Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

Some recipes are comfort food in a dish, and old-fashioned tuna noodle casserole is one of those classics. I grew up looking forward to this casserole while others grumbled — it’s creamy, nostalgic, and simple to pull together on busy weeknights. This version honors the traditional flavors but adds a little extra seasoning and a buttery Ritz cracker topping for the perfect crunchy finish.

If tuna isn’t your favorite, swap in shredded rotisserie chicken for an equally comforting chicken noodle casserole. You can also sneak in extra veggies to please picky eaters.

Other recipe ideas to try at home: Easy Ground Beef Pot Pie Casserole with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping; Cheddar Bay Chicken Pot Pie; Loaded Cowboy Cornbread Casserole; Crockpot Chicken and Noodles; Cheesy French Onion Hamburger Casserole; Cheesy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole.

What Makes This Old-Fashioned?

Traditional tuna noodle casserole is a pantry-friendly classic: egg noodles, canned soups, tuna, peas, and a crunchy topping. This recipe keeps that comforting base but boosts the flavor with a touch more seasoning and fresh shredded cheese, while preserving the easy, no-fuss appeal that made it a family favorite.

Ingredients

For the Casserole

• 5 cups dry egg noodles — cook briefly so they finish in the oven.
• 1 tsp chicken bouillon — stirred into the boiling water for extra savory depth.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup.
• 1/2 cup sour cream — adds tang and richness.
• 1 cup milk — thins the sauce for baking.
• 1 cup frozen peas — a classic mix-in.
• 2 cans (4 oz each) solid white albacore tuna, drained well.
• 1 tbsp garlic & herb seasoning (Mrs. Dash or similar).
• 1 tsp onion powder.
• 1/2 tsp black pepper.

Topping

• 2 cups freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese (or any melty cheese you prefer).
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed (or plain potato chips for a classic alternative).
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

• Comforting, creamy flavor that evokes childhood memories.
• Budget-friendly ingredients and easy prep.
• Feeds a crowd — great for potlucks, family dinners, or meal prep.
• Flexible — swap tuna for chicken, change the cheese, or add vegetables.
• Quick to assemble: mix, top, and bake.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and stir in 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon. Add the egg noodles and boil for 4 minutes — they should be undercooked so they finish in the oven. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, sour cream, milk, frozen peas, drained tuna, garlic & herb seasoning, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and evenly mixed.
4. Gently fold in the partially cooked egg noodles, taking care not to mash them. The noodles should be fully coated with the sauce.
5. Spread the casserole mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese over the top.
6. Mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter and sprinkle this buttery crumb mixture over the cheese layer.
7. Bake uncovered for about 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the topping is lightly golden.
8. Let the casserole rest 5–10 minutes before serving so it sets up and slices cleanly.

Tips for Success

• Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother melt and better texture than pre-shredded varieties.
• Do not overcook the noodles; four minutes in boiling water is enough since they’ll finish in the oven.
• Drain tuna thoroughly — excess liquid will thin the sauce.
• Let the casserole rest a few minutes after baking so it firms up for straighter slices.
• For reheating, add a few extra crushed crackers or chips on top before warming to restore crunch.

Variations

Chicken Version

Substitute 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken for the tuna to make a classic chicken noodle casserole.

Veggie Add-Ins

Enhance the casserole with additional vegetables such as sautéed mushrooms, extra peas, corn, diced carrots, or small broccoli florets.

Alternative Toppings

If you prefer, replace Ritz crackers with crushed plain potato chips, buttery breadcrumbs, or a panko-parmesan mixture for a different crunch and flavor.

Cheese Options

Switch up the cheese depending on taste: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Swiss, Colby, or Mozzarella all work well.

If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and a rating — feedback is always appreciated!

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

Make-Ahead

Assemble the casserole (leave the cracker topping separate) and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking for best texture.

Storage

Cover and refrigerate leftovers for 3–4 days.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the casserole in a 325°F oven until heated through. For extra crunch, add more crushed crackers or chips on top before reheating.

Prep time: about 15 minutes. Cook time: about 25 minutes. Serves a family and makes helpful leftovers for lunches.