Homemade Tuna Noodle Casserole

Featured in: Weekend Warm Bakes

This dish blends tender egg noodles with drained tuna, peas, and a savory sauce made from sour cream, cheddar, and cream of mushroom soup. Sautéed onions and optional mushrooms add depth, while a crunchy Ritz cracker and melted butter topping creates a golden crust. Baked until bubbly and golden, it offers a warm and hearty meal perfect for weeknights, with flexible options to customize flavor and texture.

Updated on Mon, 24 Nov 2025 11:27:00 GMT
Golden, bubbly Homemade Tuna Noodle Casserole with a crispy Ritz cracker topping, ready to serve. Save to Pinterest
Golden, bubbly Homemade Tuna Noodle Casserole with a crispy Ritz cracker topping, ready to serve. | citrushearth.com

A comforting classic casserole featuring tender noodles, creamy tuna sauce, and a golden, buttery Ritz cracker topping.

I first served this comforting tuna noodle casserole to my family on a cozy Sunday and it quickly became a favorite.

Ingredients

  • Pasta & Protein: 12 oz (340 g) egg noodles, 2 cans (5 oz/140 g each) tuna in water drained
  • Vegetables: 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas, 1 small onion finely chopped, 1 cup (150 g) sliced mushrooms (optional)
  • Sauce: 1 can (10.5 oz/300 g) condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream, 1/2 cup (60 g) shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp salt
  • Topping: 1 sleeve (about 30 crackers/85 g) Ritz crackers crushed, 4 tbsp (60 g) unsalted butter melted

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
Step 2:
Cook egg noodles in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3:
In a large skillet sauté chopped onion (and mushrooms if using) over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Step 4:
In a large bowl combine cooked noodles tuna peas sautéed vegetables condensed soup milk sour cream cheddar cheese garlic powder black pepper and salt. Mix well.
Step 5:
Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Step 6:
In a small bowl mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
Step 7:
Bake for 25–30 minutes until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbly.
Step 8:
Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
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| citrushearth.com

This casserole always brings my family together around the dinner table, sharing stories and laughter.

Required Tools

Large pot, Skillet, Mixing bowl, 9x13-inch baking dish, Wooden spoon, Small bowl

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (egg noodles Ritz crackers), Milk (cheese milk sour cream butter soup), Fish (tuna). May contain Soy (in soup or crackers), Eggs (in noodles). Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories 415, Total Fat 19 g, Carbohydrates 43 g, Protein 20 g per serving

A warm, creamy Homemade Tuna Noodle Casserole bubbling in a baking dish, calling for a bite! Save to Pinterest
A warm, creamy Homemade Tuna Noodle Casserole bubbling in a baking dish, calling for a bite! | citrushearth.com

This tuna noodle casserole is an easy and satisfying meal perfect any night of the week.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of frozen peas?

Yes, fresh mushrooms can be sautéed along with onions to add a rich, earthy flavor, complementing the creamy base.

How do I achieve a crispy Ritz cracker topping?

Mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle evenly atop before baking to create a golden, crunchy crust.

What is the best way to cook the egg noodles?

Boil noodles in salted water until just al dente, then drain promptly to prevent overcooking and maintain firmness in the bake.

Are there lighter alternatives to sour cream in the sauce?

Greek yogurt can be substituted for sour cream to reduce fat while keeping a creamy texture and slight tang.

Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the ingredients and refrigerate before baking. Add extra baking time if starting from cold.

Homemade Tuna Noodle Casserole

Creamy tuna and noodles baked with peas and a golden Ritz cracker topping for a comforting dish.

Prep duration
20 minutes
Time to cook
30 minutes
Overall time
50 minutes
Created by Elise Porter


Skill level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 6 Number of servings

Dietary details None specified

What Goes In

Pasta & Protein

01 12 oz egg noodles
02 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained

Vegetables

01 1 cup frozen peas
02 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)

Sauce

01 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
02 1 cup whole milk
03 ½ cup sour cream
04 ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
05 ½ tsp garlic powder
06 ½ tsp black pepper
07 ½ tsp salt

Topping

01 1 sleeve (about 30 crackers) Ritz crackers, crushed
02 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

How to Make It

Step 01

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

Step 02

Cook noodles: Cook egg noodles in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 03

Sauté vegetables: In a large skillet, sauté chopped onion and mushrooms (if using) over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.

Step 04

Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooked noodles, drained tuna, peas, sautéed vegetables, condensed soup, milk, sour cream, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Prepare topping: Mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.

Step 07

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

Step 08

Rest before serving: Allow casserole to stand for 5 minutes before serving.

What You’ll Need

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Wooden spoon
  • Small bowl

Allergy details

Double-check ingredients for allergens; talk with your doctor if you’re uncertain.
  • Contains wheat, milk, and fish
  • May contain soy and eggs

Nutrition info (for each serving)

Nutrition data is for reference and isn’t meant as health advice.
  • Calorie count: 415
  • Fat content: 19 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 43 grams
  • Protein amount: 20 grams