Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Featured in: Simple Family Favorites

This dish combines tender egg noodles with a creamy sauce made from tuna, mushroom soup, milk, and cheddar cheese. Peas add a pop of color and sweetness while the mixture is baked under a buttery, crispy Ritz cracker crust for a satisfying finish. Simple to prepare and perfect for hearty family dinners or gatherings, it offers a comforting blend of textures and flavors.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 09:00:00 GMT
Golden, bubbly Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with a crispy Ritz cracker topping, ready for serving. Pin It
Golden, bubbly Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with a crispy Ritz cracker topping, ready for serving. | platefullyjoy.com

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

This casserole has been a hit every time I bring it to family gatherings&mdashit's simple, delicious, and always disappears quickly.

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 Baking 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 to 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
Cool and Serve:
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
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| platefullyjoy.com

This dish always brings us together around the table, sharing stories and laughter over a warm hearty meal.

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 per serving, Total Fat: 22 g, Carbohydrates: 38 g, Protein: 20 g

Tender egg noodles mingle in a creamy sauce, crowned with a buttery Ritz topping for tuna casserole. Pin It
Tender egg noodles mingle in a creamy sauce, crowned with a buttery Ritz topping for tuna casserole. | platefullyjoy.com

This casserole is perfect for easy weeknight dinners and always earns rave reviews from my family and friends.

Recipe FAQs

What type of noodles works best for this dish?

Egg noodles are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce well and offer a tender, satisfying bite.

Can I substitute the Ritz cracker topping?

Yes, crushed breadcrumbs or crushed plain crackers mixed with butter make a great alternative crust.

How do I ensure the casserole stays creamy and not dry?

Using a combination of condensed soup, milk, and sour cream helps maintain a smooth, moist texture during baking.

Is it possible to add extra vegetables?

Adding sautéed mushrooms or diced celery enhances flavor and adds a vegetable boost without overpowering the dish.

Can leftovers be reheated safely?

Yes, refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days and reheat in the oven until warmed through to preserve texture.

Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

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

Time to Prep
15 minutes
Time to Cook
35 minutes
Overall Time
50 minutes
Recipe by Olivia Reed


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 6 Number of Servings

Diet Info 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)

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

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

Step 02

Cook pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook egg noodles until just tender, then drain.

Step 03

Combine casserole mixture: In a large bowl, mix tuna, mushroom soup, milk, peas, cheddar, sour cream, onion, garlic powder, pepper, and salt. Fold in noodles until coated evenly.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

Bake: Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Step 07

Rest and serve: Allow to cool 5 minutes before serving.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Notice

Be sure to review ingredients for allergens. When unsure, talk with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains wheat, milk, and fish. May contain soy and egg. Check product labels.

Nutrition (For Each Serving)

Nutritional details are meant for general guidance. Don't rely on them for medical reasons.
  • Calorie Count: 420
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Proteins: 20 g