Cozy Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe: Family Favorite

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more satisfying with this cheesy tuna noodle casserole that promises comfort in every single bite.

Crispy edges and a creamy interior make this dish impossible to resist.

Comfort food doesn’t always mean complicated cooking – this recipe proves that simple ingredients can create something magical.

Pantry staples team up to deliver maximum flavor without hours of prep work.

Nobody can say no to a casserole that combines rich, melted cheese with tender tuna and perfectly cooked noodles.

Convenience meets deliciousness in this crowd-pleasing meal that comes together faster than you can order takeout.

Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole Like Mom Used To Make

• Quick Weeknight Savior: Whip up this comforting casserole in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy families needing a fast, satisfying dinner solution.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines classic ingredients like tuna, cheese, and pasta that appeal to both kids and adults, making mealtime stress-free and delicious.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Utilizes affordable pantry staples and canned tuna to create a hearty meal that stretches your grocery budget without compromising on flavor.
• Versatile Customization: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients like different cheeses, adding vegetables, or using alternative protein sources to suit personal preferences.

The Creamy Mix in Tuna Noodle Casserole

Main Ingredients:

• Pasta: Holds the casserole together and provides a hearty base for the dish.
• Tuna: Lean protein that adds delicious seafood flavor to the casserole.

• Cheddar Cheese: Creamy, sharp cheese that melts beautifully and adds rich flavor.
• Sour Cream: Provides tangy richness and helps create a smooth sauce.
• Condensed Cream of Celery Soup: Creates a creamy base with subtle vegetable undertones.

• Frozen Peas: Sweet, tender vegetable that adds color and nutritional value.
• Onion Powder: Delivers concentrated onion flavor without added moisture.
• Dry Mustard: Adds a subtle tangy kick to enhance overall flavor.
• Celery Salt: Provides depth of seasoning with a classic savory profile.

• Breadcrumbs: Offers a crispy, golden-brown crunchy texture on top.
• Butter: Helps breadcrumbs brown and adds rich flavor to the topping.

Instructions for Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil your pasta until it’s perfectly tender.

Drain and set aside, ready for the magic to happen.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

• Cream of celery soup
• Sour cream

• Onion powder
• Dry mustard
• Celery salt

Stir until everything is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Mix in the Goodies

• Cooked pasta
• Frozen peas
• Drained tuna
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Make sure everything is evenly distributed for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish.

Spread it out evenly so it bakes consistently.

Step 6: First Bake

Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes.

The kitchen will start smelling amazing!

Step 7: Craft the Crunchy Topping

• Melted butter
• Breadcrumbs

Step 8: Final Touch and Bake

Remove the casserole from the oven.

Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumbs across the top.

Add an extra handful of shredded cheese for ultimate gooeyness.

Step 9: Finish Baking

Return to the oven for another 10 minutes.

You’re looking for a golden, bubbly top with melted cheese.

Step 10: Serve and Savor

Pull out your masterpiece and let it cool for a few minutes.

Dish up this comforting meal and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Tuna Casserole Creaminess Tweaks

• Opt for high-quality canned tuna in water for a lighter, fresher taste compared to oil-packed varieties.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or gruyere for unique flavor profiles.
• Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to increase nutritional value and add color to the casserole.
• Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free noodles and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Toast breadcrumbs in a skillet before adding to the casserole to ensure a crispy, golden-brown crunchy texture.

Tuna Noodle Casserole That Holds Up Overnight

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Sprinkle extra cheese on top for added moisture.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of milk to maintain creamy texture.

Creamy Sides With Tuna Casserole

• Pair Perfectly with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the rich, creamy casserole with its bright acidity and citrus notes, balancing the heaviness of cheese and tuna.
• Create Fresh Salad Contrast: Prepare a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to add freshness and crunch, offsetting the casserole's creamy texture and providing a palate-cleansing element.
• Serve Alongside Tangy Pickles: Add dill pickle spears or pickled vegetables as a zesty side that provides a sharp, acidic counterpoint to the mild, cheesy dish, enhancing overall flavor complexity.
• Complement with Crusty Bread: Offer warm, rustic sourdough or French bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide an additional textural element to the meal.

Tuna Casserole Ingredient Switches

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free noodles and use gluten-free cream of celery soup to create a celiac-friendly casserole that maintains the same creamy texture and flavor.
• Protein-Packed Alternative: Substitute tuna with canned salmon or shredded chicken for a different protein boost, keeping the cheesy, comforting base of the original recipe intact.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace tuna with plant-based protein like white beans or crumbled tofu, and use vegetable broth-based cream soup to create a hearty meatless casserole that still delivers rich, satisfying flavors.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap pasta for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrates while maintaining the creamy, cheesy essence of the classic casserole.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of fish instead of tuna?

Yes, you can substitute tuna with canned salmon or canned chicken for a similar texture and flavor profile.

• Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Try using whole wheat pasta, low-fat sour cream, and reducing the amount of cheese to create a lighter version of the classic casserole.

Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets classic in this cheesy tuna noodle casserole, blending nostalgic flavors with creamy, satisfying goodness. Crispy breadcrumb topping and tender noodles promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 cans (5 ounces/142 grams each) tuna in water, drained
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Starch and Base Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) egg noodles (or pasta of choice), cooked and drained
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) Campbells Condensed Cream of Celery

Seasonings and Additional Components:

• 2/3 cup sour cream
• 1 to 1 1/2 cups frozen peas (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Warm the culinary workspace to 350°F (175°C) and gently lubricate a spacious rectangular baking vessel.
2. Immerse pasta strands in boiling water, following package guidance, then strain thoroughly and reserve.
3. Craft a creamy base by whisking condensed celery soup with tangy sour cream until smooth and consistent.
4. Elevate the flavor profile by incorporating onion powder, dry mustard, and celery salt, stirring meticulously.
5. Introduce tender tuna chunks, vibrant frozen peas, and cooked pasta into the creamy mixture, ensuring uniform distribution.
6. Fold in a generous helping of sharp cheddar cheese, creating a luxurious, rich consistency.
7. Transfer the amalgamated mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
8. Allow the casserole to transform in the heated environment for 20 minutes, developing depth of flavor.
9. Meanwhile, create a crisp topping by merging melted butter with golden breadcrumbs until perfectly integrated.
10. Carefully extract the partially cooked casserole and lavish the surface with the prepared buttery breadcrumb mixture.
11. Sprinkle the remaining cheese across the top, creating a molten, appetizing crown.
12. Return to the oven, allowing the cheese to melt and bubble, creating a golden, irresistible crust.
13. Rest briefly, then serve this comforting dish while warmth and flavor are at their peak.

Notes

• Customize the cheese blend by mixing different varieties like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or gruyere for deeper flavor complexity.
• Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising texture.
• Add extra vegetables like chopped bell peppers or spinach to boost nutritional value and create a more colorful dish.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium cream of celery soup and cutting back on added salt, making the casserole more heart-friendly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 396
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 665 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 62 mg