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
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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!
Thanks Sandi! I love the tweeks you made to the recipe. I’ll have to come over soon to try this new and improved version. Love you.
Hi everyone ! I’m going to start keto ( sort of) i absolutely love this recipe. What can be used in place of the pasta though ? Any suggestions s will be warmly welcomed. Thank you friends !!!
You can use broccoli or cauliflower in place of pasta. You can also find low-carb pastas available at your local grocery.
Palmini noodles! They are by the pasta sauce, they are made with hearts of palm. Super good. They have linguini, angel hair, lasagna, even rice. I am vegetarian keto so using tofu instead of tuna, and keto bread breadcrumbs.
I’m making it keto now. I found some rigatoni shaped shiritaki noodles. It’s in the oven now so we shall see shortly. I do like the suggestion of broccoli or cauliflower but when you want a pasta shiritaki will.do. There is also a brand of noodles made from hearts of palm that are quite good. They are called Palmini.
Love all of these suggestions!
how would this work using canned salmon?
I have not tried this, but I can’t see why it wouldn’t work.
Sandra,
Could I substitute sour cream and a can of mushrooms instead of cream of mushroom soup to the recipe?
Thank you!
Michele
I haven’t tried that, but you should be fine!
Hi! My mother made tuna casserole for us kids and we loved it. I’m not exactly sure what cream soups. Either 2 of celery or 1 celery and I mushroom. I’m confused why you use 1 can of chicken when it’s a tuna casserole. Just curious. I’m certainly no chef!
I wish I had some sort of amazing answer for you that was foodie related, but really, this recipe was passed down to me by my mother and grandmother. 🙂 And family recipes are just the way they are, lol. I am sorry that doesn’t help. I am sure you could switch out and it still would be amazing.
What would you add to this to make it spicy?
I’m not sure I would be a fan of this spicy but you could add some spice to the breadcrumbs – like cayenne pepper.
You could use oepperjacj cheese
Try some chopped jalepeno’s
They also have tuna with jalapeño. This might spice it up.
Love this idea!
Hi Mac. My mom makes this recipe but she also adds canned green chilies or jalapeños. I love it
I added chili powder and a pinch of cayenne to the wetter ingredients one time when I made it. Very good. I have also eaten plain with pickled jalapeños on the side. I bet that new crispy “French’s” jalapeño topper would be good too.
These dishes are very tasty, easy to make and long preserved in the refrigerator. My husband and I like it.
We eat often. I hope you can introduce more on the page for me to learn.
What temperature do I preheat the oven?
350 degrees
So easy to make. Looking forward to dinner. I made up in morning to have for dinner tonight.
I made my own tuna casserole tonight, then I found this when I Googled: why do people hate tuna casserole. I’ve been putting cheese in mine for a long time. What I put in changes a little from one time to the next. Tonight I just used a Mexican blend of cheese and only cream of mushroom and milk. I used fancy white albacore in water which I drained off to give to the cats, then I like to sear the tuna in a hot skillet with olive oil and butter to cook off the excess liquid and brown the tuna just a little. I then added some white and green onions, let that cook a bit, then the canned soup, milk, and later the cheese after it was bubbling. I typically just cook it on the stovetop because I only cook for myself. I like the potato chips so I just crumble some on top of my serving with a few leftover raw green onions.
I love, love this idea! Thanks for sharing, I will be trying this for sure!
I made this last night, with a few adjustments (added sherry, homemade ‘cream of’ soups, penne noodles-what I had on hand) and it was delicious. The kids said it was great, everyone loved it. Thanks!
I have the memories of a dry and boring casserole that I had as a child. It looked nothing like yours! I can’t wait to try that cheesy goodness!
Makes me feel like a kid again!
I use Italian seasoned breadcrumbs with cheese mixed in for the topping very flavorful! I pretty much always use Italian seasoned breadcrumbs-otherwise i feel there’s usually a flavor shortage lol
So, so goood! Very well! Looks tasty! Love the unique flavors in this recipe! YUM!
I love a good tuna casserole!
It looks absolutely AHHHmazing! A new favorite for kids!
Thank you for sharing this useful information, I will regularly follow your blog
Thank you for following!
This recipe looks delicious but calls for “1/2 tsp garlic salt pepper”…does that mean 1/2 tsp EACH of garlic salt and also pepper, or is there such a spice as “garlic salt pepper”?
