Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Featured in: Family Sharing Plates

This dish combines tender egg noodles with a rich, creamy sauce featuring tuna, mushrooms, and cheddar cheese. The mixture is baked under a crunchy, buttery cracker topping until golden and bubbling. It creates a comforting and flavorful meal ideal for gatherings or simple family dinners. Fresh peas and subtle spices add depth, while the Ritz cracker crust brings a satisfying texture contrast. Ready in under an hour, it’s both easy and rewarding to prepare.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 15:50:00 GMT
Golden, bubbly Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with a crispy Ritz cracker topping—a comforting family meal. Save
Golden, bubbly Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with a crispy Ritz cracker topping—a comforting family meal. | cookinget.com

A comforting classic featuring tender noodles, creamy tuna sauce, and a buttery golden Ritz cracker topping—perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

This casserole has been a favorite in my family's dinners for years and is always met with requests for seconds.

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.
Prepare Casserole:
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Prepare 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.
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| cookinget.com

This recipe always brings the family together especially during busy weeknights when comfort food is needed most.

Substitutions

You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or chicken soup for a different flavor profile.

Storage

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

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (noodles crackers), milk (cheese butter sour cream), and fish (tuna). May contain soy (soup) and egg (noodles). Always check labels for hidden allergens.

A bubbling, oven-baked Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with a delicious, crunchy Ritz cracker topping. Save
A bubbling, oven-baked Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with a delicious, crunchy Ritz cracker topping. | cookinget.com

Enjoy this creamy tuna noodle casserole as a comforting and easy meal that everyone will love.

Recipe FAQs

What type of noodles work best for this dish?

Egg noodles are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce well and offer a tender texture without becoming mushy.

Can I substitute the cracker topping?

Yes, crushed breadcrumbs or panko mixed with melted butter make a great alternative for a crispy topping.

Is it possible to add vegetables to the casserole?

Absolutely, adding peas as included is common, and sautéed mushrooms or diced celery complement the flavors nicely.

How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain the crispy topping.

What enhances the flavor of the creamy sauce?

Mixing cream of mushroom soup with sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese adds richness and depth to the sauce.

Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Tender noodles in creamy tuna sauce with a buttery golden cracker crust for hearty, family-style meals.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Time to Cook
35 minutes
Overall Time
50 minutes
Recipe by Sophie Daniels


Skill Difficulty Easy

Cuisine American

Output 6 Portion Count

Diet Preferences None specified

What You'll Need

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 teaspoon garlic powder
09 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
10 1/4 teaspoon salt

Topping

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

Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

Assemble Casserole: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 05

Prepare Topping: Mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and optional Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Rest and Serve: Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Essential Tools

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

Allergy Details

Review all ingredients for allergens. Ask a medical expert when uncertain.
  • Contains wheat, milk, and fish. May contain soy and egg.

Nutrition Facts (per portion)

These numbers offer reference only, not medical guidance.
  • Energy Value: 420
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Proteins: 20 g