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Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe with Crispy Golden Breadcrumbs

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A comforting and easy-to-make casserole featuring tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, creamy cheese sauce, and a crispy golden breadcrumb topping. Perfect for family dinners and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces egg noodles, cooked al dente
  • 2 (5-ounce) cans chunk light tuna, drained
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided, softened
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs (preferably fresh panko)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or parsley (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly and set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add egg noodles and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
  3. In a medium skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until light golden.
  5. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, dried thyme or parsley, and lemon zest if using.
  7. Gently fold in drained tuna, cooked noodles, and thawed peas until evenly coated with sauce.
  8. In a small skillet, melt remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
  9. Pour tuna noodle mixture into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle crispy breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
  10. Bake for 20-25 minutes until topping is golden and casserole is bubbly around edges.
  11. Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook noodles to avoid mushy casserole. Drain tuna well to prevent watery sauce. Toast breadcrumbs on medium heat and stir frequently to avoid burning. Sauce thickness can be adjusted with milk. Prepare sauce and noodles ahead, keep breadcrumbs separate until baking for best crispiness. Let casserole rest before serving for easier portioning.

Nutrition

Keywords: tuna noodle casserole, creamy tuna casserole, tuna casserole with breadcrumbs, easy casserole recipe, comfort food, family dinner, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/creamy-tuna-noodle-casserole-recipe-with-crispy-golden-breadcrumbs-easy-and-perfect/