Yes. It means of each.
I liked the taste of this casserole, and I generally don’t like tuna dishes. I changed a couple things, though. Omitted chicken soup and substituted cream of celery. Also, I only used maybe 8 ounces of Velveeta..With the cheese on top, I felt that was plenty. Also, my top crust got brown very fast, It was brown in less then 5 minutes. Ovens vary. Will definitely make it again.
I’m so glad you liked it! Cream of celery is definitely a good sub, I’ve done that before in a pinch. We love loads of cheese around here which is totally preference! Thank you for letting us know what you thought!
I made this for dinner tonight and YUM! I unfortunately didn’t have breadcrumbs so used saltine crackers instead. Kids even asked for seconds and that never happens. Thank you for sharing!
I’m so glad you and the kids liked it! The saltines sound like a delicious substitute.
To avoid the plainness of the breadcrumbs I added in some crushed Frenches onions. Man it’s so tasty!
Love this idea!
Great recipe. What do you do with the Velveeta cheese?
Thanks! It should be shredded cut into small cubes and mixed in with the noodles and other ingredients. I’ve corrected the recipe to make it more clear.
This is an amazing recipe. It is like a mac and cheese with tuna. I added some broccoli and some olives because I had them and I had to use onion soup rather than cream of mushroom or chicken soup. And I had cheddar cheese so I used that instead of the Velveeta. But it was still fantastic and I have been eating it all week.
That sounds delicious! I love recipes that work with substitutions, it definitely makes dinner easier!
This Tuna dishes truly amazing so rich and creamy I want more
Thank you!
We love pasta and tuna together, add the cheese and it’s perfection!
It’s definitely delicious! Enjoy!
I am very much looking forward to making this for dinner!
I hope you enjoy it!
This Tuna Noodle Casserole couldn’t look any more perfect!
Thank you!
Your version looks a whole lot better than the dish I remember from long ago. I think I need this casserole another shot!
It definitely lives up to its name! I hope you enjoy this delicious version!
Delicious casserole, loved every bite of it!
I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed it! Thank you for sharing!
I just love classic recipes like this! My kind of comfort food. 🙂
They’re the best! Enjoy!
My family loves casseroles!! This sounds incredibly delicious!
Enjoy!
Oh, the memories this recipe brings back. To this day tuna casserole is still one of my favorites!
It’s one of mine too for sure! I hope you enjoy!
This is my kind of comfort food; exactly what I was looking for for dinner tonight! Looks too good to pass up!
I hope you enjoy it!
This was very good! I used egg noodles instead of the elbow pasta. Will definitely be making again. Thanks!
Wonderful!!! Thanks for sharing about the noodles as well, I will try that sometime. San
How mich of the egg noodles?
I don’t use 12 ounces of elbow noodles.
Anybody used French’s fried onions on top?
My first and only time I made Tuna Noodle Casserole was in Home Ec class Jr.High School 1978. The group I was with selected my recipe that was created by a nationally
known soup company I found in a magazine. We did not like the end result and I was blamed for finding the recipe. LOL!
Reading this recipe wants me to try making again. What would you decrease and how much to make this recipe a recipe for 1 or 2?
I just made this today. Very very creamy. Really enjoyed it. I didn’t have Velveeta so used Jalepeno cheez whiz (of course made it even creamier) – and I like a bit of heat so the flavor worked for me. will recommend this recipe.
That sounds yummy! A little heat sounds like a good addition. So glad you enjoyed it!
I roasted a chicken yesterday and can’t wait to make this with my left over chicken instead of tuna!
That sounds delicious! I hope you enjoyed it!
I always love new casseroles to try, thank you so much for sharing!
This brought back so many memories. Comfort food at its finest.
Yummy tuna casserole! We’ll make this again and again!
A creamy delicious dinner and fairly easy to make! Perfect for my family
I like how creamy and cheesy this Tuna Noodle Casserole. Can’t wait to make this for my family!
Yummy! My family and I devoured this and we all loved it! Making this casserole again!
This is the best tuna casserole recipe! My kids keep asking me to make it again.
Thank you!
Like the recipe, but I would caution against 10 minutes under the broiler on low. I nearly ruined the entire dish. After less than one minute, the bread crumbs had burned to a black crisp. I cannot imagine 10 minutes under a broiler, no matter the oven. Ended up scraping off the blackened top as best I could to salvage the rest….unfortunately, a lot of the cheese topping went with it.
