This Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole brings together tender egg noodles, creamy homemade cheese sauce, flaky tuna, sweet peas, and a golden buttery cracker topping. I first made this on a chilly Tuesday when I needed something warm and filling without spending an hour in the kitchen, and it’s been my go-to comfort food casserole ever since. It comes together in about 40 minutes with simple pantry staples, making it perfect for those nights when you want a family-friendly tuna casserole without opening a can of condensed soup.
If you’re looking for more cozy dinner recipes, you might also love this Delicious BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe or this Best Greek Marinated Chicken Recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole
This Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole checks all the boxes for a weeknight winner. You probably have most ingredients already, the prep work is straightforward, and it feeds a crowd (or gives you plenty of leftovers). The homemade cheese sauce tastes so much better than anything from a can, and making it from scratch means you control the seasoning.
It’s also incredibly versatile. Need to make it ahead? Assemble it in the morning and bake it when you get home. Want to freeze half for later? This casserole freezes beautifully for up to three months.
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Ingredients For Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Everything you need to make this Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole from scratch.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredient Quantities
Pasta & Protein
- Egg noodles: Wide egg noodles are traditional for tuna casserole and hold the creamy sauce perfectly. Cook them one minute less than the package says so they don’t get mushy when baked.
- Canned tuna: Use good-quality tuna packed in water and drain it well. Two 5-ounce cans work perfectly here.
Sauce
- Salted butter: The base of your cheese sauce, adding richness and helping the mushrooms caramelize beautifully.
- Cremini mushrooms: Finely chopped mushrooms cook down and add deep, earthy flavor to the sauce. Don’t skip the browning step.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce and gives it that smooth, velvety texture.
- Garlic powder: Adds savory depth without the hassle of mincing fresh garlic.
- Onion powder: Brings subtle sweetness and rounds out the flavor.
- Parsley: A touch of herbiness that brightens the whole dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors together and balancing the richness.
- Milk: Whole milk works best for a creamy sauce, but 2% will work in a pinch.
- Shredded co-jack cheese: This blend of Colby and Monterey Jack melts smoothly and adds mild, creamy flavor. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
Add-ins & Topping
- Frozen peas: They add little pops of sweetness and color. No need to thaw them first.
- Crushed saltine crackers: The classic crunchy topping that makes every bite satisfying. You’ll need about 25-30 crackers.
How To Make Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole
This simple cheesy tuna noodle casserole comes together in just a few easy steps.
Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch deep-sided casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles for one minute less than the package directions, usually about 6-7 minutes. Drain well and toss with a small drizzle of olive oil to keep them from sticking together.
Sauté the mushrooms: In a large, deep-sided skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the finely chopped mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-7 minutes until they’re deep brown and soft. This step builds serious flavor.
Make the roux: Increase the heat to medium and stir in the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture smells fragrant and toasty.
Add the milk: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Melt in the cheese: Add half of the shredded cheese (1 cup) and stir until it’s completely melted and smooth.
Add tuna and peas: Stir in the drained tuna and frozen peas until everything is evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
Combine with pasta: Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet and gently fold everything together until the noodles are completely coated in the Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole sauce.
Transfer to baking dish: Spoon the mixture into your prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
Add the topping: Sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheese over the top, then scatter the crushed saltine crackers evenly across the surface.
Bake: Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until the casserole is heated through, bubbling around the edges, and the cracker topping is golden brown.
Cool slightly: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set up a bit and makes it easier to scoop.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
You can easily adapt this Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole bake to what you have on hand.
Pasta: Swap the egg noodles for rotini, penne, or shells if that’s what you have. Just adjust cooking time according to the package.
Protein: Use canned chicken, canned salmon, or even leftover rotisserie chicken instead of tuna. Cooked shrimp would be delicious too.
Cheese: Cheddar, Swiss, or a Mexican blend all work well. Just avoid pre-shredded cheese if you can, since it doesn’t melt as smoothly.
Vegetables: Swap peas for corn, diced bell peppers, or chopped broccoli. You can also add a cup of diced celery to the mushrooms for extra crunch.
Topping: Crushed potato chips, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed Ritz crackers make excellent alternatives to saltines. For extra richness, toss the topping with a tablespoon of melted butter before sprinkling.
Dairy-free: Use plant-based butter, dairy-free milk, and your favorite vegan cheese. The texture will be slightly different but still tasty.
