Homemade Tuna Noodle Casserole

Homemade Tuna Noodle Casserole with a Ritz cracker crust is a classic American comfort dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to the dinner table. Combining tender egg noodles with flaky tuna, savory vegetables, and a creamy sauce, this baked casserole is topped with buttery, crunchy Ritz crackers for an irresistible finish. Perfect for an easy family meal, it’s a recipe that delivers nostalgia and deliciousness in every bite.

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This casserole is a perfect weeknight meal that can be made ahead of time or enjoyed fresh from the oven. Its creamy texture and cheesy goodness pair wonderfully with green veggies or a crisp salad for a balanced plate.

Ingredients

• Pasta
  12 oz (340 g) wide egg noodles
• Sauce
  2 tbsp unsalted butter
  1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  2 stalks celery, finely diced
  1 cup (120 g) frozen peas
  3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
  1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
  1/2 tsp garlic powder
  1/2 tsp dried thyme
  1/2 tsp kosher salt
  1/4 tsp black pepper
• Tuna & Mix-ins
  2 (5 oz / 140 g) cans solid white tuna in water, drained and flaked
  1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• Topping
  1 sleeve (about 30) Ritz crackers, crushed
  3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.

2. Cook noodles

Cook the egg noodles in a large pot of boiling salted water until just al dente, about 6 minutes. Drain and set aside.

3. Sauté vegetables

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add onion and celery; sauté until softened, 5 minutes. Stir in frozen peas and cook 1 minute more.

4. Make sauce

Sprinkle flour over the vegetables. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and broth. Cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.

5. Finish sauce

Remove from heat. Stir in sour cream, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth.

6. Combine mixture

In a large bowl, combine cooked noodles, tuna, cheddar cheese, and the sauce mixture. Mix gently to combine.

7. Transfer to baking dish

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

8. Prepare topping

In a small bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.

9. Bake

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top.

10. Rest and serve

Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For best texture, avoid overcooking the noodles before baking. Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness, and be gentle when mixing tuna into the noodles to keep it flaky. Letting the casserole rest after baking helps the flavors meld and the sauce set.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter twist. For additional depth of flavor, add 1/2 cup sautéed mushrooms to the sauce. Use vegetable broth to keep it fully pescatarian and vegetarian-friendly aside from the tuna.

Serviervorschläge

This tuna noodle casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans. To elevate the meal, serve it alongside a chilled glass of white wine like Chardonnay for a perfect balance.

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This timeless Homemade Tuna Noodle Casserole with Ritz Cracker Crust is a soul-satisfying dish ideal for any occasion. Its creamy, cheesy layers combined with the crispy topping create a universally loved meal that will keep everyone coming back for more.

Recipe Help

→ What noodles work best in this dish?

Wide egg noodles are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce well and provide a tender texture after baking.

→ Can I substitute the tuna with another ingredient?

Yes, flaky white fish or cooked shredded chicken can be used as alternatives for similar texture and flavor.

→ How can I make the topping crispier?

Ensure the cracker topping is evenly coated with melted butter and bake uncovered until it turns golden brown and crunchy.

→ What can I add to increase vegetable content?

Sautéed mushrooms, additional peas, or diced carrots can be mixed into the sauce for extra vegetables.

→ Is there a lighter substitute for sour cream?

Greek yogurt can be used instead of sour cream to reduce fat while maintaining creaminess.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain moisture and texture.