Tuna Noodle Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups potato chips
crushed
- 2 slices white sandwich bread
torn into 1-inch pieces
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- salt
- pepper
- 3 6 oz cans solid white tuna in water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 12 ounces wide egg noodles
- 10 ounces white mushrooms
trimmed and sliced ¼-inch thick
- 1 onion
chopped fine
- 1 red bell pepper
chopped fine
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 ½ cups half-and-half
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups frozen peas
Directions
- 1
Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 425℉.
- 2
Mix together cheeses in a small bowl. In a food processor, pulse potato chips, bread, ¼ cup of the cheese mixture, 2 tablespoons butter, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper until coarsely ground (about 8 pulses). Set aside.
- 3
Place tuna in a mesh strainer and press dry with paper towels. Transfer to a large bowl. In a small bowl, microwave oil, lemon juice, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper for 30 seconds. Stir oil mixture into tuna and let sit for 10 minutes.
- 4
Bring 4 quarts of water to boil in a Dutch oven. Add pasta and 1 tablespoon salt. Cook until noodles are al dente. Drain pasta and rinse under cold water. Drain again and set noodles aside.
- 5
Dry the empty Dutch oven. Add 1 tablespoon butter and melt over medium-high heat. Add ¼ teaspoon salt and mushrooms. Cook 6-8 minutes until liquid evaporates and mushrooms are browned. Transfer mushrooms into the bowl with the tuna.
- 6
Add 1 tablespoon butter, onion, and bell pepper to Dutch oven and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until softened. Transfer onion and bell pepper to the bowl with the tuna and mushrooms.
- 7
Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the dutch oven and melt over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute, until golden brown. Slowly whisk in half-and-half and chicken broth. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- 8
Remove Dutch oven from heat. Whisk in remaining cheese mixture until smooth. Stir in pasta, tuna mixture, peas, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Transfer mixture into a 9 inch by 13 inch pan. Top with bread-crumb mixture.
- 9
Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until golden brown. Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes. Serve hot.
Tuna Noodle Casserole
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About this Recipe
Craving a comforting classic that brings a nostalgic smile to everyone at the table? This Tuna Noodle Casserole is a fun spin on a beloved dish, promising satisfying flavors and a delightful crunch.
What makes this recipe truly special is its hearty combination of ingredients and that irresistible topping. It's packed with savory tuna, sweet peas, and earthy mushrooms, all brought together in a creamy sauce. The real magic happens with the generous layer of crunchy potato chips on top, transforming a simple casserole into something extraordinary that consistently earns rave reviews.
When you dive into this casserole, you'll experience a delightful interplay of textures and flavors. Expect tender wide egg noodles enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce, studded with flaky solid white tuna, tender white mushrooms, and vibrant frozen peas. The sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses melt beautifully, adding a layer of savory depth and a luxurious mouthfeel. Each bite finishes with a salty, satisfying crisp from the potato chip topping, making it a truly comforting and complete meal.
While this recipe shines as written, you can easily personalize it. Feel free to adjust the ratio of Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheese to fine-tune the creaminess and tang to your preference. For the topping, experiment with different flavors of crushed potato chips to add your own unique twist. You can also vary the amounts of frozen peas and sliced white mushrooms to emphasize your favorite vegetables.
This Tuna Noodle Casserole is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, a potluck, or any occasion where you want to serve a warm, hearty, and universally loved meal that feels both classic and exciting.