to suit dietary needs by using gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs or swapping the tuna for chicken or plant-based alternatives. This recipe is a great option for those looking for allergy-friendly casseroles that don’t compromise on flavor.
Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food – Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this cheesy tuna casserole is a cozy dish that’s sure to be a hit with everyone. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a special gathering, it’s a satisfying meal everyone will love.
Quick and Easy Prep – Minimal chopping and one baking dish make this recipe a breeze for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. If you’re looking for an easy-to-make casserole with simple ingredients, this one is your go-to.

Ingredient Notes:

Onion:
- Adds a sweet and savory depth to the casserole; yellow or white onions work best. Dice finely for even cooking. Onions bring a great balance to your tuna casserole, enhancing its savory flavor.
Garlic:
- Provides a fragrant, robust flavor that complements the creaminess of the dish. Use fresh garlic for the best taste or garlic powder as a quick substitute. Garlic is essential in this easy tuna casserole recipe, adding a depth of flavor to the creamy sauce.
Rotini Pasta:
- The corkscrew shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully. Use gluten-free rotini if needed, and cook it al dente for the best texture. For those looking for gluten-free casseroles, this rotini option ensures everyone can enjoy this dish.
Cream of Mushroom Soup:
- The base for the casserole’s creamy sauce. Opt for a gluten-free version or make your own if preferred. A creamy tuna casserole like this wouldn’t be complete without a rich, savory sauce to bring everything together.
French-Cut Green Beans:
- Thinly sliced for better texture and distribution throughout the dish. Fresh, canned, or frozen work well—just be sure to drain canned beans or thaw frozen ones. These green beans add the perfect balance of texture to your casserole.
Tuna:
- A classic protein option for this dish. Use canned tuna packed in water or oil, flaked, and drained. Tuna casserole is a go-to comfort food, but you can also try chicken or plant-based substitutes for a twist.
Cheddar Cheese:
- Sharp cheddar melts into a gooey, flavorful topping. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for variety. For an even cheesier experience, add an extra layer of shredded cheddar cheese to your casserole.
Breadcrumbs:
- Adds a crispy, golden topping that contrasts the creamy casserole. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed, and toast lightly in butter for extra flavor. A crispy topping is the perfect finishing touch for this cheesy tuna casserole.

cheesy baked tuna casserole with green beans

Dietary Restriction & Allergy-Friendly Substitutions:

Gluten-Free:
- To make this casserole gluten-free, swap out the rotini pasta for a gluten-free version ( I like Jovial’s 100% Organic Gluten Free Brown Rice Fusilli) and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping. You can also choose a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup to ensure the entire dish is safe for anyone with gluten sensitivities.
Dairy-Free:
- For a dairy-free tuna casserole, use a dairy-free cheese alternative like vegan cheddar or mozzarella, and substitute dairy-free butter for the regular butter. You can also swap out regular milk for a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk.
Low-Carb & Keto:
- If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, replace the rotini pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to cut the carbs. You can also use a sugar-free cream of mushroom soup or a homemade alternative, ensuring it fits within your keto goals.
Vegetarian:
- To make this recipe vegetarian, simply replace the tuna with a plant-based protein such as chickpeas, tofu, or a vegan tuna alternative. For an extra flavor boost, consider adding extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms to give the casserole more body and flavor.
Nut-Free:
- This recipe is naturally nut-free as long as you use gluten-free breadcrumbs that are not made with nut-based flours. Check labels to ensure there are no cross-contaminants if you’re preparing this dish for someone with nut allergies.

Additional Substitutions & Variations:

Protein Swaps: While tuna is a classic choice, you can easily substitute it with other proteins. Shredded rotisserie chicken or canned chicken can replace the tuna for a delicious twist. For a vegetarian or plant-based version, consider using chickpeas, tempeh, or tofu for added protein and texture.
Pasta Variations: If you prefer a different shape or texture, you can swap rotini pasta for penne, elbow macaroni, or bow tie pasta. If you need a low-carb or gluten-free option, try zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lightened-up casserole.
Cheese Options: Cheddar cheese is perfect for its sharp flavor and meltability, but you can experiment with other cheeses. Try Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or Colby Jack for a more subtle or nutty flavor. For a dairy-free option, vegan cheese or dairy-free mozzarella work great as substitutes.
Vegetable Additions: You can boost the nutrition of this dish by adding extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli. These veggies will blend nicely into the creamy sauce while adding color and nutrients to the casserole. Frozen peas or corn are also great options for added flavor and texture.
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add some cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or jalapeños to the casserole. For a more savory flavor, try incorporating mustard powder, paprika, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce into the base mixture.
Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly: This casserole is perfect for meal prep. Assemble the casserole and cover it tightly to refrigerate for up to a day before baking. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake according to the recipe instructions.

Expert Tips & Recipe Notes:

Make-Ahead:
- This casserole is perfect for meal prep! You can assemble the casserole in advance, up to the baking step. Simply cover it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven. If it’s cold from the fridge, add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Perfect Pasta:
- For the best texture, cook the rotini pasta slightly underdone (al dente). It will continue cooking while baking in the casserole, ensuring it doesn’t get mushy. If you’re using gluten-free pasta, be sure to follow the package instructions to avoid overcooking.
Tuna Drainage:
- To prevent excess moisture in your casserole, thoroughly drain the tuna. This keeps the casserole’s texture creamy without becoming watery.
Customizing the Topping:
- For an extra burst of flavor, mix in some grated Parmesan cheese or chopped nuts like pecans into the breadcrumbs before sprinkling on top. This adds a layer of richness and crunch to your casserole.
Out of Breadcrumbs?: If you’re out of breadcrumbs, crushed Ritz Crackers or gluten-free crackers can also work as a topping. For extra flavor and crunch, toast them in a little butter (or dairy-free butter) before adding them to the casserole.

Classic Tuna Casserole FAQ’s:

Can I make Classic Tuna Casserole ahead of time?
- Yes! This tuna casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if the casserole is cold from the fridge.
Can I use a different pasta for this casserole?
- Absolutely! While rotini pasta works really well for holding the creamy sauce, you can swap it with any pasta you prefer. Gluten-free pasta works great if you need a gluten-free option. Just be sure to cook it al dente, as it will continue cooking in the casserole.
What can I substitute for the tuna?
- If you’re not a fan of tuna, you can substitute it with canned chicken, ground turkey, or even plant-based proteins. These alternatives will still give the casserole a hearty, protein-packed element.
How can I make this casserole spicier?
- To add a kick of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the casserole. You can adjust the spice level to your liking.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
- Yes! To make this casserole dairy-free, use dairy-free cheese such as vegan mozzarella and replace regular butter with dairy-free butter. Plant-based milk or coconut milk can also replace regular milk or cream.
Can I freeze Classic Tuna Casserole?
- Yes, you can freeze this casserole! After assembling, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Can I use frozen vegetables in this casserole?
- Yes, frozen green beans or any other frozen vegetable work well in this casserole. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before adding to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.

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