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Mom's Tuna Casserole with Ritz® Cracker Topping

This is a combination of my favorite tuna casserole from my mom and a few additions of my own. No canned soups for this one.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 8 people
Calories 4337.6 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Pot
  • 1 Large Skillet
  • 1 9x13 inch Casserole Dish
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Whisk

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 16 ounce package egg noodles
  • ¼ cup butter or more to taste
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 slices bacon diced
  • 2 5 ounce cans tuna, drained and flaked
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups chicken stock
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • ½ cup chopped celery
  • ½ cup chopped cashews
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 sleeve buttery round crackers such as Ritz®, crushed

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
  • Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rapid boil. Cook egg noodles at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, 7 to 9 minutes.
  • At the same time, melt 1/4 cup butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bacon and cook until onion is tender and bacon is crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Add flour; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Whisk in chicken stock, milk, mayonnaise, and soy sauce until combined. Remove from the heat and transfer sauce mixture to a large bowl.
  • Drain pasta and add to the sauce mixture. Stir in Cheddar cheese, corn, celery, cashews, salt, and pepper. Transfer to the prepared casserole dish and spread crushed Ritz® crackers over top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until heated through, 15 to 20 minutes.

Notes

To elevate this comfort classic, consider incorporating a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika into the sauce for a deeper umami profile. Ensure your noodles are cooked al dente; overcooked pasta can lead to a mushy texture in the final casserole. For an even richer, crispier topping, mix a tablespoon of melted butter with the crushed crackers before spreading, or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. A high-quality, oil-packed tuna (drained) can significantly improve the overall flavor and mouthfeel. Finally, for a professional touch, finish with fresh chopped chives or parsley just before serving to add brightness and color.