Hey there, fellow food lovers! Savana Loyal here, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s comfort food. Growing up, our kitchen was the heart of our home. It was where stories were shared, laughter echoed, and the most amazing smells drifted from the oven. For my family, nothing quite hit the spot like a warm, bubbling casserole, especially on a chilly evening.

I remember those big family dinners; a casserole dish always took center stage. It was a dish that brought everyone together, simple yet so satisfying. I’ve always loved finding ways to make classic comfort dishes even better, especially when it comes to adding more cheesy goodness.

That’s why I’m so excited to share my absolute favorite Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole recipe with you today. This isn’t just any tuna casserole; it’s packed with extra cheesy layers, giving you that perfect melty, gooey bite in every forkful. It’s truly a hug in a dish!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole

I just know you’re going to adore this Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole as much as my family and I do. It’s truly a standout recipe for so many reasons!

It’s super quick to throw together.
The steps are easy, even for new cooks.
Every bite is bursting with flavor.
It’s the ultimate comfort food, warm and inviting.
This dish satisfies the whole family, even picky eaters.
Best of all, it’s loaded with extra cheese for that perfect melty goodness!

Get ready for a new family favorite!

What You’ll Need for Your Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to any amazing meal. For this Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole, we’ll need some pantry staples. Plus, of course, plenty of cheese! I always suggest getting good quality ingredients. It really makes a difference.

Pantry Staples for Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Here are the basics you’ll need for this comforting dish:

12 ounces egg noodles; I like wide ones.
2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna; drain them well.
1 can (10.75 ounces) cream of mushroom soup.
1/2 cup milk; whole milk makes it rich.
1/2 cup sour cream; full-fat for the best texture.
1/4 cup celery, finely chopped.
1/4 cup onion, finely chopped.
1 teaspoon salt.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground.

The Cheesy Layers for Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole

This is where the “cheesy” magic happens! We’re layering it up:

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; divide this for layers.
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; also divided for layers.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; this goes on top!

For the Golden Topping of Your Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A perfect casserole needs a golden, crunchy topping. Here’s what you’ll need:

1/2 cup breadcrumbs; panko works great here.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted.

Equipment for Making Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Having the right tools makes cooking so much easier. For your Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole, you’ll need just a few key items. I always make sure these are clean and ready to go before I start!

A large pot for cooking noodles.
One large mixing bowl for the tuna mixture.
A smaller bowl for the topping.
A sturdy 9×13 inch baking dish.
Measuring cups and spoons.
A whisk or spoon for mixing.

How to Make Your Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole Extra Cheesy

Okay, now for the fun part: putting it all together! This recipe is straightforward. You’ll have a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece in no time. I promise it’s easier than you think.

Preparing the Foundation for Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole

First things first, let’s get our oven ready. You want it nice and hot for that perfect bake.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Then, cook your egg noodles. Follow the package directions for al dente noodles.
Drain them really well. Watery noodles make a soupy casserole!
Set the cooked noodles aside for now.

Assembling Your Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole Layers

This is where we build those amazing cheesy layers. Don’t be shy with the cheese!

In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream.
Add the chopped celery, onion, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until it’s smooth.
Now, stir in half of your shredded cheddar and half of your mozzarella cheese into this tuna mixture.
Fold in the cooked noodles. Make sure they’re coated evenly.
Pour half of this yummy noodle mixture into your 9×13 inch baking dish.
Sprinkle half of the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over this layer.
Add the rest of the noodle mixture to the dish.
Top with the last half of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.

Baking and Finishing Your Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Almost there! Now, we bake it to golden, bubbly perfection.

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter.
Sprinkle this topping evenly over your casserole.
Bake for 25-30 minutes. It should be bubbly and golden brown on top.
The cheese should be melted and gooey.
Let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set.

Tips for the Best Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Making a truly amazing Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole is simple. I’ve learned a few tricks over the years. These tips will help you get that perfect, cozy result every time!

Use good quality cheese. Freshly shredded melts better.
For a richer flavor, always grab full-fat milk and sour cream. It makes a difference!
Try adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the mix. It boosts the taste.
Want a super crispy topping? Broil it for the last 2-3 minutes. Watch it closely, though!
Don’t overcook your noodles. They’ll finish cooking in the oven.
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes. This helps the cheese settle.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole

I get a lot of questions about this Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole. It’s a popular dish! Here are some common ones folks ask. I hope these answers help you too.

Can I Prepare Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole Ahead of Time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can assemble the entire Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole, right up to the baking step. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This lets it heat through properly.

What Other Vegetables Can I Add to Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole?

This Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole is super versatile! I often toss in a few extras. Frozen peas or corn are easy additions. Just stir them in with the tuna mixture. Sautéed mushrooms or diced carrots work wonderfully too. It’s a great way to sneak in more veggies.

How Do I Store Leftover Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole?

Leftovers of this Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole are fantastic. Let it cool completely first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave. Or warm it in the oven until heated through.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole

I know many of you like to keep an eye on nutritional values. Please remember, these are just estimates! The exact numbers for your Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole can change. It depends on the specific brands you use. It also depends on your ingredient choices. For one serving, typically 1/8 of the casserole, here’s a general idea:

Calories: Around 550
Fat: About 28g
Carbohydrates: Roughly 45g
Protein: Approximately 30g
Sodium: Around 980mg

Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Share Your Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole Creations

I absolutely love hearing from you! There’s nothing better than knowing you’ve brought one of our recipes into your home. If you make this Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole, please let me know how it turns out. Did you add your own twist? Did your family love it as much as mine does? Leave a comment below and rate the recipe. Your feedback helps our whole community. Happy cooking, friends!