Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole (Classic Recipe) + Video

Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a classic family favorite! I’ve taken it a step further by adding shredded cheddar cheese for an extra comforting meal. This recipe makes a creamy, easy tuna casserole with a scrumptious, buttery Ritz cracker topping. You’ll love this simple recipe! 

This has to be one of my favorite recipes in terms of classic tuna noodle casserole flavors. The creamy sauce paired with the frozen peas and noodles creates such a fun flavor and texture.

It reminds me of grandma’s recipe and it’s one of those comfort food recipes that is made using budget-friendly ingredients.

Who knew that a few cans of tuna could make a quick meal that tastes this delicious?! 

I’ve made lots of recipes over the years, and this is one family recipe that I still get requests for.

And I have no problem making this easy meal over and over again because the end result is delicious and a great way to feed our bellies. 

I also love having leftover tuna noodle casserole because that’s the great thing about this creamy casserole recipe – there are always some leftovers to enjoy the next time you get the craving.

If you’re looking for the perfect casserole, I’ve given you all the details below in the printable recipe card. 

You’ll find that it’s an easy step-by-step recipe with that classic tuna casserole flavor.

Head to the grocery store now to gather what you need – it’s time to make this easy tuna casserole recipe for dinner! 

Tuna Noodle Casserole

Now that more people are eating from their pantries, you might be wondering what the best way to use canned tuna is. 

If you’re looking for a tuna noodle casserole recipe that’s easy and cheesy, you’ve found it!

This dish has been a classic American casserole since the 1950s. I remember seeing a recipe for this family favorite in my Betty Crocker cookbook years ago. 

And, while my tuna noodle casserole recipe is a bit different from that classic, it has quickly become a family favorite.

Recipe Video

To see us make this tuna noodle casserole recipe with cheese from start to finish, watch the video in this post!

But it’s not the only way to use this pantry staple! Nothing beats a classic tuna salad sandwich, either plain or loaded with veggies.

I also have a creamy tuna pasta salad recipe that’s extra refreshing on hot summer days.

My Chicken Pot Pie Casserole is as hearty and comforting as they come!

For a healthier, keto-friendly option, try my Low Carb Meatball Casserole!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Canned Tuna – Any variety will work, just be sure to drain it thoroughly first.
  
• Pasta – Egg noodles are the classic choice for this dish. 
  
  They hold their shape while adding to the soft texture of the casserole. I prefer extra wide, but any size will do. 
  
  Feel free to use shells, bowtie, penne, or cavatappi instead.
  
• Frozen or Canned Peas – If using frozen, add them during the last few minutes of baking. Canned can be mixed in with the pasta once drained. 
  
  You can also use another type of frozen or canned vegetable if you prefer. 
  
  Good substitutions are frozen broccoli or cauliflower, canned mushrooms, carrots, or a mixture of carrots and peas.
  
• Condensed Soup – This tuna noodle casserole recipe uses two cans of cream of mushroom soup. 
  
  But, you can use cream of celery or whatever other types of cream soup you have on hand. 
  
  Or, if you’re out of cream soup, you can make homemade condensed cream of chicken soup or a basic white sauce to use as the base for this dish.
  
  There are options for this delicious recipe so have fun choosing what you want to make this easy dinner recipe! 

Substitute for Ritz Crackers

If you don’t have Ritz crackers on hand, you can easily substitute something else. I’ve used buttered breadcrumbs before. Or, you can use any of these:

• Crushed potato chips
• Chow Mein noodles
• Crushed pretzels
• Cornflakes
• French Fried Onions (this is what I use on my make ahead green bean casserole)

Take a look at what’s in your pantry right now and use up what you have. Anything that is crunchy will make a good topping!

Serving Suggestions 

This tuna noodle casserole is a full meal as-is because it contains a protein, starch, and a vegetable. 

But, if you want to serve a side dish, a steamed vegetable is a great choice! You can also air fry cauliflower or make crispy zucchini chips for a different texture.

My Green Beans with Garlic is a great side dish for almost any meal. Or, if you have fresh produce, a garden salad would also work well.

Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe FAQ

Storing and Reheating Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

If you have leftovers from this tuna noodle casserole recipe with cheese, store them tightly covered in the refrigerator. They should be eaten within 3 days.

To reheat, just put them back in the oven and warm until the center is hot. How long it takes to reheat will depend on how much casserole is left in the pan.

Or, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave if you prefer.

Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe – Easy to Make Ahead

If you want to whip up double batch of this tuna noodle casserole recipe, it’s easy to do!

Just bake the casseroles as directed and allow them to cool. Then, freeze tightly covered for 5 to 6 months. 

When you want to serve it, allow tuna noodle casserole to thaw in the refrigerator and bake it as directed. 

Or, you can bake it frozen and increase the cooking time by 30 minutes. Be sure you check it every 15 minutes to be sure it doesn’t overcook.

Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours. 

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Other Easy Casseroles

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Originally published April 2020, updated and republished October 2024

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