Save A comforting, classic American casserole featuring tender noodles, flaky tuna, creamy sauce, and a golden, crunchy onion topping.
This casserole has been a family favorite for years, bringing warmth and happiness to our dinners all season long.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 340 g (12 oz) wide egg noodles
- Tuna & Vegetables: 2 cans (each 170 g/6 oz) tuna in water, drained, 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas, 1 cup (120 g) sliced button mushrooms (fresh or canned), 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Sauce: 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons (16 g) all-purpose flour, 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk, 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken broth, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cheese & Topping: 1 cup (115 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup (60 g) crispy fried onions (store-bought)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking dish.
- Cook Noodles:
- Cook the egg noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and mushrooms; sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Add Flour:
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
- Make Sauce:
- Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Season Sauce:
- Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine cooked noodles, sauce, drained tuna, peas, and half the cheddar cheese. Mix gently.
- Assemble Casserole:
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese and top evenly with crispy fried onions.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Rest:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Save This dish has brought my family together countless evenings, filling our home with warmth and delicious aromas worth savoring.
Required Tools
Large pot, Skillet, Whisk, Mixing bowl, 9 x 13 inch baking dish, Oven
Allergen Information
Contains Eggs (noodles), Wheat/Gluten (noodles, flour, fried onions), Milk (butter, milk, cheese), Fish (tuna). Crispy fried onions may contain soy check packaging.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories: 430, Total Fat: 16 g, Carbohydrates: 47 g, Protein: 27 g
Save This classic casserole is sure to impress and comfort your loved ones with every bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use fresh onions instead of fried onions?
Yes, fresh onions can be sautéed for a softer texture, but frying adds a desirable crunch and flavor contrast to the topping.
- → Is it possible to substitute the tuna with another protein?
While tuna is traditional, flaky white fish or cooked chicken can be used for a similar texture and taste experience.
- → How can I make the sauce thicker?
Ensure that the butter and flour are well cooked to form a roux before gradually adding milk and broth; simmering until thickened will help achieve the right consistency.
- → What type of cheese works best for this dish?
Sharp cheddar provides a rich, tangy flavor that complements the creamy sauce and tuna, enhancing overall richness.
- → Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours before baking to maintain freshness and ease of serving.