Best Ever Tuna Noodle Casserole—creamy, cheesy, and downright delicious, this casserole is even adored by those who say they hate it.
This Best Ever Tuna Noodle Casserole is my mom’s recipe and can not be beaten. Every other tuna noodle casserole is dry and bland. When I say that I am making my mom’s Best Ever Tuna Noodle Casserole, most people state how much they hated this dish growing up, and I tell them to give it a chance.
My Favorite Kitchen Tools To Make This Recipe
From trusty pots and pans to handy gadgets, I’ve curated a list of products I use and love.
Most of us who grew up in the ’70s—’80s have the idea that all casseroles are dry and crumbly noodle dishes. But my mom was the exception. Even her Tater Tot Casserole is extremely creamy.
When I met my husband and told him I love tuna noodle casserole, he thought I was crazy. Then he had this recipe, and his mind forever changed.
Fall is all about comfort food—warm, cheesy dishes full of carbs. LOL!
The tuna noodle casserole and the Oreo dessert are tied in my book as my favorite recipes from my mom. It is about time that I shared this casserole with you.
I did put my spin on it only because my kids love cheddar cheese, and I wanted to add some to it – once I did that, I decided to top it with a few bread crumbs. The crunchy crust with the cheesy casserole underneath made this unbelievably the most amazing casserole I have ever had.
Childhood Dishes
We all have childhood dishes that bring the warmest and most comforting feelings and this Best Ever Tuna Noodle Casserole is that dish for me. And while I am not a huge Velveeta fan, I don’t mind making this casserole with it because well, my mom did, and some things you just should not change.
Leftovers are great frozen, to either save for later or take to a friend in need. Here are a few tips.
How to Freeze Casseroles
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Best Ever Tuna Noodle Casserole
Ingredients
Casserole
- 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
Topping
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degress 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!
Oh my goodness! I am drooling over this tuna noodles! Love how creamy is!
I’ve made it and this is the best tuna noodle casserole!
Our family loved this version of tuna noodle casserole!
Amazing blog about the foods and cutlery really writer has chosen the unique content in the blog.
Is that 1/2 tspn. each of garlic powder, salt & pepper? Thank you!! With the 2 kinds of soup used, just wondered if you really need to add the salt. Can’t wait to try this!!
Yes, but you can of course adjust to your taste and use less or omit it completely if you’d prefer to. I hope you enjoy it! xo
i am foody.. i also like tuna noodle.. Thanks for sharing
This was so good!! Loved it and froze some stuff n separate containers to enjoy again!! Thank you.
Following the sudden death of a family member, I haven’t eaten in days. I’m craving tuna noodle casserole and yours looks the BEST! I had it growing up with thawed frozen peas and sautéed onions, mushrooms and celery. Could I add these without changing the composition of this award winningvrecipe? Lastly, for breadcrumbs, crackers whatever should I add pats of butter for browning under the broiler?
Love a good tuna casserole! This is one is so simple and quick to make, it’s perfect for those busy weeknight meals!
This looks the perfect meal to feed the whole family on a weeknight! Thank you so much for sharing!
My kids loved this casserole! And it was so simple!
First time making homemade tuna casserole. I put an extra can of tuna and a can of green chilis. I would maybe do another can of tuna and more velveta. still good tho!!
I love the idea of green chiles! I will try that soon!
This Tuna Noodle Casserole needs to happen at my house very soon!!
I love cheese however this had too much cheese I’d cut the amount of cheese used in half
What kind of bread crumbs for the topping, panko or regular?
Bread crumbs are what’s pictured in the recipe, but I prefer panko over bread crumbs any day! Use whichever you have on hand as either will be tasty.
Great recipe other than the broil part. My cheese got cooked and crispy, did not melt. I did use the broil low as stated in directions. Did this happen to any one else?
I just made this tuna casarole
It’s taste fantastic it’s so good
I use little of jalapeño in the mix it’s wonderful
Thanks for sharing this great tuna recipe
I love the addition of the jalapeno! We will try that soon!
Stir the remaining ingredients together? As for the velvetta do you leave it in cubes or mix it until it’s all blended and smooth?
Leave them cubed, enjoy!
Wow, alot of people have been cooking this recipe for a long time. I’ve read alot of reviews, y’all are awesome! I’m making this tonight, love me some tuna casserole! Keep inspiring us!
Oh yay!!!!! I can’t wait for you to make it, let me know what you think. xo San
It is better than I remember it being as a kid! Perfect recipe!
Made my night! Thank you!
Sorry for the goofy question but Is the pasta supposed to be 12oz of uncooked noodles that are then cooked, or is this supposed to be 12oz of noodles measured after cooking?
No goofy at all – 12-ounce box, so before cooking. ❤️
The perfect meal for through the week that everyone will enjoy and perfect for leftovers. If there are any!
Looks beyond delicious! Adding on our must make list!
Always looking for new hearty dinners, and this checked all the boxes!
I LOVE tuna casserole, and was excited to find this easy recipe. I made it last night, followed the recipe to the letter, but I am left underwhelmed. There is definitely something missing. I don’t know what it is, but this was the easiest, Yet the blandest, tuna casserole I have ever had. I wish I could put my finger on what is missing here, but I haven’t had any success so far.
Hmmmmm, not sure if you are looking for spice. Maybe try adding some cayenne pepper.
My whole family loves tuna so they will love this casserole!
I followed your recipe almost exactly, using tip from someone else about searing tuna in a little olive oil and butter. I added diced onions to tuna, when they softened, I stirred in a can of medium diced green chiles. Then mixed with soup mixture, etc. My family ate every drop, the bowl set aside for my lunch the next day, disappeared when my sister stopped by!!! It was creamy and delicious!! When it was time for cheese and panko, I turned my oven to broil, but put inside oven. It browned and crisped crumbs/cheese PERFECTLY in 5 minutes!!! Thanks for the GREAT recipe!!!
You are so welcome!
The picture alone is making my mouth water! I have to try this immediately!
I love how cheesy this tuna casserole is! Mmmm…. so rich and tasty!