Campbells tuna noodle casserole with elbow macaroni

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Campbells tuna noodle casserole with elbow macaroni

Campbell's Tuna Noodle Casserole. I would definitely double the cream of mushroom and breadcrumbs. Besides that, it was AWESOME! And SO easy!

Campbell's Tuna Noodle Casserole. I would definitely double the cream of mushroom and breadcrumbs. Besides that, it was AWESOME! And SO easy!

Campbell's Tuna Noodle Casserole. I would definitely double the cream of mushroom and breadcrumbs. Besides that, it was AWESOME! And SO easy!

Best Ever Tuna Noodle Casserole – creamy, cheesy and completely delicious, this casserole is even adored by those who say they hate Tuna Noodle Casserole.

Campbells tuna noodle casserole with elbow macaroni

This Best Ever Tuna Noodle Casserole is my mom’s recipe and it can not be beaten. In fact, every other tuna noodle casserole to me is dry and blah. Most people when I say that I am making my mom’s Best Ever Tuna Noodle Casserole state how much they hated this dish growing up and I tell them to give it a chance. Beg them more like it.

I think most of us that grew up in the 70’s-80’s 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.

Campbells tuna noodle casserole with elbow macaroni

Look at all that cheese.

When I met my husband and told him I love tuna noodle casserole he thought I was crazy and then he had this recipe and forever changed his mind.

Fall for me is all about comfort food. Warm cheesy dishes that are full of carbs. LOL!

Campbells tuna noodle casserole with elbow macaroni

This makes my mouth water, nothing like a good cheese pull.

Growing up there are a few key dishes that my mom was famous for. I can name all of them.

  • Tuna Noodle Casserole
  • Tater Tot Casserole (arch-nemesis)
  • Cheese Dip
  • Cranberry Chicken Enchiladas
  • Oreo Dessert

The tuna noodle casserole and the oreo dessert are tied in my book as my favorite recipes from my mom. And it is about time that I share this casserole with you.

I did put my own spin on it only because my kids love cheddar cheese and I wanted to add some in it – once I did that I decided to top it with a few bread crumbs. Oh, the crunchy crust with the cheesy casserole underneath made this unbelievably the most amazing casserole I have ever had.

Campbells tuna noodle casserole with elbow macaroni

I love a good topping, panko bread crumbs are usually my to go to for casserole dishes.

What goes well with Tuna Noodle Casserole?

I love serving this with peas, only because my mom did that but really any sort of legume would go well. I am also a salad eater, so I love to have that as an option with most of our meals but especially heavier casseroles.

How do you make Tuna Noodle Casserole?

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees 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 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 – add 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and then sprinkle on 3 tablespoons of breadcrumbs.
  • Turn oven to low broil.
  • Broil until the topping is a light golden brown.

Can Tuna Noodle Casserole be frozen?

Yes! Leftovers are great frozen, to either save for later or taking to a friend in need. Here are a few tips.

  • Only freeze the untouched portion.
  • Cover with aluminum foil and freeze in the baking dish that you used.
  • Once the casserole is completely frozen (this will take a few hours) remove the casserole from the pan and place in a sealed container or Ziplock bag and return to the freezer.
  • To eat the frozen casserole leftovers, do not thaw on the counter or defrost in the microwave. Place the frozen casserole in your fridge overnight, in the container you want to re-bake it in. This will keep you casserole from falling apart, turning sour and allow for even baking. Once thawed, heat at 350 until completely warm throughout, 15-20 minutes.
    Campbells tuna noodle casserole with elbow macaroni

We all have childhood dishes that bring the warmest and 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 somethings you just should not change.

Enjoy friends my mom’s recipe! Comment below one of your childhood favorite recipes and where it came from – as I would love to hear.  XOXO San

Don’t forget to pin this recipe for Best Ever Tuna Noodle Casserole to your favorite Pinterest board for later.

Campbells tuna noodle casserole with elbow macaroni

Best Ever Tuna Noodle Casserole - creamy, cheesy and completely delicious, this casserole is even adored by those who say they hate Tuna Noodle Casserole.

Prep Time20 mins

Cook Time1 hr

Total Time1 hr 20 mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: 10

Calories: 374kcal

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

  • 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!

Calories: 374kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 57mg | Sodium: 979mg | Potassium: 353mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 730IU | Calcium: 469mg | Iron: 1.4mg

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Campbells tuna noodle casserole with elbow macaroni
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Do you put eggs in tuna casserole?

This tuna and macaroni casserole is a flavorful combination, and it's a whole meal in one dish. Mixed vegetables and hard-cooked eggs add the nutritional content, and condensed soup makes the sauce easy.

Why is my tuna casserole so dry?

There are a few reasons why your tuna casserole comes out too dry: There is not enough liquid in the mix and the noodles suck it all up. You might be using a baking dish that is too large for the amount of casserole you have. You didn't cover the baking dish with foil for the first 35-45 minutes of baking.

Is tuna casserole supposed to be served hot or cold?

This creamy tuna noodle casserole is not your Grandma's casserole. It's better! Served hot or cold, it's an easy dinner the whole family looks forward to that can also serves a crowd.