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Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe with Crunchy Buttered Cracker Topping

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A quick and easy creamy tuna noodle casserole topped with a crunchy buttery cracker crust, perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 g) egg noodles, cooked al dente
  • 2 cans (5 oz / 142 g each) tuna packed in water, drained well
  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk, whole or 2%
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup (120 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley or fresh
  • 1 1/2 cups (150 g) buttery crackers, crushed (such as Ritz crackers)
  • 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) egg noodles and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup (240 ml) milk, 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt, and 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) cream of mushroom soup. Whisk together until smooth and creamy.
  3. Stir in finely chopped small onion and minced garlic cloves. Season with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon dried parsley. Mix well.
  4. Gently fold in the drained tuna (2 cans, 5 oz / 142 g each) and 1 cup (120 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Make sure the tuna is broken into bite-sized chunks but not mashed.
  5. Add the drained egg noodles to the bowl and fold everything together until evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
  6. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Spread evenly with a spatula.
  7. In a medium bowl, combine 1 ½ cups (150 g) crushed buttery crackers with 4 tablespoons (56 g) melted unsalted butter. Stir until all crumbs are moistened and glossy.
  8. Evenly sprinkle the buttered cracker topping over the casserole surface. Pat down lightly to help it stick.
  9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
  10. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook noodles to avoid mushiness; drain tuna thoroughly to prevent watery casserole; use melted unsalted butter for the topping for best crispness; if topping browns too fast, tent with foil halfway through baking; casserole can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated; add extra baking time if baking from fridge; can freeze before baking but topping may lose some crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: tuna casserole, creamy tuna noodle casserole, buttery cracker topping, easy casserole, comfort food, quick dinner, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/creamy-tuna-noodle-casserole-recipe-with-crunchy-buttered-cracker-topping-easy-and-perfect/