I’m sorry to hear it browned so quickly for you! Your oven may broil hotter than mine, so it may be best to stick it back in for 10 minutes on 350 instead. It usually is fine in our oven for that time. I updated the recipe with a warning to keep a close eye on it.
This will be a perfect meal for through the week, thank you for sharing!
This Tuna Noodle Casserole looks absolutely delicious! Yummy!
I love this recipe. It tastes just like Grandma used to make.
Such a really amazing comfort food! It is so good and delicious!
Yummy! Tuna Noodle Casserole is a family favorite! This sounds incredibly delicious!
This Tuna Noodle Casserole looks SO delicious! I can’t wait to try it
What size casserole are you using?
Hi Judy, we use a 2.5 or 3-quart casserole dish.
If I use a 4 qt dish would I need to adjust the cooking time?
Yummy! This is one mine and my daughter’s favorite casseroles even my picky son loves it too! Such a delicious and quick dinner recipe. Going to make this again soon!
This is SO good! Thank you for this!
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!
Everyone loved it! Best tuna casserole ever!
Here are our tweaks: lI did not have elbows, so we used Medium Egg noodles. We also did not have Velvetta, so I substituted cheddar cheese sliced very thin. I also added some parm ad romano cheese to the top when you add the bread crumbs. After the last 10 minutes in the oven I turned the oven off; then added about 3 tablespoons of butter in small pats to the top and threw it back in the oven for 5 minutes to melt the butter in.
Wow, just wow. My new all time favorite tuna casserole recipe! A must try and super easy to make! Thank you for the yummy recipe!
A tad bit dry, under seasoned even though I sprinkled a little bit extra of each seasoning and I only broiled it for 4 minutes!!! And it came out literally almost completely BLACK! I ate it and it was decent enough though!
Yes burning the top is never good.
Always watch when you have it on broil! Ovens vary, so you need to watch that.
It came out like soup. I used 12 ounces of cooked macaroni. (6 ounces before cooking them). Should it be 12 ounces of dry macaroni?
Yes 12 ounces of dry.
Such a satisfying dish! That is definitely a must make1
Looks incredibly delicious! Can’t wait to make this!
My family would love this!! I can’t wait to try it!
This sounds incredibly delicious! The perfect weeknight meal!
I love cheese however this had too much cheese I’d cut the amount of cheese used in half
Did you make this? Or just suggesting this?
Total comfort food! This one was so ooey gooey good!
Perfect recipe for my family. Easy to put together with the perfect amount of cheesiness!
This casserole is so creamy and flavorful. The family loved it and it’s their new favorite!
Wow! I’ve been making tuna noodle casserole for years and this one blew mine out of the water. So good!
It’s incredibly delicious! Can’t wait to make this again!
Tried this tuna noodle casserole, and it truly lives up to its name! The creamy sauce, the perfectly cooked noodles—it’s comfort food perfection.
Tuna casserole brings me back to growing up. We had it often, such a great dish
Absolutely delicious!! My family asks for this on a regular basis!!
can you add a little sour cream to this recipe?
I have not tried that but I do not see why not. You can either just add it in, or sub some of the cream of chicken for it.
Hi Sandra – this is making my mouth water! As a kid, I was addicted to Tuna Helper, and this is like a grown-up, more decadent, more gourmet version. Something tells me I’ll be putting this one on repeat. Thanks so much for sharing it!
This looks wonderful! One question, tho… what can I use in place of the Velveeta? I have a family member who doesn’t care for it. Thank you.
Made this for our dinner last night, and it was a total success! The creamy, cheesy goodness was exactly what we craved! Definitely making this again!
Total comfort food! This was soooooo creamy and delicious, the whole family gobbled it right up!
Wow, this has so many of my favorite flavors! It was so delicious!
Oh my goodness I can’t get enough of this stuff. Soooo darn tasty! Thanks!
I made your Best Ever Tuna Noodle Casserole last night and it really lives up to its name! So comforting and creamy. It brought back so many fond memories from my childhood.
I cooked the noodles on the stove top and then in another pan I Melted the velveta with the milk and cream of Mushroom soup. That way, the baking time wasn’t so long and made the meal prep a little quicker. I did put buttered bread crumbs on top and bake in oven till crispy.
Love this!