Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Featured in: Hearty Family Meals

This comforting casserole features tender egg noodles embraced by a creamy tuna and mushroom sauce, enriched with cheddar cheese and peas. A crunchy golden crust of crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter adds texture and buttery flavor. Simple steps include cooking noodles, mixing ingredients, and baking until bubbly and browned. Ideal for easy weeknight dinners or potlucks, it balances creamy, savory, and crunchy elements all in one dish.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 10:51:00 GMT
Golden brown Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with a crispy Ritz cracker topping, ready to serve! Save to Pinterest
Golden brown Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with a crispy Ritz cracker topping, ready to serve! | honeyprairie.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 for years and never fails to bring everyone together at the dinner 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 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
Step 7:
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Bubbling, homemade Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole, a comforting casserole with golden, buttery topping. Save to Pinterest
Bubbling, homemade Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole, a comforting casserole with golden, buttery topping. | honeyprairie.com

My family always enjoys gathering around this dish, especially on chilly evenings when a warm meal is just what we need.

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

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

A close-up of cheesy Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole, a family favorite with tender noodles and tuna. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of cheesy Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole, a family favorite with tender noodles and tuna. | honeyprairie.com

This creamy tuna noodle casserole is a timeless dish that satisfies every time and makes great leftovers.

Questions & Answers

What type of noodles work best?

Egg noodles are preferred for their tender texture and ability to absorb creamy sauces without becoming mushy.

Can I substitute Ritz crackers for the topping?

Yes, crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs can be used to create a crisp, golden crust.

How can I add extra vegetables?

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

What is the best way to avoid a soggy crust?

Ensure excess moisture is drained from ingredients and bake uncovered to allow the topping to crisp nicely.

Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, assemble in advance and refrigerate before baking. Reheat leftovers in the oven for best texture.

Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Tender noodles with creamy tuna sauce and crispy Ritz cracker topping, perfect for cozy family meals.

Prep duration
15 minutes
Cook duration
35 minutes
Overall time needed
50 minutes
Recipe by Honey Prairie Abigail Greene


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine type American

Makes 6 Number of portions

Diet specifications 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)

How to Make It

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

Assemble in Baking Dish: Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Essential tools

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

Allergy Details

Go through all ingredients to spot potential allergies. If unsure, check with a health expert.
  • Contains wheat (noodles, crackers), milk (cheese, butter, sour cream), fish (tuna). May contain soy and egg. Verify labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrition details (per portion)

Details for informational use only — not a substitute for a medical professional.
  • Energy (calories): 420
  • Lipids: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Proteins: 20 g