The BEST Tuna Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 cups wide egg noodles
about 5 oz
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup celery
chopped
- 1 red bell pepper
chopped
- 1/2 onion
diced
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 1/4 cups whole milk
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 12 oz water packed chunk tuna
drained
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
thawed
- 4 oz cheddar cheese
shredded
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp parsley
chopped
- 1 tbsp butter
melted
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease a 2 quart baking dish and set aside.
- 2
Cook noodles according to package directions, removing when al dente. Drain, and set aside.
- 3
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add celery, bell pepper, and onion and cook until onion is translucent, stirring frequently.
- 4
Stir in flour, salt and pepper. Slowly add milk and cook, stirring constantly until thick and bubbly. Stir in Dijon mustard.
- 5
Add tuna, peas, noodles, and cheddar cheese and fold into the sauce.
- 6
Pour mixture into the prepared dish.
- 7
Combine Panko, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika parsley and melted butter in a small bowl and sprinkle over the top.
- 8
Bake casserole for 25 to 30 minutes, uncovered, or until heated through and golden brown on top. Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
The BEST Tuna Casserole
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About this Recipe
Craving a classic comfort food that's both easy and incredibly satisfying? This recipe for The BEST Tuna Casserole brings a cherished family favorite to your table with a delicious from-scratch twist that’s perfect for any night of the week.
What truly sets this tuna casserole apart is its velvety, homemade sauce, crafted with whole milk and subtle Dijon mustard, which perfectly coats tender wide egg noodles, flaky water-packed chunk tuna, and sweet peas. The crowning glory is a crispy Panko-Parmesan topping, seasoned with aromatic smoked paprika, adding an irresistible crunch that transforms every bite.
Prepare for a rich, creamy dish that’s wonderfully savory and deeply satisfying. You'll find a delightful interplay of textures, from the perfectly cooked wide egg noodles to the tender celery, red bell pepper, and onion, all complementing the hearty chunk tuna. The crisp, cheesy topping provides a fantastic counterpoint to the smooth, luxurious sauce, ensuring a truly comforting experience that pleases a crowd. This casserole serves 10, making it an excellent option for family gatherings.
Customization & Variations
While this recipe shines as written, you can easily adapt it to your pantry or preferences. For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of dried herbs like thyme to the sauce. You could also swap out some of the cheddar cheese for another melty variety like Gruyere for a gourmet touch, or use regular bread crumbs if panko isn't available. If you prefer a different vegetable, a handful of thawed corn kernels could be a sweet addition alongside the peas.
This hearty tuna casserole is ideal for a comforting family dinner or a potluck gathering. For a complete and simply delicious meal, serve it alongside fresh homemade dinner rolls and a vibrant broccoli salad, as suggested.