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Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe Easy Homemade with Crispy Cracker Topping

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A creamy and comforting tuna noodle casserole topped with a buttery, crispy cracker crust. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces egg noodles, cooked al dente
  • 2 cans (5 oz each) chunk light tuna packed in water, drained
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • ½ cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 1½ cups crushed crackers (saltines or buttery Ritz crackers)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add egg noodles and cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  4. Stir in condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat gently, stirring to combine, until warm but not boiling.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked noodles, drained tuna, frozen peas, and shredded cheddar cheese if using. Pour the warm sauce over and stir gently to coat evenly.
  6. Spread the mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
  7. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Add crushed crackers and toss to coat. Toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant.
  8. Sprinkle the toasted cracker topping evenly over the casserole.
  9. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly around the edges and the topping is crisp and golden brown.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If topping browns too quickly, tent casserole loosely with foil halfway through baking. Be gentle when mixing to keep tuna chunks intact. Toasting cracker topping in butter prevents sogginess and adds richness. For gluten-free or dairy-free versions, substitute noodles and milk accordingly. Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking. Freezer-friendly if assembled but unbaked.

Nutrition

Keywords: tuna noodle casserole, creamy tuna casserole, comfort food, easy casserole, weeknight dinner, crispy cracker topping

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