Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Featured in: Midwest Classics

This comforting casserole blends tender egg noodles with a creamy sauce combining tuna, cheddar, and mushrooms. Finished with a buttery, golden Ritz cracker crust, it offers a delightful texture contrast. Perfect for easy family dinners, the dish includes peas and a hint of garlic for added flavor, and can be customized with mushrooms or celery for variety.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 08:18:00 GMT
Golden, bubbly Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with a crispy Ritz cracker crust, ready to enjoy. Save
Golden, bubbly Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with a crispy Ritz cracker crust, ready to enjoy. | dashofstates.com

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 casserole to my family on a chilly evening and it was a hit—warm, creamy, and satisfying for everyone at the table.

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

Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
Step 2:
Cook egg noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3:
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.
Step 4:
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Step 5:
In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter (and Parmesan cheese, if using). Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
Step 6:
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
Step 7:
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Save
| dashofstates.com

Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

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

Calories: 420 Total Fat: 22 g Carbohydrates: 38 g Protein: 20 g

Warm, creamy tuna noodle casserole topped with buttery, toasted Ritz crackers in a baking dish. Save
Warm, creamy tuna noodle casserole topped with buttery, toasted Ritz crackers in a baking dish. | dashofstates.com

This casserole is a timeless favorite that combines creamy texture and crunchy topping for the perfect comfort meal.

Recipe FAQ

What type of noodles work best?

Egg noodles are ideal for their ability to absorb the creamy sauce while maintaining a tender bite.

Can I use different toppings instead of Ritz crackers?

Yes, alternatives like breadcrumbs or crushed crackers provide a similar crunch and golden finish.

How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, celery, or extra peas to enhance flavor and texture.

Is it possible to prepare this in advance?

You can assemble it beforehand and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking to save time.

What is the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through to retain texture and flavor.

Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Tender noodles in creamy tuna sauce topped with a golden Ritz cracker crust for a comforting dish.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
35 min
Complete duration
50 min
Created by Jordan Miller


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 6 Portions

Nutritional considerations None specified

Components

Pasta

01 12 oz egg noodles

Casserole Mixture

01 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained
02 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
03 1 cup whole milk
04 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
05 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
06 1/2 cup sour cream
07 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
08 1/2 tsp garlic powder
09 1/2 tsp black pepper
10 1/4 tsp salt

Topping

01 1 sleeve (about 30) Ritz crackers, crushed
02 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
03 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Method

Phase 01

Prepare oven and baking dish: Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Phase 02

Cook noodles: Boil salted water and cook egg noodles until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Phase 03

Combine casserole ingredients: In a large bowl, mix drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk, peas, cheddar cheese, sour cream, onion, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Fold in cooked noodles evenly.

Phase 04

Transfer mixture: Spread the combined mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Phase 05

Prepare topping: In a small bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and optional Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over casserole.

Phase 06

Bake casserole: Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the casserole bubbles.

Phase 07

Rest before serving: Allow casserole to cool for 5 minutes prior to serving.

Necessary tools

  • Large pot
  • Strainer
  • Mixing bowls
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Oven

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if you're uncertain.
  • Contains wheat, milk, fish
  • May contain soy and egg

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

These figures are approximate and shouldn't replace professional health advice.
  • Energy: 420
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Proteins: 20 g