Do you ever find yourself craving a taste of childhood, a dish that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia? For me, it’s cheesy tuna noodle casserole, a recipe that brings back memories of cozy family dinners and the simple joy of sharing a comforting meal. This recipe, ready in about an hour, is my love letter to busy moms and families who want to enjoy delicious, home-cooked food without spending hours in the kitchen.
Table of contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole
- Ready in under an hour!
- Uses simple pantry staples, so you’re always prepared.
- The ultimate comfort food the whole family will devour.
- It is super easy to prepare and customize to your liking!
Ingredients
- 12 ounces elbow noodles (cooked al dente)
- 10 ounces canned tuna in water (drained)
- 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken
- 10.5 ounce can cream of mushroom
- 1 cup milk
- 16 ounces Velveeta cheese (shredded or cut into cubes)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper each
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
Ingredient Spotlight: What Makes This Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole Special
Let’s talk ingredients! Elbow noodles are my go-to for this cheesy tuna noodle casserole. Their shape is perfect for grabbing all that cheesy sauce! As for the tuna, I prefer tuna packed in water because I like to control the richness of the dish. Velveeta cheese? It melts like a dream, creating a creamy, smooth base that’s simply irresistible. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could add fresh mushrooms sauteed to enhance the flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Boil noodles according to package direction, drain and rinse in cold water and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl add all of the remaining casserole ingredients and stir to combine.
- Fold in cooked noodles and pour into a large casserole dish.
- Cover and place in preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes. Uncover for the last 30 minutes.
- Once cooked, top with 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and then sprinkle on 3 tablespoons of breadcrumbs.
- Turn the oven to low broil and bake for 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown. Keep an eye on it as it may brown faster depending on your oven and how high the rack is in the oven.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks for the Best Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole
To avoid a dry casserole, add a splash of extra milk or even a dollop of sour cream before baking. Remember, it’s all about that creamy, dreamy texture. Don’t overcook the noodles! Al dente is the way to go; they’ll continue to cook in the oven. Taste and adjust your seasonings before baking. A little extra garlic powder can make a world of difference!
Ingredient Substitutions for Your Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole
| Substitution | Original Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free | Elbow Noodles | Use gluten-free elbow noodles. |
| Gluten-Free | Cream of Chicken/Mushroom Soup | Look for gluten-free alternatives or make your own roux-based sauce. |
| Dairy-Free | Velveeta Cheese | Use a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well. |
| Dairy-Free | Milk | Substitute with unsweetened almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. |
| Dairy-Free | Cream of Chicken/Mushroom Soup | Use a dairy-free cream of chicken or mushroom soup, or make a sauce with dairy-free milk and vegetable broth. |
| Low-Sodium | Canned Tuna | Use low-sodium or no-salt-added canned tuna. |
Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole Variations
Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy tuna noodle casserole. For a tuna noodle casserole with vegetables, mix in some peas, carrots, or broccoli. If you’re feeling fancy, top with crispy fried onions for a deluxe cheesy tuna noodle casserole!
Serving Suggestions: What to Serve with Your Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole
I love serving this cheesy tuna noodle casserole with a simple green salad, such as a Vibrant Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad. Steamed vegetables, like Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus, are also a great choice, or you can never go wrong with a side of garlic bread!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. For freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Equipment Suggestions
I recommend using a 9×13 inch casserole dish for this recipe. Glass or ceramic works great! Here’s a link to my favorite casserole dish on Amazon.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
The Ultimate Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Boil noodles according to package direction, drain and rinse in cold water and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl add all of the remaining casserole ingredients and stir to combine.
- Fold in cooked noodles and pour into a large casserole dish.
- Cover and place in preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes. Uncover for the last 30 minutes.
- Once cooked, top with 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and then sprinkle on 3 tablespoons of breadcrumbs.
- Turn the oven to low broil and bake for 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown. Keep an eye on it as it may brown faster depending on your oven and how high the rack is in the oven.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I add to tuna casserole for flavor?
Try adding sautéed onions, garlic, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
What goes well with tuna casserole?
A fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread are all great choices.
How do you keep tuna casserole from being dry?
Add extra milk or a dollop of sour cream before baking to keep it moist.
Can you freeze tuna noodle casserole?
Yes! Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
How long is tuna casserole good for?
In the refrigerator, it’s good for 3-4 days.
Conclusion
This cheesy tuna noodle casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a hug in a dish! It’s easy to make, customizable to your family’s preferences, and always a crowd-pleaser. Now, I’d love to hear from you! What are your favorite additions to cheesy tuna noodle casserole? Leave a comment below and let me know! I can’t wait to hear from you.
