Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Featured in: Simple Weeknight Dinners

This dish features tender egg noodles coated in a rich mixture of tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk, cheddar, peas, and sour cream for a silky texture. A golden, buttery topping made from crushed Ritz crackers adds a satisfying crunch, baked to bubbly perfection. Quick and easy to prepare, it suits family dinners or gatherings, with flexible add-ins like mushrooms or celery for varied flavors. Cooling briefly before serving helps the layers set, ensuring every bite is creamy and crisp.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 12:46:00 GMT
Golden-brown Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with a bubbly, creamy filling and crunchy Ritz topping. Save
Golden-brown Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with a bubbly, creamy filling and crunchy Ritz topping. | dunebasil.com

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

I first served this creamy tuna noodle casserole to my family and it was an instant hit, bringing warm smiles around the 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

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.
Transfer Mixture:
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.
A close-up shot of a steaming, cheesy Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with fresh peas. Save
A close-up shot of a steaming, cheesy Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with fresh peas. | dunebasil.com

My family always gathers happily to enjoy this dish, sharing stories and laughter around 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.

Family dinner: this comforting Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole boasts a buttery Ritz crust. Save
Family dinner: this comforting Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole boasts a buttery Ritz crust. | dunebasil.com

This creamy tuna noodle casserole is a timeless favorite sure to bring comfort and joy to your meal times.

Recipe FAQs

What type of noodles work best?

Egg noodles provide the ideal texture, holding sauce well without becoming mushy.

Can I substitute the Ritz cracker topping?

Yes, crushed breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers also work well for a crispy crust.

How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?

Drain tuna thoroughly and ensure noodles are properly drained after cooking to maintain a creamy yet firm consistency.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can assemble it in advance and refrigerate before baking, but bake just before serving for the best texture.

Are there any good add-in ingredients?

Sautéed mushrooms or diced celery enhance flavor and texture without overpowering the dish.

Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Tender noodles blended with creamy tuna and a golden Ritz cracker crust for a comforting main dish.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Time to Cook
35 minutes
Overall Time
50 minutes
Recipe by Dune Basil Lea Romano


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 6 Portions

Diet Information 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 ½ cup sour cream
07 ½ small onion, finely chopped
08 ½ tsp garlic powder
09 ½ tsp black pepper
10 ¼ tsp salt

Topping

01 1 sleeve (about 30) Ritz crackers, crushed
02 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
03 2 tbsp 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 egg noodles in salted water 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, sour cream, onion, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Fold in noodles until evenly coated.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

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

Essential Tools

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

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergies, and talk to your doctor if you're uncertain.
  • Contains wheat, milk, and fish. May contain soy and egg. Verify labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrition per serving

Nutritional details are for reference only. They're not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Energy: 420
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Proteins: 20 g