This Easy Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole without soup features a creamy homemade cheese sauce and a toasted butter cracker topping for a delicious and simple meal in under 30 minutes!

Easy Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Name: Easy Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz. (2 cups) pasta noodles cooked 1-2 minutes less al dente (I used rotini); 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided; 1 cup butter crackers, crushed; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup milk; 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium preferred); 1 tsp garlic powder; 2 tsp onion & herb seasoning; 1 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp dried parsley; 2 5 oz. cans tuna (you can use either chunk light in water or solid albacore in water); 1 1/2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Today I’m so excited to share my youngest son’s favorite dinner recipe – Easy Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole.

This tuna noodle casserole is so creamy and delicious with a homemade cheese sauce and features a crispy butter cracker topping that is oh so yummy!

Not only is it delicious, but it’s simple to prepare, and is a quick and easy dinner that can be made in under 30 minutes.

And if I’m really being honest – this easy tuna noodle casserole is so good that I don’t even complain when my son requests that I make it ALL the time.

If you want to learn how to make my Easy Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole then keep reading below and be sure and check out my step-by-step video tutorial over here.

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Reasons You’ll Love Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole is such a nostalgic dish, and when made correctly – is such a yummy comfort food.

But as I’m sure you know – not all tuna casseroles are created equal.

Some tuna casseroles are pretty flavorless, or soupy, or dry.

Thankfully, this recipe is none of those things and is absolutely delicious!

Here’s just a few of the reasons you’ll absolutely love this cheesy tuna noodle casserole.

It’s cheesy, creamy, and super yummy!
Made with simple ingredients and no canned soup
Easy to prep and bakes in just 15-20 minutes time
Great to make ahead and is freezer-friendly

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole Without Soup

This tuna noodle casserole recipe is made delicious with just a few simple ingredients and is made without any cream of canned soups.

Instead, this tuna noodle casserole is made with a homemade cheese sauce and features a yummy toasted butter cracker topping.

What ingredients are in tuna casserole?

Tuna

The most budget-friendly option is canned chunk light tuna in water, but if you can splurge a little, then solid white albacore tuna is going to give you a better flavor and texture.

You can also use salmon or even chicken if tuna isn’t available.

Noodles/Pasta

I love rotini noodles for this recipe, but there are so many options when it comes to which pasta/noodles you can use.

Egg noodles, medium shells, penne, or farfalle (bowtie) noodles would also be great choices.

Sauce

Instead of canned soup which is loaded with high sodium and additives, we’re gonna make our own homemade sauce with all-purpose flour, milk, butter, and chicken broth.

*I like to use low-sodium chicken broth and have adjusted the salt in this recipe accordingly, but if you use a regular chicken broth you may need to lessen and/or not add any additional salt depending on your preference.

Cheese

Our family loves using medium or sharp cheddar cheese, but you can also use Colby jack or Monterey jack cheese, if preferred.

Make sure you use freshly shredded cheese for the best flavor/texture.

Seasonings

For seasonings I love to use a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, parsley, and my favorite onion & herb seasoning. Simple yet so flavorful!

Topping

Toasted butter crackers are my go-to for this delicious tuna casserole, but you can also use Ritz crackers, bread crumbs, panko, crushed potato chips, or French fried onions for a delicious variation.

Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole Tips:

Below you’ll find some of my best tips for preparing the best cheesy tuna noodle casserole.

Don’t overcook the noodles

Cook the pasta 1 minute less than al dente. The noodles will still cook in the oven and you want to avoid them becoming mushy from overcooking them.

Use freshly shredded cheese

I know the pre-shredded cheese is tempting if you’re in a hurry, but it only takes a few minutes to use a block cheese grater and shred your cheese fresh. It tastes WAY better and melts better for a more creamy casserole.

P.S. We love using cheddar cheese, but you can also use Colby jack or Monterey jack, if preferred.

Make ahead + bake later

One of the best things about cheesy tuna noodle casserole, is it can easily be prepped ahead, refrigerated, and baked fresh.

If you want to make it in advance, prepare the casserole but don’t add the topping.

Instead, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, until ready to bake.

Once ready to bake, add the topping and bake as directed.

Add veggies if desired

If you don’t have picky eaters, feel free to add in your favorite veggies. Diced onion, mushrooms, and of course peas are all classic, delicious additions to cheesy tuna noodle casserole.

What to serve with tuna noodle casserole: Our family loves pairing this with a side of green beans, salad, and my homemade cheddar garlic biscuits.

Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole FAQ’s

What kind of tuna is best for tuna casserole?

I used canned chunk light tuna in water because it was what I had on hand, but solid white albacore tuna in water is my preferred choice.

Feel free to use whatever your family loves best though!

Can you use chicken instead of tuna in tuna noodle casserole?

Yes! Although this recipe is for tuna, you can easily substitute shredded chicken (either canned or rotisserie), salmon, or crab meat.

What can I top cheesy tuna noodle casserole with?

Ritz crackers, butter crackers, bread crumbs, potato chips, or fried onions are all delicious topping options.

Do you bake tuna noodle casserole covered or uncovered?

You’ll bake it uncovered for 15-20 minutes.

I recommend checking it at 15 minutes to avoid over-baking.

How do you keep tuna casserole from drying out?

As mentioned above, you don’t want to overbake your casserole.

Since everything is already cooked you’re only baking it to melt the cheese and crisp up the butter cracker topping.

How many days can you eat leftover tuna casserole?

Tuna noodle casserole will remain fresh for up to 3 days when stored covered in the fridge.

Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole Storage Instructions

Refrigerator – Refrigerate leftover tuna noodle casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer – Store in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag and freeze up to 3 months. Once ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and re-heat in the oven.

Reheat – Re-heat leftovers in the microwave for 20-30 seconds at a time until warm.

How to Make Easy Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Kitchen Tools Needed:

Step 1: Make Your Topping

First melt 1 tbsp unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat and add in crushed club crackers.

Stir together and cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly toasted and golden. Remove from heat and transfer to a separate bowl.

Step 2: Prepare Homemade Cheese Sauce + Cook Noodles

Next preheat the oven and prepare the noodles, cooking for 1-2 minutes less than al dente.

To prepare the sauce, melt remaining butter in the same saucepan as before over medium heat.

Add in the flour a little at a time and whisk until you form a brown roux.

Next, add the milk in slowly, whisking in between until all the milk has been added.

Add the chicken broth and seasonings and whisk until combined

Let the mixture come to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2 minutes.

Step 3: Add in Tuna & Noodles and Pour in Casserole Dish

Turn the heat off and stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese, drained tuna, and cooked noodles until evenly combined.

Next, pour in the pasta mixture into a 12 inch casserole dish that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 4: Add the Topping & Bake

Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and toasted butter crackers.

Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.

Doesn’t that look so cheesy + yummy?