Why You’ll Love this Ritz-Topped Tuna Noodle Casserole
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that delivers on both nostalgia and flavor, this Ritz-topped tuna noodle casserole won’t disappoint.
The combination of tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, and sautéed mushrooms creates a perfect base, while the creamy mixture of chicken soup and sour cream brings everything together in velvety harmony.
What truly elevates this dish is that irresistibly crispy Ritz cracker topping—buttery, golden-brown perfection that crackles with each bite!
The contrast between the crunchy crown and the bubbling, savory goodness beneath is simply divine. Trust me, it’s a weeknight winner.
What Ingredients are in Ritz-Topped Tuna Noodle Casserole?
This classic tuna noodle casserole brings together pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create the ultimate comfort food experience. The combination might seem simple, but trust me, when these ingredients meld together in the oven, something magical happens.
The rich, creamy base pairs perfectly with the flaky tuna, while the buttery Ritz topping provides that irresistible crunch we all crave in a good casserole.
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon butter or margarine (for sautéing)
- 1 (11 ounce) can baby peas
- 1 (6 ounce) can tuna
- 1 (10 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 (8 ounce) package egg noodles, cooked
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine (for topping)
- 36 Ritz crackers, crushed (approximately 1 sleeve)
- Salt and pepper to taste
When shopping for these ingredients, consider choosing solid white albacore tuna for a meatier texture, though chunk light works perfectly fine too.
For the mushrooms, white button mushrooms are traditional, but cremini would add a deeper flavor if you’re feeling adventurous.
And while the recipe calls for baby peas, you could substitute frozen peas in a pinch—just make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture in your casserole.
The Ritz crackers are non-negotiable though, their distinctive buttery flavor is what makes this topping so special.
How to Make this Ritz-Topped Tuna Noodle Casserole
Making this cozy casserole is surprisingly simple, and the results are absolutely worth it. Start by sautéing 2 cups of sliced mushrooms in 1 tablespoon of butter until they’re golden and fragrant, then set them aside.
While the mushrooms are cooking, boil half a package (about 4 ounces) of egg noodles according to package directions until they’re tender but still have a bit of bite to them. Nobody wants mushy noodles in their casserole, right?
In a large mixing bowl, combine your drained noodles with a 6-ounce can of tuna (drained, of course), 1 can of cream of chicken soup, and 1 cup of sour cream. Gently fold in your sautéed mushrooms and an 11-ounce can of baby peas. The key word here is “gently” — we want those peas to remain whole, not smushed into oblivion.
Transfer this creamy mixture into a casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Now for the crowning glory: melt 1/2 cup of butter and mix it with one sleeve of crushed Ritz crackers (about 36 crackers). This buttery, crunchy topping gets sprinkled all over the top of your casserole, creating that signature crispy contrast to the creamy filling beneath.
Pop the whole dish into a 375°F oven for about 30 minutes. For even better results, consider cooking this in a premium Dutch oven that distributes heat evenly throughout the casserole. You’ll know it’s ready when the cracker topping turns that perfect golden-brown color and the edges are bubbling with deliciousness.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving — though I find this nearly impossible to do with the amazing aromas filling the kitchen. A simple seasoning of salt and pepper to taste is all this casserole needs to shine as a complete meal that combines creamy, crunchy, and savory in every bite.
Ritz-Topped Tuna Noodle Casserole Substitutions and Variations
While our classic Ritz-topped tuna casserole recipe is a comfort food masterpiece on its own, the beauty of this dish lies in its flexibility.
I’m constantly amazed by how easily you can customize it to your preferences or pantry availability.
Swap the tuna for shredded chicken or canned salmon for a different protein profile.
Not a mushroom fan? Replace them with diced celery or bell peppers for that essential crunch.
You can substitute potato chips or panko for the Ritz crackers, though I’ll admit nothing quite matches that buttery Ritz texture when it turns golden-brown and crispy!
What to Serve with Ritz-Topped Tuna Noodle Casserole
A hearty, golden-brown tuna noodle casserole practically begs for the right accompaniments to round out your meal.
I’m a firm believer that simple, crisp vegetable sides create the perfect contrast to this creamy, rich dish. A lightly dressed arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the casserole’s richness beautifully, while steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus add vibrant color and nutritional balance.
For bread lovers, garlic knots or a crusty baguette work wonderfully—though I’d skip additional starches if you’re watching carbs.
Who needs two vehicles for butter on one plate? The casserole already has that covered!
Final Thoughts
This humble tuna noodle casserole, topped with buttery Ritz crackers, represents comfort food at its finest—unpretentious yet utterly satisfying.
I’m convinced there’s something magical about that golden cracker crust giving way to creamy, savory goodness beneath.
What I love most is how this dish brings together simple ingredients—canned tuna, mushrooms sautéed to perfection, tender peas—transforming them into something greater than their parts.
The contrast between the crispy topping and the velvety mixture creates textural harmony that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Sometimes, the most memorable meals aren’t fancy or complicated, just honest food made with care.
