Name: Tuna Noodle Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz egg noodles; 10 oz tuna in water, drained (2 cans); 1 cup frozen peas; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon butter; 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup crushed butter crackers; 2 tablespoons melted butter

Tuna Noodle Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that checks all the boxes: creamy, savory, and simple to make. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving something nostalgic, this dish is a go-to. It’s budget-friendly, pantry-staple-packed, and delivers that cozy warmth only a baked casserole can offer.

What sets this version apart is the cream cheese twist that makes the sauce extra velvety and rich. Plus, the buttery cracker topping adds that golden, crunchy contrast to every bite. It’s the kind of dish you make once and keep coming back to.

What Kind of Noodles Work Best for Tuna Noodle Casserole?

Egg noodles are the traditional favorite thanks to their soft texture and quick cook time. They hold up well when baked and absorb the creamy sauce beautifully. That said, you can swap them for rotini or elbow macaroni if needed—just make sure not to overcook them before baking.

Ingredients for the Tuna Noodle Casserole

12 oz egg noodles
2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained
1 cup frozen peas
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon butter
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup crushed butter crackers (like Ritz)
2 tablespoons melted butter

How To Make the Tuna Noodle Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Noodles

Boil the egg noodles until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and cook the chopped onion until soft and translucent.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large bowl, stir together cream of mushroom soup, softened cream cheese, milk, garlic powder, black pepper, and sautéed onions until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked noodles, drained tuna, peas, and shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl. Mix until everything is well coated in the creamy mixture.

Step 5: Assemble and Top

Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. In a small bowl, combine crushed crackers with melted butter, then sprinkle over the top.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden and the casserole is bubbling.

Serving and Storing Tuna Noodle Casserole

Serve this casserole hot right out of the oven with a fresh side salad or steamed veggies. It’s satisfying enough on its own but pairs nicely with something green and crisp.

To store leftovers, cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also freeze it (unbaked or baked) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

You can substitute with cream of celery or cream of chicken soup, or make your own roux-based white sauce.

Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?

Yes, but make sure it’s cooked and flaked beforehand. Canned tuna is just quicker and more convenient.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free cream soup. Swap crackers with a gluten-free version or gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Can I prep this casserole ahead?

Absolutely. Assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

How do I keep it from drying out?

Don’t overbake and be sure to use enough sauce. Cover loosely with foil if the topping browns too fast.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely. Try mushrooms, corn, or chopped bell peppers for variety.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If this Tuna Noodle Casserole is your kind of comfort, here are more dishes you’ll enjoy:

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it later.

And when you try it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you go classic, or toss in something extra like corn or mushrooms?

Your comments and kitchen tweaks help us all cook better. Got a question? Drop it below—let’s figure it out together.

For more weeknight comfort food ideas, follow me on Pinterest at Nina Dishes.

Tuna Noodle Casserole

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy, comforting, and irresistibly nostalgic, this Tuna Noodle Casserole is a weeknight hero made with pantry staples. Featuring tender egg noodles, savory tuna, sweet peas, and a rich cream cheese sauce topped with buttery cracker crumbs—it’s the kind of dish your whole family will ask for again and again.