Tuna Rice Casserole

This tuna rice casserole recipe is creamy, cheesy, and surprisingly easy to make. Fluffy white rice is mixed with tender tuna and a rich cream sauce, then topped with loads of melted cheese for the perfect cheesy finish. It comes together in under an hour with simple pantry staples, making it an easy tuna rice casserole you’ll want to keep in your weeknight dinner rotation. Whether you serve it fresh from the oven or prep it ahead for a freezer-friendly meal, this cheesy tuna rice casserole is a budget-friendly classic that never disappoints!

The Best Tuna Rice Casserole Recipe

This tuna rice casserole takes everything you love about classic tuna casserole and gives it a cheesy, flavor-packed upgrade. It combines canned tuna with fluffy white rice and crispy fried onions, all coated in a creamy, tangy sauce that’s comforting on its own—but then it gets topped with a layer of melted cheese for extra richness. The result is a cheesy tuna rice casserole that’s hearty, satisfying, and the definition of comfort food.

Even if tuna casserole doesn’t sound like the most exciting dish at first, I promise this version will win you over. It’s budget-friendly, filling, and one of those meals that the whole family can enjoy together. I even made this for my nieces, and they love it, so it's kid-approved too!

Best of all, this easy tuna rice casserole recipe comes together quickly with simple pantry staples, making it perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a big meal without much effort. Serve it straight from the oven for a cozy one-dish dinner, or pair it with something like warm brown bread to soak up that delicious creamy sauce.

Ingredients

Another thing I love about this easy tuna casserole recipe is that the ingredient list is really straightforward. You probably already have most of what you need! Check out everything to make tuna rice casserole:

• 3 cans of tuna
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• ½ onion, diced
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 cup milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 tbsps. mustard
• 3 tbsps. mayonnaise

You can use almost all of these ingredients to make this tuna and rice bowl. It's got a similar flavor but served cold instead, so consider giving that one a try next! 

How To Make Tuna Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prep work

Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease an 8x8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray, and set it aside.

Step 2: Fry the Onion

Heat a small skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil to it. Fry the onion in the hot oil until it's translucent and crispy on the edges.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Add the eggs, milk, mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and black pepper to a large bowl. Whisk until everything fully combines. 

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Add rice, canned tuna, and fried onions to the prepared baking dish. Mix the ingreidents together until they're well combined. Pour the egg mixture over the top of the tuna and mix again. Top the casserole with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Bake the casserole for about 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and begins turning golden brown. Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Then, sprinkle dried parsley on top and serve warm. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Cook the Rice Ahead – Save time by cooking the rice the night before. Using cold rice also helps the casserole hold its shape better when baked.
• Switch Up the Sauce – For a shortcut or different flavor profile, replace the homemade cream sauce with a can of condensed cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup. Both are classics in old-fashioned tuna casserole recipes.
• Try a Pasta Version – Turn this into a tuna noodle casserole by swapping the cooked rice for cooked egg noodles or any short pasta you have on hand.
• Add Veggies for a Healthier Casserole – Stir in canned or frozen peas, broccoli, bell peppers, spinach, or even garlic to boost the nutrition and make this an even heartier dish.
• Experiment with Cheese – Cheddar adds sharpness, Swiss gives a nutty flavor, and pepper Jack brings a spicy kick. Mixing cheeses can create a richer, more complex casserole.
• Go for a Crispy Topping – Sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers over the casserole before baking. It adds a golden, crunchy layer that contrasts perfectly with the creamy tuna and rice filling.

How To Store Tuna Rice Casserole

In the fridge: You can store any leftover tuna and rice casserole in the fridge in the baking dish with a lid on it or in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

In the freezer: Allow the leftover casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 4 months. 

Reheating: To reheat, bake the leftover tuna casserole in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10 minutes until warm. If reheating from frozen, thaw the casserole in the fridge overnight before reheating, or just add more cooking time.

FAQS About This Tuna Rice Casserole Recipe

Can I make tuna rice casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When baking straight from the fridge, just add an extra 5–10 minutes to the cooking time. This makes it an ideal make-ahead tuna rice casserole for busy weeknights or holidays.

What can I serve with this tuna rice casserole?

Tuna rice casserole is great served with a house salad, Bisquick cheddar bay biscuits, crack green beans, or honey glazed carrots.

Why is my tuna casserole so dry?

Your tuna casserole might be dry if it is baked for too long, since all of the ingredients are already cooked. Keep in mind the bigger the casserole dish, the thinner the casserole will be and the less time it will need to cook. 

Is tuna good to eat with rice?

Yes! Tuna is delicious with rice since the texture and flavor pair together perfectly. It's also a pretty healthy meal, along with being a delicious combo. 

More Casserole Recipes with Rice

• Sausage and rice casserole
• Hamburger rice casserole
• Mexican rice casserole
• Baked pork chops and rice casserole
• Taco rice casserole
• Cheesy chicken and rice casserole