Description
This classic Tuna Casserole recipe is a comforting and creamy baked dish featuring tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, and sweet peas all combined in a cheesy mushroom soup sauce. Topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust and baked to golden perfection, it’s a nostalgic family-friendly meal perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups frozen peas
- 2 (5 oz) cans tuna in water, drained and flaked
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Topping
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cook Noodles: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for 2 more minutes until warmed through.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, sautéed onion, garlic, and peas, drained and flaked tuna, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well to create a creamy mixture. Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Transfer the noodle and tuna mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add Topping and Bake: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to portion.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to add tanginess and a healthier twist.
- For a different flavor, use canned cream of celery soup or a homemade mushroom sauce instead of cream of mushroom soup.
- Add sautéed mushrooms when cooking the onion for extra flavor and texture.
- To make it gluten-free, replace the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
