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Cozy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe with Crispy Golden Topping

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A comforting and easy tuna noodle casserole with a creamy sauce and a crispy golden panko-Parmesan topping, perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces egg noodles, cooked al dente
  • 2 cans (5 ounces each) solid white tuna in water, drained
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms (fresh or canned)
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add egg noodles and cook until just al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms; cook another 4-5 minutes until mushrooms soften and release moisture.
  5. Sprinkle flour over the sautéed veggies and stir to coat. Cook for 1 minute to remove raw flour taste.
  6. Slowly whisk in milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until sauce thickens and bubbles gently, about 5 minutes.
  7. Remove sauce from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and optional thyme or parsley.
  8. In a large bowl, mix cooked noodles, drained tuna, frozen peas, and the creamy sauce. Stir gently to combine.
  9. Pour mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
  10. In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and 1 tablespoon melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
  11. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
  12. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Avoid overcooking noodles as they will continue cooking in the oven. If topping browns too quickly, cover casserole loosely with foil halfway through baking. Rest casserole before serving to help it set. For gluten-free, substitute pasta, flour, and breadcrumbs accordingly. For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and cheese alternatives and olive oil instead of butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: tuna noodle casserole, comfort food, casserole recipe, easy dinner, crispy topping, creamy sauce, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://evabake.com/cozy-tuna-noodle-casserole-recipe-with-crispy-golden-topping-easy-and-perfect/