Description
Comfort meets nostalgia in this classic tuna noodle casserole, blending creamy sauce, tender egg noodles, and flaky tuna. Crispy breadcrumb topping adds crunch, making this dish a hearty reminder of home-cooked meals that invite you to savor every comforting bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein Ingredients:
- 2 (5 ounces) cans tuna, drained and flaked
Starch Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) egg noodles
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
Complementary Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups frozen peas (or mixed vegetables)
- 1 (10.5 ounces) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1 cup milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating it to 375F (190C), creating an ideal environment for baking the casserole.
- Boil the egg noodles until they reach a perfect al dente texture, then drain and set them aside for later incorporation.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Sauté diced onions until they become translucent and softened, releasing their sweet aromatics.
- Add minced garlic and quickly cook to enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- Introduce frozen peas to the skillet, warming them through and adding a burst of vibrant color and nutrition.
- Pour in cream of mushroom soup, milk, and cheddar cheese, stirring until the mixture becomes a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and paprika to elevate the taste profile.
- Gently fold in the tuna, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the creamy mixture.
- Incorporate the cooked noodles, carefully mixing to coat them completely with the sauce.
- Transfer the entire mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter to create a crispy, golden topping.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture generously over the casserole, ensuring complete coverage.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, helping it set and cool slightly.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and additional flavor before serving.
Notes
- Enhance texture by toasting panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet before sprinkling on top for extra crunch and golden color.
- Customize protein options by substituting tuna with rotisserie chicken, canned salmon, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and choosing reduced-fat cheese varieties without compromising flavor.
- Boost nutritional value by adding chopped spinach or mixed vegetables to increase veggie content and create a more balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg