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This hearty tuna noodle casserole has been my comfort food salvation on countless busy weeknights. The creamy sauce envelops tender egg noodles and flaky tuna, while the crunchy topping adds the perfect textural contrast that makes this dish irresistibly satisfying.
I first made this casserole during a particularly hectic week when I needed something that would please everyone at the table. The empty dish and requests for seconds told me everything I needed to know. Now it appears on our dinner table at least twice a month, especially during the cooler seasons.
Ingredients
- Egg noodles: Form the hearty base; choose medium width for best sauce adherence
- Onion and celery: Create the aromatic foundation that elevates the flavor
- Cream cheese: Adds incredible richness and body to the sauce
- Heavy cream: Provides silky texture; look for full fat for best results
- Dijon mustard: Cuts through the richness with gentle acidity
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and umami; choose a quality brand
- Cheddar and parmesan cheeses: Create a complex flavor profile; use freshly grated for best melting
- Frozen peas: Add color and sweetness; no need to thaw beforehand
- Canned tuna: Select solid white albacore for meatier texture
- Ritz crackers: Create that nostalgic buttery crunchy topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare The Noodles:
- Cook egg noodles about 2 minutes less than package directions as they'll continue cooking in the oven. This prevents the final dish from becoming mushy. Drain thoroughly and transfer directly to your casserole dish to begin building layers of flavor.
- Create The Aromatic Base:
- Sauté onion and celery in olive oil for a full 5 minutes until they become translucent and slightly golden. This process develops sweetness and depth that will permeate the entire casserole. Add garlic just for the final 30 seconds to release its fragrance without burning.
- Build The Creamy Sauce:
- Combine cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, Dijon, and Worcestershire in the same skillet over medium heat. Whisk continuously for about 5 minutes until completely smooth. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still flow easily. This luxurious base will envelop every noodle with flavor.
- Incorporate Cheese And Proteins:
- Melt cheddar and parmesan into the warm sauce, creating a silky smooth texture. Fold in the peas and flaked tuna with gentle movements to maintain the tuna's texture while ensuring even distribution throughout the casserole.
- Create The Crunchy Topping:
- Mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until every crumb is coated. This ensures an evenly golden, buttery crunch across the entire top of your casserole. Spread in an even layer for maximum coverage and textural contrast.
- Bake To Golden Perfection:
- Bake uncovered at 375°F for exactly 20 minutes. The topping will become golden brown and the sauce will bubble around the edges, indicating it's reached the perfect consistency. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.
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The Dijon mustard is honestly my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered its importance when I once made the casserole without it, and the dish lacked that special brightness that cuts through the richness. My husband immediately noticed the difference and now I never skip this crucial ingredient.
Make Ahead Instructions
This casserole is perfect for busy schedules. You can prepare everything up to the point of baking, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply remove from the refrigerator while your oven preheats, then bake as directed, adding about 5–7 minutes to the cooking time to account for the chilled temperature.
Clever Substitutions
If you prefer a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half and half or whole milk, though the sauce will be slightly less rich. For a different flavor profile, try smoked gouda in place of cheddar, which adds a wonderful depth. No Ritz crackers? Crushed potato chips or panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little grated parmesan work beautifully for the topping.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs perfectly with a simple side salad dressed with a bright vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a complete meal that will please everyone, add some steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus. I often serve it with a glass of crisp white wine for adults and some fresh fruit for the kids to round out the meal.
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The History Behind The Dish
Tuna noodle casserole emerged as a popular household staple in 1950s America when convenience foods were becoming widely available. The combination of canned tuna, condensed soup, and noodles made for an economical, filling dinner that could stretch a budget. This version elevates the classic with homemade cream sauce and quality ingredients while maintaining that nostalgic comfort food appeal that has made it an enduring favorite across generations.
Commonly Asked Questions
- → Can I make this tuna casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the casserole completely but don't add the cracker topping. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the cracker topping and extend the baking time by about 10-15 minutes since it will be cold from the refrigerator.
- → What can I substitute for the Ritz crackers?
Panko breadcrumbs make an excellent substitute as mentioned in the ingredients. You could also use crushed potato chips, crushed cornflakes, or a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated parmesan for a different but equally delicious crunchy topping.
- → Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. For best results, freeze without the cracker topping and add it just before baking. If freezing after assembly, let it cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- → What type of tuna works best in this casserole?
Both water-packed and oil-packed tuna work well. Water-packed tuna is lighter and has fewer calories, while oil-packed tuna tends to be more flavorful and moist. Solid albacore tuna will provide larger chunks, while chunk light tuna will blend more into the casserole.
- → What can I serve with tuna noodle casserole?
This casserole works well with simple sides like a green salad, steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or crusty bread. For a more substantial meal, serve with a side of garlic bread and a vegetable medley. The casserole itself is quite filling, so light sides complement it best.
- → Can I make this without cream cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese with 1 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt for tanginess, or make a traditional white sauce (béchamel) using 3 tablespoons butter, 3 tablespoons flour, and 2 cups of milk. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.