Totally Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole: Comfort Food at Its Best
When the weather turns chilly or you just need a hearty, satisfying meal that’s easy to make and loved by all, there's nothing quite like a classic Tuna Noodle Casserole. And when you add the word "cheesy" to the mix? Well, you’ve got yourself a crowd-pleaser! This Totally Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender noodles, creamy sauce, and lots of melty cheese. It’s the perfect meal to whip up for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or when you just need a little cozy comfort in a bowl.
At Kathryn Cooks, we believe in taking traditional comfort food and making it even better, and that’s exactly what this casserole does. With a few simple ingredients and a quick baking time, this dish will be on your table in no time, making it a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Totally Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole
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Cheesy, Creamy Goodness: The name says it all—this casserole is loaded with cheesy goodness! With a mix of creamy soup and plenty of shredded cheese, each bite is a comforting, cheesy delight. It’s the ultimate dish for cheese lovers.
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A One-Pan Wonder: One of the best things about this casserole is how easy it is to prepare. You’ll only need one pan, which means minimal cleanup! The noodles cook directly in the creamy sauce, soaking up all that cheesy flavor, making it a simple yet satisfying meal.
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Quick and Easy: Don’t let the cheesy, indulgent flavor fool you. This casserole comes together in a flash. With just a few pantry staples like canned tuna, egg noodles, and a couple of pantry sauces, you can have dinner ready in under 45 minutes.
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Kid-Friendly: If you’re looking for a meal that even the pickiest eaters will love, this cheesy tuna casserole is a winner. The cheesy, creamy sauce and comforting pasta make it a dish that kids—and adults alike—will happily devour.
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Customizable: While this recipe is already packed with flavor, you can easily customize it to suit your tastes. Add some frozen peas for extra color and nutrition, sprinkle some crispy breadcrumbs on top for a golden, crunchy finish, or throw in some diced veggies for an extra boost.
How to Serve Your Totally Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole
This casserole is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own, but you can always serve it with a few sides to balance out the richness. Here are some great ideas to pair with your cheesy tuna casserole:
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Green Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will add some freshness and crunch to balance out the creamy richness of the casserole. Try a classic Caesar salad or a side of mixed greens with balsamic dressing.
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Garlic Bread: If you’re craving more carbs (who isn’t?), serve your casserole with a side of buttery garlic bread. The crispy, savory bread is perfect for scooping up every last bite of the cheesy tuna mixture.
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Roasted Vegetables: For a nutritious addition, serve your casserole with some roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or green beans. The slight caramelization from roasting brings out their natural sweetness and pairs perfectly with the richness of the casserole.
Totally Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe
Ready to make this cheesy, comforting dish? Here’s the full recipe for Totally Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole:
Totally Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole
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Category
Main Dishes
This Totally Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole is the perfect example of comfort food at its finest. With its creamy, cheesy sauce, tender noodles, and the comforting flavor of tuna, it’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug in a baking dish. Whether you're feeding a family, looking for an easy weeknight dinner, or just craving some cozy nostalgia, this casserole checks all the boxes.
So next time you're in the mood for something cheesy, hearty, and delicious, give this recipe a try. It’s quick, easy, and totally comforting—a dinner you’ll want to make again and again.
Author:Kathryn Martens
Ingredients
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1 lb corkscrew (cavatappi) pasta
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2 15oz cans cream of mushroom soup
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3 5oz cans water-packed tuna
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3 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese shredded
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2 cups milk
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1 cup peas thawed if frozen
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½ cup celery finely chopped
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½ cup yellow onion diced
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3-4 cloves garlic minced
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salt and pepper to taste
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3 cups sour cream and cheddar chips
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1 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese
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4 tbsp chives chopped, for garnish after baking
For The Casserole
For the topping
Directions
Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray a deep 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or grease it with butter.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta for 2 minutes less than the instructions on the package tell you to, then drain.
Combine the drained pasta and all of the remaining ingredients for the casserole in a very large bowl and stir well to combine. Pour into prepared baking dish.
Place the chips in a gallon-sized baggie, and use your hands to finely crush the chips. It's okay if there are a few larger pieces.
Add the cheese to the baggie and toss to combine. Scatter the mixture over the casserole.
Place in pre-heated oven and bake, uncovered, until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbling, 50-55 minutes.
Allow to sit 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped chives.
Recipe Note
Tips for the Best Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Use Quality Tuna: For the best flavor, use high-quality tuna in water or oil. If you’re not a fan of tuna, you can easily substitute it with canned chicken or salmon for a different twist.
Customize the Cheese: While cheddar cheese is a classic, feel free to mix it up! Try using a combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, or even pepper jack cheese for extra flavor and melty goodness.
Add Veggies: Frozen peas are an easy addition, but you can also add sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or spinach to sneak in some extra veggies and make the casserole even more hearty.
Make Ahead: This casserole can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Gluten-Free Option: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you can swap the egg noodles for a gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to check the baking time, as gluten-free pasta may require a slightly shorter or longer cook time.