Tuna noodle casserole is a classic meal that offers comfort and convenience. Although the variations on the dish are many, and most of us have a family tweak that makes it extra special, most home cooks use canned soup, which is an ingredient that because of its high sodium content isn't suitable for everyone. Our recipe instead uses an easy homemade creamy sauce to achieve the perfect texture of a soft and decadent casserole, just the way we remember it.
The casserole can take on many vegetables of your liking; we used meaty mushrooms and peas, but broccoli florets or chopped spinach also make a great pair, adding texture, color, and nutrition. For the tuna, go with solid white albacore canned in water, and choose broad egg noodles unless a dietary restriction or egg allergy prevents it—in that case use any short pasta of your liking and skip the mayonnaise in the sauce as it also contains eggs. Serve with a simple salad with a bright lemon vinaigrette for an easy and flavorful meal.
"Both yummy and very nostalgic! The noodles were perfectly cooked and very creamy. The tuna is incorporated into the sauce, and the small chunks add a nice bite and different texture. The peas and pimentos add a lovely sweetness and a pop of color. The breadcrumb topping is perfectly crispy." —Jasmine Smith
Ingredients
For the Noodles:
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Fine salt, as needed
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8 ounces broad egg noodles
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2 ounces (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, more as needed
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8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
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3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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2 1/2 cups milk
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1 1/2 cups frozen peas, thawed
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2 (5- to 6-ounce) cans tuna in water, drained and flaked
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2 to 3 tablespoons coarsely chopped pimientos, drained
For the Topping:
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1 cup soft fresh breadcrumbs
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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1/4 teaspoon fine salt, more to taste
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1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley, for garnish, optional
Steps to Make It
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Gather the ingredients.
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Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat to 350 F/180 C. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to package directions until al dente.
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Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the noodles from cooking further. Set aside.
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Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
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Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until golden brown and tender.
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Add the flour. Cook, stirring continuously until it begins to smell nutty, 1 to 2 minutes.
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Gradually add the milk and continue to cook, stirring continuously, until the sauce has thickened.
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Stir in the mayonnaise, peas, tuna, and pimientos. Add salt to taste. Bring to a simmer and continue to cook, stirring continuously, 1 minute longer.
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Add the noodles to the sauce and stir to combine.
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Lightly butter a 2-quart baking dish.
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Put the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
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To make the topping, add the breadcrumbs, unsalted butter, and salt to a small bowl. Mix well to combine.
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Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the casserole.
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Bake until the casserole is bubbly, and the topping is browned, about 25 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley, if using. Serve and enjoy.
How to Make Your Own Breadcrumbs
If you have a loaf of bread that has become stale, making homemade breadcrumbs is very simple. Simply tear the loaf into pieces and process in a food processor until finely ground. Freeze the crumbs in a food storage bag and use them as needed.
For toasted breadcrumbs, spread the crumbs out on a rimmed baking sheet and bake in a preheated 325 F oven for 12 to 14 minutes, until browned and crunchy. Keep in an airtight container for a couple of weeks.
Feeling Adventurous? Try This:
Our casserole makes a great template for you to add other ingredients of your liking:
- Substitute the breadcrumbs for French fried onion rings or crushed potato chips.
- Sauté 1/2 cup of thinly sliced celery or a combination of celery with 1/4 cup of chopped onion, and use instead of mushrooms.
- Add 1 cup of shredded cheese to the thickened sauce before you add the mayonnaise.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture, or a dash or two of tabasco to the sauce.
- Add 1/4 cup of Parmesan or Pecorino cheese to add extra tang and make the topping extra crunchy.
- Add 1/2 cup thawed frozen carrots for extra vegetables.
Salt and pepper can add additional flavor to this dish but if using canned breadcrumbs or potato chips as a topping, go lighter on the salt as these ingredients will already include salt.
How to Store Tuna Casserole
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- To reheat the tuna noodle casserole, use a microwave or place in a 350 F oven until hot.
- Freeze tuna noodle casserole to have it ready for a last-minute meal. Cook the pasta and sauce and assemble everything except for the breadcrumbs. Cool, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to three months. Cook directly from frozen in a 350 F oven, for 25 minutes, covered in tin foil. Take out of the oven and top with the buttery breadcrumbs. Place back in the oven and bake, uncovered, for an extra 25 minutes until the topping is crunchy.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
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527 | Calories |
31g | Fat |
37g | Carbs |
25g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
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Servings: 4 to 6 | |
Amount per serving | |
Calories | 527 |
% Daily Value* | |
Total Fat 31g | 40% |
Saturated Fat 12g | 58% |
Cholesterol 81mg | 27% |
Sodium 1836mg | 80% |
Total Carbohydrate 37g | 14% |
Dietary Fiber 4g | 15% |
Total Sugars 9g | |
Protein 25g | |
Vitamin C 11mg | 54% |
Calcium 186mg | 14% |
Iron 4mg | 20% |
Potassium 526mg | 11% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. |
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