Save A comforting classic featuring tender noodles, creamy tuna sauce, and a buttery golden Ritz cracker topping—perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
I first served this creamy tuna noodle casserole at a family gathering, and it quickly became a beloved classic loved by all ages.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) egg noodles
- Casserole Mixture: 2 cans (5 oz/140 g each) tuna in water, drained, 1 can (10.5 oz/300 g) condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, 1 cup (115 g) frozen peas, thawed, 1 cup (120 g) shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream, 1/2 small onion, finely chopped, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp salt
- Topping: 1 sleeve (about 30) Ritz crackers, crushed, 3 tbsp (45 g) unsalted butter, melted, 2 tbsp (15 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Cook Noodles:
- Cook egg noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Mix Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk, peas, cheddar cheese, sour cream, onion, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Fold in the cooked noodles until evenly coated.
- Assemble Casserole:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Add Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter (and Parmesan cheese, if using). Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 25 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
- Cool:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Save This casserole brings back warm family moments, perfect for sharing at holiday dinners or casual weeknight meals.
Required Tools
Large pot, Strainer, Mixing bowls, 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, Oven
Allergen Information
Contains: wheat (noodles, crackers), milk (cheese, butter, sour cream), fish (tuna). May contain: soy (soup), egg (noodles). Always check labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 420, Total Fat 22 g, Carbohydrates 38 g, Protein 20 g
Save This creamy tuna noodle casserole is a reliable crowd-pleaser that combines comfort and convenience perfectly.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of noodles work best for this dish?
Egg noodles are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce well and maintain a tender texture without becoming mushy.
- → How can I ensure the Ritz cracker topping stays crispy?
Mixing the crushed crackers with melted butter and baking uncovered helps achieve a golden, crunchy crust.
- → Can I add extra vegetables to the mixture?
Yes, sautéed mushrooms or diced celery can be stirred in for enhanced flavor and texture.
- → Is it possible to substitute the soup base?
Condensed cream of celery or chicken soup can be used for a different flavor profile without affecting the texture.
- → How should leftovers be stored and reheated?
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for best results.