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Cozy Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole

cheesy tuna noodle casserole - featured image
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A warm and comforting tuna noodle casserole featuring a creamy homemade cheese sauce, tender noodles, and a crispy breadcrumb topping. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces egg noodles
  • 2 cans (5 ounces each) chunk light tuna in water, drained well
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk, warmed (substitute with unsweetened almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of egg noodles and cook according to package instructions, about 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain well and set aside. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water if needed.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until pale golden.
  3. Slowly pour in 2 cups of warmed whole milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Stir in 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Add 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and smooth. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, gently toss cooked noodles, drained tuna, thawed peas, and cheese sauce until evenly coated.
  6. Transfer mixture into a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
  7. In a small bowl, mix 1 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter and 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (if using). Sprinkle evenly over casserole.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until topping is golden and casserole is bubbly.
  9. Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If topping browns too fast, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking. Warm milk before adding to sauce for smooth thickening. Drain tuna well to avoid watery casserole. Use gluten-free pasta and flour for gluten-free version. Panko breadcrumbs can be substituted with crushed cornflakes or crackers. Let casserole rest before cutting to prevent sauce from spilling.

Nutrition

Keywords: tuna noodle casserole, cheesy casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, tuna recipe, creamy casserole, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/cozy-cheesy-tuna-noodle-casserole-recipe-easy-comfort-food-delight/