Why You’ll Love this Ritz-Topped Tuna Noodle Casserole
Even if you think tuna casserole is just another tired dinner cliché, this Ritz-topped version might just change your mind.
Envision this: creamy, comforting noodles mingling with tender tuna and mushrooms, all crowned with a buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker crust that adds a golden, irresistible crunch.
It’s like the ultimate comfort food upgrade, without anything fussy or complicated. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to throw together, perfect for nights when you want cozy without the stress.
The contrast between the soft, savory filling and that crispy topping? Pure magic.
And honestly, who can resist a casserole that’s both nostalgic and a little bit fancy?
It’s the kind of meal that hits the spot and makes you wonder why this isn’t a weekly tradition.
Trust me, you’ll want to dig in.
What Ingredients are in Ritz-Topped Tuna Noodle Casserole?
Alright, let’s talk ingredients for this Ritz-Topped Tuna Noodle Casserole — the stuff that really makes this dish sing. Think of it as a cozy hug in food form: you’ve got tender noodles, earthy mushrooms, and sweet peas all swimming in a creamy, dreamy sauce with chunks of tuna.
Then, the pièce de résistance — that buttery, crispy Ritz cracker topping that’s just pure magic. It’s a nice balance of simple pantry staples coming together to make something way better than the sum of its parts. Ready? Here’s what you’ll need.
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon butter or margarine (for sautéing mushrooms)
- 1 (11 ounce) can baby peas
- 1 (6 ounce) can tuna
- 1 (10 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 0.5 (8 ounce) package egg noodles, cooked and drained
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine (for mixing with cracker crumbs)
- 36 Ritz crackers (about one sleeve), crushed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Now, a couple of quick notes on these ingredients: mushrooms bring a lovely earthiness, but feel free to swap or skip them if you’re not a fan—maybe green beans or corn could sneak in instead.
The canned peas add a pop of sweetness and color, which is nice, but frozen peas could work too if that’s what’s on hand. Tuna is the star protein here, so try to pick a good-quality canned tuna for the best flavor.
And don’t skip the Ritz crackers — they’re what give this dish that golden, buttery crunch that makes it so memorable. Butter is key for richness, but you can tweak the amount if you want it lighter or richer.
Salt and pepper are your friends here; a little seasoning goes a long way in bringing all these ingredients together. Easy, right?
How to Make this Ritz-Topped Tuna Noodle Casserole
Alright, let’s plunge into making this cozy, comfort-food classic—Ritz-Topped Tuna Noodle Casserole.
First things first: you’ll want to start by sautéing 2 cups of sliced mushrooms in 1 tablespoon of butter. This step is essential because it brings out that earthy flavor and adds a nice little richness to the dish.
While those mushrooms get all tender and fragrant, boil up half a package (that’s about 8 ounces) of egg noodles until they’re perfectly al dente—meaning tender but still with a little bite. Drain them well because nobody wants soggy noodles dragging down a casserole.
Once that’s done, grab a big bowl and mix together the cooked noodles, 1 (6-ounce) can of tuna, 1 (10-ounce) can of cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of sour cream, and those buttery mushrooms. Make sure everything is evenly combined but be gentle when folding in a can of baby peas (11 ounces), so they don’t turn into mushy little blobs. The peas add a pop of color and freshness, so treat them kindly. This mixture is the heart and soul of your casserole, so give it a good stir but no need to be too rough.
Now, here’s where the magic happens: pour that creamy mixture into a casserole dish and prepare the topping. Melt 1/2 cup of butter (or margarine, if that’s your thing) and mix it with a sleeve (about 36) of crushed Ritz crackers. These buttery, crispy crumbs form a golden, crunchy crust that’s the highlight of the whole dish.
Spread the cracker topping evenly over your casserole, then slide it into a 375°F oven. Bake for around 30 minutes, or until the crumbs look toasty and the casserole is bubbling like a cozy stew on a chilly day.
Using a high-end kitchen cookware set can enhance your cooking experience and ensure even heat distribution for the perfect bake.
And there you have it—a simple, nostalgic meal that’s as satisfying as a warm hug on a plate.
Ritz-Topped Tuna Noodle Casserole Substitutions and Variations
While the classic Ritz-Topped Tuna Noodle Casserole is a comforting crowd-pleaser, swapping out a few ingredients can turn it into something fresh and exciting without losing that cozy vibe.
For example, ditch the egg noodles for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs. Instead of cream of chicken soup, try cream of mushroom or a homemade white sauce for a richer flavor. Toss in frozen corn or chopped bell peppers for a colorful crunch.
If you’re feeling adventurous, swap tuna for cooked shredded chicken or canned salmon—yes, it’s a twist, but it works. And don’t be shy with the Ritz topping; mix in some parmesan or a pinch of paprika to jazz it up.
Variations keep dinner interesting, right?
What to Serve with Ritz-Topped Tuna Noodle Casserole
What pairs perfectly with a creamy, crunchy Ritz-Topped Tuna Noodle Casserole? Something fresh and light, definitely. I’m talking a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette—keeps things from feeling too heavy.
Roasted veggies, like asparagus or broccoli, add a nice pop of color and earthiness, balancing that rich tuna goodness. Maybe even a simple fruit salad for a touch of sweetness—because why not brighten the plate?
And don’t forget a crusty bread or dinner roll; those buttery Ritz crumbs on the casserole deserve a sidekick for mopping up every last bit.
It’s all about contrast here: creamy meets crunchy, rich meets fresh. So, while the casserole steals the spotlight, these sides give it a well-rounded supporting cast. Who says comfort food can’t have a little flair?
Final Thoughts
Even if you’re not usually a casserole fan, the Ritz-Topped Tuna Noodle Casserole has a way of sneaking into your comfort food rotation. It’s that perfect mix of creamy, crunchy, and just a little nostalgic—like a warm hug on a plate.
The Ritz cracker topping adds a buttery crunch that makes every bite more fun, and the blend of tuna, mushrooms, and peas keeps it from feeling too heavy or boring. Plus, it’s super straightforward to throw together, even if you’re not a kitchen whiz.
Honestly, it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is actually low-key easy—ideal for busy nights or when you just want something cozy without fuss. Give it a shot; who knows, it might become your new go-to comfort dish.
