Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Featured in: Dinner Blast

This comforting casserole features tender egg noodles enveloped in a creamy tuna sauce with peas, cheddar, and a hint of sour cream. The mixture is topped with a buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker crust and baked until golden. Easy to prepare and perfect for family meals or potlucks, this dish blends classic flavors for a satisfying and hearty experience.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 12:47:00 GMT
Golden, bubbly Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with a crispy Ritz cracker topping, ready to serve. Save
Golden, bubbly Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with a crispy Ritz cracker topping, ready to serve. | ticktaste.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 always been a hit at our family dinners, bringing everyone together over hearty comfort food.

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 casserole:
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 dish:
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Make 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.
Warm, creamy tuna noodle casserole with a buttery, golden-brown Ritz cracker crust, bubbling hot. Save
Warm, creamy tuna noodle casserole with a buttery, golden-brown Ritz cracker crust, bubbling hot. | ticktaste.com

This dish always sparks joy and conversation when shared with loved ones at the dinner table.

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 per serving

A family-sized baking dish of comforting Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole, topped with crispy crackers. Save
A family-sized baking dish of comforting Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole, topped with crispy crackers. | ticktaste.com

This creamy tuna noodle casserole is a timeless recipe that's simple yet delicious, perfect for any occasion.

Recipe Questions

How should the noodles be cooked?

Cook egg noodles in salted boiling water until just al dente to maintain firm texture after baking.

Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?

Yes, sautéed mushrooms or diced celery can be stirred in to add extra flavor and texture.

What can substitute the cream of mushroom soup?

Alternatives like cream of celery or cream of chicken soups offer a different twist while keeping the creamy texture.

How to achieve a crunchy topping?

Mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle evenly before baking to get a golden, buttery crust.

Can leftovers be stored and reheated?

Yes, refrigerate leftover casserole for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for best results.

Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Tender noodles with creamy tuna sauce and a buttery Ritz cracker topping for a comforting meal.

Setup time
15 min
Heat time
35 min
Complete duration
50 min
Created By Jamie Torres

Classification Dinner Blast

Complexity Easy

Cultural Background American

Output 6 Portions

Dietary 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)

Directions

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 in a large pot and cook egg noodles until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Assemble casserole: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

Phase 05

Prepare topping: Combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and Parmesan cheese if using. Sprinkle evenly over casserole.

Phase 06

Bake: Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until top is golden brown and casserole is bubbling.

Phase 07

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

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare guidance if you're uncertain.
  • Contains wheat, milk, fish; may contain soy and egg. Check labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Energy Value: 420
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Proteins: 20 g