Equipment For Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole
- 9×13-inch deep-sided casserole dish: Make sure it’s deep enough to hold all the creamy goodness without overflowing.
- Large deep-sided skillet: A 12-inch skillet works perfectly for making the sauce and combining everything.
- Whisk: Essential for smooth, lump-free sauce.
- Cutting board and knife: For chopping the mushrooms finely.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy matters when making the cheese sauce.
- Large pot for pasta: Any pot that holds at least 4 quarts will work.
- Spoon or spatula: For stirring and spreading.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the whole dish covered with foil in a 350°F oven.
Freezer: This make-ahead Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Make-ahead: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic, add the cracker topping, and bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time since it’s starting cold.
Reheating: Cover with foil and reheat at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until warmed through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to re-crisp the topping.
Serving Suggestions
This comfort food casserole is hearty enough to serve on its own, but these pairings make it even better.
With a simple salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. Try mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a lemon dressing.
Garlic bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra cheese sauce on your plate.
Steamed vegetables: Roasted broccoli, green beans, or glazed carrots add color and freshness to the plate.
For a crowd: Pair it with The Best Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe for a cozy family-style dinner that’ll feed a big group.
Expert Tips
Don’t overcook the noodles: Cooking them al dente (one minute less than package directions) is crucial since they’ll continue cooking in the oven. Mushy noodles make for a mushy casserole.
Brown the mushrooms well: Patience here pays off. Let them sit in the butter without stirring too much, and they’ll develop a deep, rich flavor that makes the whole dish taste more complex.
Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Shred your own for the creamiest sauce.
Let it rest: Giving the casserole 5 minutes to cool after baking helps it hold together better when you serve it.
Customize the seasoning: Taste your sauce before adding the Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole and adjust the salt and pepper. You can also add a pinch of cayenne for subtle heat or a splash of hot sauce for extra kick.
For extra crispy topping: Mix the crushed crackers with 2 tablespoons of melted butter before sprinkling them on top.
FAQ
What are the ingredients for a Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole?
A classic tuna casserole needs egg noodles, canned tuna, a creamy sauce (usually cheese or cream-based), vegetables like peas, and a crunchy topping. Some recipes use canned soup, but making your own sauce from butter, flour, milk, and cheese tastes so much better and only takes a few extra minutes.
What can I make with Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole?
Beyond Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole, canned tuna is incredibly versatile. Try tuna melts, tuna salad sandwiches, tuna pasta salad, tuna patties, or mix it into mac and cheese. My family loves adding it to quesadillas with cheese and beans for a quick protein-packed lunch.
Why is my Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole so dry?
Dry casserole usually means not enough sauce or overbaked noodles. Make sure your cheese sauce is nice and loose before mixing it with the pasta (it should coat the back of a spoon), and don’t overbake. If it looks dry before baking, stir in an extra half cup of milk. Covering it with foil for the first 10 minutes of baking can also help retain moisture.
What do you need for tuna bake?
You need cooked pasta (egg noodles are traditional), canned tuna, a creamy sauce, seasonings, and a topping. This Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole uses a homemade cheese sauce instead of canned soup, which makes it taste fresher. The saltine cracker topping adds that essential crunch, and frozen peas bring sweetness and color. Everything else is just butter, flour, milk, cheese, and basic seasonings you probably already have.
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole
A warm, cheesy, and comforting Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole perfect for weeknight dinners or make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
Method
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Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a deep 9×13-inch casserole dish.
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Cook the egg noodles according to package directions, stopping one minute before al dente. Drain and toss with a small drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
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In a large deep skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the chopped mushrooms and sauté until golden brown and tender, about 6-7 minutes.
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Increase heat to medium and stir in the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Cook while stirring for 1-2 minutes.
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Slowly whisk in the milk, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
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Stir in half of the shredded cheese until fully melted and smooth.
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Add the drained tuna and frozen peas to the sauce, stirring until evenly combined.
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Fold in the cooked noodles, mixing gently to coat evenly with the sauce.
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Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
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Top with the remaining shredded cheese and then sprinkle the crushed saltine crackers evenly over the top.
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Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and the topping is golden brown.
Nutrition
Notes
This creamy tuna noodle casserole is pure comfort in a dish, with a crunchy cheesy topping and tender pasta. Perfect for cozy weeknights or prepping ahead for busy days.
