Description

This classic Tuna Noodle Casserole is a comforting and creamy baked dish featuring tender egg noodles, flaky albacore tuna, and a rich cheese sauce. Enhanced with savory vegetables and topped with a crispy Ritz cracker crust, it is an easy-to-make meal perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

3 cups dry egg noodles (about 4 cups cooked)
2 chicken bouillon cubes (optional)

Vegetables

1 rib celery, diced
½ yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen peas
3 green onions, diced

Tuna and Dairy

2 cans solid white albacore tuna in water, drained (5 oz. per can)
8 oz. shredded white cheddar cheese
1 (10.5 oz.) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1.5 cups half and half
½ cup sour cream (at room temperature)
⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

Seasonings and Toppings

2 tablespoons butter (divided)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon celery salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to prepare for baking the casserole.
Prepare Cheese: Shred the white cheddar cheese and set it aside at room temperature to help it melt smoothly later.
Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and celery, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
Make Sauce: Lower heat to low. Add drained tuna, salt, pepper, celery salt, cream of mushroom soup, half and half, and sour cream to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Gradually sprinkle in the shredded white cheddar cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and well mixed.
Cook Noodles: Boil water with bouillon cubes if using, and cook the egg noodles 1 minute less than package instructions to keep them firm.
Combine Ingredients: Drain noodles and add them along with frozen peas into the cream sauce. Gently stir with a silicone spatula until everything is evenly coated.
Transfer to Baking Dish: If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9 x 13 inch casserole dish.
Add Topping and Bake Covered: Sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish and bake for 20 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
Add Cracker Crust and Bake Uncovered: Mix crushed Ritz crackers with 2 tablespoons melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole. Bake uncovered for an additional 5-7 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with diced green onions, and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

You can substitute half and half with milk for a lighter version, but the casserole will be less creamy.
Using bouillon cubes to boil noodles enhances flavor but is optional.
Let the shredded cheese come to room temperature for smoother melting.
Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or carrots for variation.
Make sure the sour cream is at room temp to avoid curdling in the hot sauce.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: tuna noodle casserole, tuna casserole, baked tuna recipe, classic casserole, comfort food, easy dinner