Description
This classic Tuna Casserole recipe features tender egg noodles mixed with a creamy sauce of mushrooms, onions, cream cheese, and cheddar, combined with flaked tuna and peas, then topped with crispy Ritz cracker crumbs for a comforting and satisfying baked dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 12 oz. wide or extra-wide egg noodles
- 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp. chicken bouillon paste
- 1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 1 (3.4-oz.) sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed into crumbs (about 1 1/4 cups)
Dairy
- 4 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 oz. cream cheese
- 8 oz. sharp cheddar, grated (about 2 cups), divided
Produce
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 8 oz. button or cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
Protein
- 2 (5-oz.) cans water-packed tuna, drained, flaked
Instructions
- Preheat and cook noodles: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400°F (200°C). In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente, stirring occasionally. Drain the noodles and set aside in a sieve or colander.
- Sauté vegetables: Using the same pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and thinly sliced mushrooms, season with a pinch of kosher salt, and cook while stirring until the liquid has evaporated and the vegetables are tender, about 7 minutes.
- Make the sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and add the cream cheese, chicken bouillon paste, fresh thyme leaves, garlic powder, and 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer while stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Combine ingredients: Return the drained noodles to the pot with the sauce. Add the flaked tuna, frozen peas, and half of the grated cheddar cheese. Stir gently to combine all ingredients well. Season with additional kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Assemble casserole: Transfer the noodle mixture into a 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then cover with the crushed Ritz cracker crumbs.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake until the casserole is bubbling and the cracker topping is golden brown, approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use wide or extra-wide egg noodles for the best texture.
- Fresh thyme can be substituted with dried thyme, but reduce the amount to about 1/2 teaspoon.
- Ritz cracker crumbs add a delightful crunchy topping but can be replaced with breadcrumbs if preferred.
- Ensure not to overcook noodles during boiling to prevent mushiness after baking.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: tuna casserole, baked casserole, creamy tuna pasta, tuna noodle casserole, comfort food
