Ultimate Tuna Casserole with Crunchy Ritz Topping
Indulge in this Ultimate Tuna Casserole, a comforting dish that perfectly combines the creamy richness of tuna, egg noodles, and vegetables. The addition of sour cream adds a delightful tang, while frozen peas infuse pops of sweetness. Topped with a generous layer of coarsely crumbled Ritz crackers and drizzled with melted butter, this casserole is baked to a golden brown, providing a satisfying crunch with every bite. Ideal for lunch or a hearty snack, this dish is both simple and satisfying, making it a family favorite! Feel free to substitute yogurt for sour cream for a lighter version.
6-8 servings
Servings
275
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
wide egg noodles
6 ounces (cooked until firm-tender)
celery
3 stalks (chopped)
large onion
1 (finely chopped)
fresh minced garlic
1 tablespoon (optional)
butter
3-4 tablespoons (for sautéing and 1/4 cup melted for drizzling)
white flaked canned tuna
2 (6 ounce) cans (very well drained)
frozen peas
1 cup (can use more or less)
half-and-half cream
1 cup (or full-fat milk)
sour cream
1/2 cup (can replace with yogurt if desired)
cream of mushroom soup
1 (10 ounce) can (undiluted)
white cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups (shredded)
grated parmesan cheese
3-4 tablespoons (optional, can use more or less)
salt and pepper
to taste
dried dill
1/2 teaspoon
Old Bay Seasoning
1/4-1/2 teaspoon
Ritz crackers
25-30 (coarsely crumbled)
paprika
to taste (for sprinkling)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Butter a 13 x 9-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
3
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the wide egg noodles until firm-tender according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4
In a skillet over medium heat, melt 3-4 tablespoons of butter. Sauté the chopped onion and celery for about 3 minutes until softened. If using, add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, sautéed vegetables, shredded white cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, well-drained tuna, half-and-half cream (or milk), frozen peas, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, dried dill, Old Bay seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed.
6
Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
7
Crumble 25-30 Ritz crackers over the top of the casserole, making sure to cover it well.
8
Drizzle the melted butter over the cracker layer, and lightly dust with paprika for added flavor and color.
9
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
10
Allow to cool slightly before serving, and enjoy this comforting classic!
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
25g
Carbs
19g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in this recipe?
The main protein in this dish is two 6-ounce cans of white flaked canned tuna, which should be very well drained.
What type of noodles should I use?
You should use 6 ounces of wide egg noodles, cooked until they are firm-tender.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The casserole should bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
What size baking dish is required?
A 13 x 9-inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How many Ritz crackers are needed for the topping?
You will need between 25 and 30 Ritz crackers, coarsely crumbled, for the topping.
Can I substitute the sour cream with something else?
Yes, you can substitute yogurt for the sour cream if you prefer a lighter version of the dish.
Is there a substitute for half-and-half cream?
You can use full-fat milk as a substitute for the half-and-half cream.
What kind of cheese is used in this tuna casserole?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of shredded white cheddar cheese and 3-4 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6 to 8 servings.
What are the nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 275 calories, 14g of fat, 25g of carbohydrates, and 19g of protein.
What vegetables are included in the casserole?
The recipe includes 3 stalks of chopped celery, 1 large finely chopped onion, and 1 cup of frozen peas.
Do I need to cook the noodles before baking?
Yes, the noodles should be boiled in salted water until firm-tender and drained before being mixed with other ingredients.
What seasonings are used for flavor?
Flavor is added using dried dill, Old Bay Seasoning, salt, pepper, and a light dusting of paprika on top.
How do I prepare the cracker topping?
Crumble the Ritz crackers over the top of the casserole, drizzle with melted butter, and sprinkle with paprika.
Should the cream of mushroom soup be diluted?
No, use one 10-ounce can of cream of mushroom soup undiluted.
Is garlic required for this recipe?
Fresh minced garlic is optional, but if used, you should add about 1 tablespoon.
How long should I sauté the onion and celery?
Sauté the chopped onion and celery in butter for about 3 minutes until they have softened.
What is the purpose of the butter in the topping?
The melted butter is drizzled over the crackers to help them achieve a golden brown color and a satisfying crunch.
Can I use more or less frozen peas?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of frozen peas to your preference, using more or less than the suggested 1 cup.
How do I prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish?
Thoroughly butter the 13 x 9-inch baking dish before adding the mixture to prevent sticking.
What is the texture of the Ritz cracker topping?
The topping provides a crunchy contrast to the creamy texture of the tuna and noodles.
Can this recipe be considered a snack?
While primarily a main dish, its comforting nature also makes it suitable as a hearty snack.
What type of tuna is best for this recipe?
White flaked canned tuna is recommended for the best texture and flavor.
How much Old Bay Seasoning should I add?
You should add between 1/4 and 1/2 teaspoon of Old Bay Seasoning.
What does the sour cream add to the dish?
The sour cream adds a delightful tang and contributes to the creamy richness of the sauce.
Should I let the casserole cool before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to allow the casserole to cool slightly after baking to let it set.
Is the Parmesan cheese mandatory?
No, the grated Parmesan cheese is optional, and you can use more or less based on your taste.
What gives the casserole its golden color on top?
The combination of Ritz crackers, melted butter, and a dusting of paprika creates the golden brown finish.
Is this a good meal for families?
Yes, it is described as a simple and satisfying family favorite due to its classic comfort food flavors.