Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Name: Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 ounces egg noodles cooked al dente; ¼ cup salted butter for sautéing; 1 cup cremini mushrooms finely chopped (about 4 ounces, fresh); ¼ cup all-purpose flour unbleached; ½ teaspoon garlic powder or fresh minced garlic; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon dried parsley; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 4 cups whole milk or 2% for lighter version; 2 cups shredded co-jack cheese divided, for sauce and topping; 1 cup frozen peas thawed; 10 ounces canned tuna drained, about 2 cans; 1 cup crushed saltine crackers for topping

By:

Alejandro

Published:

March 15, 2026

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Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a classic American comfort food that never fails to bring warmth and nostalgia. This creamy dish features tender egg noodles, enriched with a velvety, cheesy sauce and wholesome ingredients like mushrooms and peas. Every bite is an embrace of flavors that meld perfectly, making it a staple family favorite that you can whip up any day of the week.

I remember the first time I made cheesy tuna noodle casserole—a crisp autumn evening where I craved something warm and satisfying. The aroma of sautéing mushrooms filled my kitchen as I prepared this easy dish, and the anticipation of a cheesy, bubbly casserole became too much to bear. The charm of this recipe lies in its simplicity and heartiness, and it’s a fantastic solution for weeknight dinners or potlucks. Trust me, you’re going to want to add this recipe to your regular rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With a prep time of only 20 minutes and a cook time of 40 minutes, it’s easy to throw together.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy cheese, tender noodles, and savory tuna creates a mouthwatering experience.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The golden-brown topping of crispy saltines and melted cheese is just too inviting.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights in—you can’t go wrong!
Budget-Friendly: Most ingredients are staples, making this dish easy on your wallet while still being delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

16 ounces egg noodles (cooked al dente): These will serve as the base of your casserole, providing a delightful chew that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
¼ cup salted butter: Used for sautéing the mushrooms and adding a rich flavor to the dish.
1 cup cremini mushrooms (finely chopped, about 4 ounces, fresh): Offers a savory depth to the sauce; you can substitute with button mushrooms if needed.
¼ cup all-purpose flour (unbleached): This thickens the cheese sauce, creating that luscious texture we all love.
½ teaspoon garlic powder or fresh minced garlic: Infuses your casserole with a warm, aromatic flavor.
½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness that complements the savory notes.
½ teaspoon dried parsley: Provides a hint of freshness; feel free to use fresh parsley if you have it!
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in your dish.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a little kick; adjust to taste for a milder dish.
4 cups whole milk or 2%: The foundation of your creamy cheese sauce—whole milk will give a richer flavor.
2 cups shredded co-jack cheese (divided, for sauce and topping): This cheese melts beautifully, creating a creamy and gooey texture.
1 cup frozen peas (thawed): Sweet pops of color and flavor; they balance the richness of the casserole.
10 ounces canned tuna (drained, about 2 cans): A lean protein that brings heartiness to the dish.
1 cup crushed saltine crackers (for topping): A crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the smooth sauce.

How to Make Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a deep 9×13-inch casserole dish to ensure easy serving later.
Cook the Noodles: Prepare the egg noodles according to the package directions, stopping one minute before they reach al dente. Drain and drizzle with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Sauté the Mushrooms: In a large deep skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add in your finely chopped cremini mushrooms, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown and tender, about 6-7 minutes.
Make the Roux: Increase the heat to medium and then stir in the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until everything is well-combined.
Whisk in the Milk: Gradually whisk in your choice of whole milk or 2% milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Add the Cheese: Stir in half of the shredded co-jack cheese until it melts completely into the sauce, creating a rich and cheesy mixture.
Combine Ingredients: Add the drained tuna and thawed peas to the cheese sauce, stirring until they’re evenly coated.
Fold in the Noodles: Gently fold in the cooked egg noodles, ensuring every noodle is smothered in that delicious cheese sauce.
Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the mixture into the greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly to promote uniform cooking.
Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining shredded co-jack cheese on top, followed by an even layer of crushed saltine crackers for that satisfying crunch.
Bake: Place in the oven and bake uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping has turned a lovely golden brown.

Storing & Reheating

To store any leftovers at room temperature, aim for a maximum of two hours before refrigerating. When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your casserole can last for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F for around 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Just keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after freezing, so adding a splash of milk before reheating can help refresh its creamy goodness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be careful not to overcook the noodles; they’ll continue to soften while baking.
If you’re using fresh mushrooms, ensure they’re well sautéed to enhance their flavor.
For a creamier sauce, you can add a touch of cream cheese along with the co-jack cheese.
To make it even heartier, consider adding a cup of cooked broccoli or spinach.
If you want a bit of zest, sprinkle some hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon over the casserole just before serving.

Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole is an inviting dish that holds the promise of warmth and comfort in every bite. Its easy preparation and satisfying flavors make it perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely family dinners alike. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your ingredients. Maybe add some breadcrumbs on top or throw in a few diced tomatoes for a bit of vibrancy. Enjoy making this dish as much as you enjoy eating it!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional, you can substitute with any pasta you prefer—like penne or rotini. Just make sure to cook it slightly al dente for the best results.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and store it in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. When you’re ready to bake it, adjust the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

You can easily make this casserole gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for the sauce. Just ensure the saltine crackers you choose are also gluten-free.

What can I use instead of tuna?

If tuna isn’t your favorite or you prefer another protein, canned chicken works great as a substitute. Similarly, you can use chickpeas for a vegetarian option, maintaining that heartiness and protein punch.