This isn’t the tuna casserole you grew up eating.

It’s so much better.

The tomatoes on top give this dish a retro feel, while also adding to the melt vibe.

Southern Living Tuna Melt Casserole in the baking dish ready to serve

Credit:Dotdash Meredith Food Studio

Creamy, cheesy tuna casserole might even win over the non-fish fans.

Ingredients

Cooking spray

8oz.wideegg noodles

4Tbsp.

)unsalted butter,divided

1small(6 oz.

Southern Living Tuna Melt Casserole cooking the noodles

Credit:Dotdash Meredith Food Studio

tomato)

Directions

Prepare oven and baking dish:

Preheat oven to 350F.

Coat a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray; set aside.

Add milk and cheeses:

Reduce heat to medium-low.

Southern Living Tuna Melt Casserole cooking the vegetables

Credit:Dotdash Meredith Food Studio

Gradually add milk, whisking constantly, to avoid lumps.

Cook, whisking often, until thickened, 5 to 6 minutes.

Whisk in processed cheese and mustard until melted, about 1 minute.

Southern Living Tuna Melt Casserole adding the flour to the vegetables

Credit:Dotdash Meredith Food Studio

Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish; sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar; set aside.

Stir in crackers and garlic powder until well coated.

Sprinkle cracker mixture over Cheddar.

Southern Living Tuna Melt Casserole adding the milk to the vegetable mixture

Credit:Dotdash Meredith Food Studio

Top with tomato slices, pressing lightly.

Bake casserole:

Bake in preheated oven until topping is golden brown, about 25 minutes.

Garnish with additional black pepper.

Southern Living Tuna Melt Casserole adding the noodles and tuna to the milk mixture

Credit:Dotdash Meredith Food Studio

Recipe Tips From TheSouthern LivingTest Kitchen

Southern Living Tuna Melt Casserole assembling the casserole

Credit:Dotdash Meredith Food Studio

Southern Living Tuna Melt Casserole in the baking dish ready to serve

Credit:Dotdash Meredith Food Studio