If you are on the lookout for a soul-warming, crowd-pleasing dish that combines comfort with a touch of gourmet flair, then you must try this Creamy Tuna Melt Casserole Recipe. It is an irresistible blend of tender macaroni, luscious cheese sauces, flaky tuna, and bright tomato slices that come together to create a hearty casserole bursting with flavor and texture. Whether it’s a family dinner or a weekend treat, this casserole delivers the perfect mix of creamy indulgence and savory satisfaction that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great dish starts with a few simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients, and this recipe is no exception. Each component plays a crucial role, from the creamy cheese melting into the pasta to the fresh tomatoes adding a vibrant pop of color and zest. Gather these essentials to create a dish that’s as balanced as it is delicious.
- 16 oz macaroni pasta: Cooked just shy of al dente to keep a perfect bite when baked in the casserole.
- 1/2 cup white onion (diced): Adds a sweet, caramelized depth after being sautéed in butter.
- 3 tablespoons butter: The rich base for our creamy sauce, giving it a velvety texture.
- 2 tablespoons flour: Helps thicken the milk into a luscious cheese sauce.
- 4 cups milk: The backbone of the creamy sauce that coats each noodle beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, ensuring the casserole is perfectly seasoned.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and kick that balances the creamy cheese.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the sauce with a gentle, aromatic flavor.
- 8 slices of provolone cheese: Creates a gooey, melty layer on top that browns beautifully in the oven.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided): One cup melts into the sauce, the rest tops the casserole for extra cheesy goodness.
- 5-6 oz white albacore tuna in water (drained and flaked): Provides flaky protein that blends perfectly with the creamy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons chopped capers: Adds a surprising burst of briny brightness that lifts the whole dish.
- 2-3 medium to large tomatoes (sliced into 1/4 inch slices): Offers fresh juiciness and a pop of color on the top layer.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried dill: Adds a subtle herby note that complements the tuna and tomatoes.
How to Make Creamy Tuna Melt Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This simple prep step sets you up for easy cleanup and ensures your casserole won’t stick after baking.
Step 2: Sauté the onions
In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the diced onions. Cook them until they become soft and take on a nice golden brown color, about 6 to 8 minutes. This process brings out the natural sweetness of the onions and adds depth to your cheese sauce.
Step 3: Make the cheese sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the browned onions, stirring constantly for about one minute. This cooks out the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the milk while stirring continuously. Keep cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble gently. Then, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for that perfect balance of flavor.
Step 4: Melt in the cheddar
Remove your sauce from the heat and stir in one cup of shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and smooth. This step creates that signature cheesy creaminess that makes the Creamy Tuna Melt Casserole Recipe so comforting.
Step 5: Combine pasta, tuna, and capers
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, flaked tuna, and chopped capers. Pour your velvety cheese sauce over this mixture and gently fold it all together until evenly coated and deliciously creamy.
Step 6: Assemble the casserole
Transfer the cheesy tuna and pasta mixture to your prepared baking dish. Arrange the provolone slices evenly on top, then layer the tomato slices over the cheese. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese across the top, and finish with a light dusting of dried dill for an herby kick.
Step 7: Bake to perfection
Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes. For a golden, bubbly finish, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes. This step ensures the top gets that irresistible melt and slight crispiness everyone loves.
How to Serve Creamy Tuna Melt Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Creamy Tuna Melt Casserole Recipe, try sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or some finely grated Parmesan cheese right before serving. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the rich flavors and add a fresh contrast to the creamy casserole.
Side Dishes
This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or some garlic roasted vegetables. A side of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls helps sop up all the delicious cheesy sauce, making the meal complete.
Creative Ways to Present
For smaller gatherings, consider baking the casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. You could also transform leftovers into stuffed bell peppers by mixing the casserole with fresh herbs and topping with extra cheese before baking again.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, cover your leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.
Freezing
This Creamy Tuna Melt Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. After assembling but before baking, cover the dish tightly with foil and pop it into the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen with extra baking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through and bubbly. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving individual portions works well too, just keep an eye to avoid drying out the creamy sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, feel free to use penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta. Just ensure it’s cooked al dente so it bakes nicely without becoming mushy.
Is canned tuna okay to use?
Yes, canned albacore tuna in water works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to drain it well and flake it finely to distribute evenly throughout the casserole.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Of course! Peas, diced bell peppers, or steamed broccoli make delightful additions if you want to sneak in some greens and add extra flavor and texture to the dish.
What if I don’t have capers? Can I omit them?
You can skip capers if you’re not a fan or don’t have them on hand. They add a salty, tangy punch, so consider a small amount of chopped olives or a splash of lemon juice to replicate that brightness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it — a wonderfully rich, cheesy, and utterly satisfying Creamy Tuna Melt Casserole Recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a big, warm hug on a plate, and once you make it, it’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your household. Dive in and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Print
Creamy Tuna Melt Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and creamy tuna melt casserole combining tender macaroni pasta, savory white albacore tuna, and a rich homemade cheese sauce layered with provolone and cheddar cheeses, topped with fresh tomato slices and a hint of dill, then baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Pasta & Tuna Mixture
- 16 oz macaroni pasta (cooked to al dente, drained and rinsed)
- 5–6 oz white albacore tuna in water (drained and flaked)
- 2 tablespoons chopped capers
Cheese Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup white onion (diced)
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
Topping
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- 2–3 medium to large tomatoes (sliced into 1/4 inch slices)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried dill
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by spraying it with nonstick spray. Set the dish aside for assembling the casserole later.
- Sauté the onions: In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced white onions and cook them until they are soft and beginning to brown, which will take about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Make the roux and cheese sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions and cook while stirring constantly for about one minute. Slowly pour in the milk while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until the sauce starts to bubble and thickens slightly. Season with salt, ground pepper, and garlic powder.
- Add cheddar cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce until it melts completely, creating a creamy cheese sauce.
- Combine pasta mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and drained macaroni pasta, flaked tuna, and chopped capers. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta mixture and stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Arrange the provolone cheese slices evenly over the top. Layer tomato slices on top of the provolone, then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the tomatoes. Finally, sprinkle dried dill on top of the cheese for added flavor.
- Bake the casserole: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes to allow the top to brown and become bubbly.
Notes
- For best results, cook the macaroni just slightly less than package instructions so it doesn’t overcook during baking.
- Use fresh tomatoes for topping to add a bright and juicy flavor contrast to the rich casserole.
- Feel free to substitute provolone with mozzarella or your favorite melty cheese.
- Covering the dish initially keeps moisture inside to prevent drying out; removing foil at the end helps achieve a golden, crispy top.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to set and make serving easier.
