Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Featured in: Daily Cravings

This comforting dish features tender egg noodles enveloped in a creamy tuna and cheddar sauce, enhanced with peas and a hint of garlic. Topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust, it bakes to golden perfection, offering a delightful balance of creamy and crunchy textures. Easy to prepare and perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 10:16:00 GMT
Golden-brown Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with a bubbly, cheese-topped deliciousness awaiting serving. Save
Golden-brown Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with a bubbly, cheese-topped deliciousness awaiting serving. | cravebop.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 household for years, bringing back warm memories of family dinners and potlucks where everyone asks 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

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.
A close-up shot of a bubbling Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with a crispy Ritz cracker topping just out of the oven. Save
A close-up shot of a bubbling Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with a crispy Ritz cracker topping just out of the oven. | cravebop.com

Sharing this dish always brings everyone together at the table, sparking joy and conversation.

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) and egg (noodles). Always check labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 420, Total Fat 22 g, Carbohydrates 38 g, Protein 20 g

Warm, comforting Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole, showcasing a classic American dish with creamy sauce and golden crust. Save
Warm, comforting Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole, showcasing a classic American dish with creamy sauce and golden crust. | cravebop.com

This creamy tuna noodle casserole is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation with its comforting flavors and easy preparation.

Recipe Guide

What kind of noodles work best?

Egg noodles are ideal for this dish due to their texture and ability to hold the creamy sauce well.

Can I substitute the crushed cracker topping?

Yes, panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers like saltines work as great alternatives to Ritz crackers.

How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?

Using a combination of cream of mushroom soup and milk ensures the mixture stays moist during baking.

Is it possible to add vegetables?

Absolutely. Frozen peas are included here, but sautéed mushrooms or diced celery can add extra flavor and texture.

How long can leftovers be stored?

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven to maintain texture and flavor.

Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Tender noodles mixed with creamy tuna sauce and topped with a golden Ritz cracker crust.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
35 min
Complete duration
50 min
Created by Lindsey Carter


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 6 Portions

Nutrition labels None specified

What you'll need

Pasta

01 12 ounces egg noodles

Casserole Mixture

01 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna in water, drained
02 1 can (10.5 ounces) 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 ground 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

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Cook noodles: Boil egg noodles in salted water 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 until evenly coated.

Phase 04

Assemble casserole: Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish and spread in an even layer.

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 topping is golden and mixture is bubbling.

Phase 07

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

Tools needed

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

Allergy alerts

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical advice if uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (noodles, crackers)
  • Contains milk (cheese, butter, sour cream)
  • Contains fish (tuna)
  • May contain soy (soup)
  • May contain egg (noodles)

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 420
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Proteins: 20 g