There’s something so comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole straight out of the oven. And this Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole? It’s the ultimate cozy, nostalgic dish that takes you right back to childhood dinners. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender noodles and flaky tuna, this recipe is a lifesaver for busy nights when you need something quick, hearty, and delicious. Trust me—one bite, and you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Comforting & Cozy: Creamy, cheesy goodness with tender noodles and savory tuna—it’s the definition of comfort food.
Quick & Easy: A no-fuss recipe that comes together in under an hour with minimal prep.
Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples like canned tuna, pasta, and cheese—no fancy ingredients required!
Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters love the cheesy, mild flavor.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Great for making ahead, freezing, and reheating when you need a fast dinner solution.
Ingredients in Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Egg Noodles: The perfect base—soft, tender, and soaks up all that creamy goodness.
Canned Tuna: The star of the dish! Flaky and full of protein, it gives this casserole its signature taste.
Cheddar Cheese: The secret to that gooey, melty, cheesy top. Use sharp cheddar for extra flavor!
Cream of Mushroom Soup: A creamy, savory binder that brings everything together.
Milk: Helps create the perfect creamy sauce to coat the noodles.
Frozen Peas: Adds a pop of color and a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
Breadcrumbs: A crispy, golden topping that adds the perfect crunch.
Butter: Used to toast the breadcrumbs for that irresistible crispy texture.
Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the delicious flavors.
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even baking.
Cook the Noodles: Boil the egg noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Mix the Casserole Base: In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, canned tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk, peas, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir until everything is well coated.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
Add the Cheesy Topping: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top for a perfectly melty, golden layer.
Make the Crunchy Topping: In a small pan, melt the butter and toss the breadcrumbs in it until coated. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
Let It Rest: Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving—this helps the flavors settle.
Serve and Enjoy: Scoop out a big, cheesy serving and dig in!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
How to Serve Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole
With a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the casserole.
With Garlic Bread: A slice of warm, buttery garlic bread is the perfect sidekick.
As a Standalone Meal: This casserole is hearty enough to be enjoyed on its own.
With Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for a complete meal.
Additional Tips
Make It Extra Creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or an extra can of soup for an ultra-creamy texture.
Add More Flavor: Stir in a dash of garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika for extra depth.
Swap the Cheese: Try using Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or Parmesan for a twist on the classic.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles and substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Instructions: Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it—cover and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
A1: Yes! Just cook and flake fresh tuna before mixing it into the casserole.
Q2: What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
A2: Cream of chicken soup or a homemade roux-based sauce works great as a substitute.
Q3: Can I add vegetables?
A3: Absolutely! Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrients.
Q4: Can I make this ahead of time?
A4: Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or microwave in short bursts.
Q6: Can I use a different pasta?
A6: Yes! Macaroni, penne, or rotini all work well.
Q7: How do I make it dairy-free?
A7: Use dairy-free cheese, almond or oat milk, and a dairy-free cream substitute.
Q8: What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
A8: Crushed Ritz crackers, cornflakes, or panko make great alternatives.
Q9: Can I use frozen tuna steaks?
A9: Yes, just cook and flake them before adding them to the casserole.
Q10: What’s the best way to get a super crispy topping?
A10: Broil the casserole for the last 2 minutes of baking to make the breadcrumbs extra crispy.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly delicious. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or prepping ahead for easy meals, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So grab your baking dish, get cheesy, and enjoy every comforting bite!
Print
Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Made with tender egg noodles, creamy sauce, tuna, peas, and lots of cheddar cheese, this easy weeknight dinner is a family favorite. It’s a quick and delicious way to enjoy a homemade meal!
Ingredients
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Celery
- 2/3 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups frozen peas (adjust to taste)
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained
- 12 oz egg noodles (or pasta of choice), cooked and drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine condensed cream of celery soup and sour cream.
- Add onion powder, dry mustard, and celery salt. Stir well.
- Mix in the cooked pasta, frozen peas, and drained tuna until evenly combined.
- Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- While baking, prepare the breadcrumb topping by mixing melted butter with breadcrumbs.
- After 20 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
- Add the remaining shredded cheese on top.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Swap cream of celery for cream of mushroom or cream of chicken for a flavor variation.
- Add a pinch of black pepper or paprika for extra seasoning.
- Try using whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 55mg