Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole Elevated Comfort Food
Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole: The Ultimate Throwback!
Fancy a blast from the past, but with a modern twist? Remember that tuna casserole recipe? We are elevating that classic tuna casserole into something truly special! This creamy tuna noodle casserole is pure comfort food, and I'm gonna share my secrets.
What’s the Deal With This Casserole?
Honestly, this isn't just any easy tuna noodle casserole . It’s a hug in a dish. This dish hails from simpler times and is deeply rooted in American home cooking.
It's proper grub! This recipe lands at a medium difficulty level, mainly because of the roux, and takes about 55 minutes from start to finish.
You’ll get about 6 generous servings, perfect for a family dinner.
Why You'll Obsess Over This Dish
This updated tuna casserole recipe is packed with protein from the tuna and is surprisingly satisfying. It's the perfect dish for a chilly evening when you need a bit of nostalgia.
Plus, the crispy breadcrumb topping? Oh my gosh, game changer! This comfort food casserole is special because it balances the familiar flavours of the classic with fresh ingredients and a homemade touch.
Get your apron on. We're getting started on the ingredients you'll need for this homemade tuna noodle casserole .
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole
So, you're ready to make some seriously good creamy tuna noodle casserole ? Brilliant! Before we dive into the method, let's make sure you've got all the bits and bobs you need.
This isn't just any tuna casserole recipe ; it's elevated comfort food casserole perfection!
Main Ingredients
Okay, let's talk ingredients. Quality matters, especially with the tuna.
- Egg Noodles: 340g (12 oz) . Cook them al dente! Soggy noodles are a casserole crime.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) .
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium , finely chopped. About a cup should do it.
- Celery Stalks: 2 , finely chopped. Again, around a cup.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
- Unsalted Butter: 6 tablespoons (85g) , divided. Butter makes everything better!
- All-Purpose Flour: 6 tablespoons (45g) . This is for our lovely roux.
- Whole Milk: 3 cups (710 ml) , warmed. Warming it stops lumps, trust me!
- Salt: 1 teaspoon .
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon .
- Ground Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon . Don’t skip this! It adds warmth.
- Vegetable Broth: 1 cup (237 ml) .
- Frozen Peas: 1 cup (113g) .
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: ½ cup (56g) .
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup (28g) .
- Tuna: 2 cans (142g/5 oz each) , drained. Look for tuna in water or olive oil. Good quality tuna is key to a classic tuna casserole . I once used cheap tuna and, honestly, the whole tuna casserole bake was ruined.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: 1 cup (40g) .
- Unsalted Butter (for topping): 2 tablespoons (30g) , melted.
Quality Check: For the tuna, go for sustainably sourced if you can. It makes a difference.
Seasoning Notes
Spices can make or break it!
- The Essential Combo: Salt, pepper, and nutmeg are your best mates here.
- Flavor Boosters: A dash of onion powder or garlic powder can add an extra layer.
- Substitutions: Don't have nutmeg? A tiny pinch of mace will do the trick. Honestly, both work wonders for an updated tuna casserole recipe .
Equipment Needed
Nothing too fancy here.
- Large pot (for the noodles)
- Colander
- Large skillet or saucepan (for the sauce)
- Whisk
- 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Cheese grater
Household Hacks: Don't have a whisk? A fork will work in a pinch! Need a baking dish? Use a deep casserole dish.
The goal is an easy tuna noodle casserole , after all!
Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole: Elevated Comfort Food
Alright, let's talk creamy tuna noodle casserole . Honestly, who doesn't love a good comfort food casserole? It's like a warm hug on a plate.
But we're not settling for just "good." We're aiming for amazing! Forget those bland, boring versions you might remember from childhood.
This tuna casserole recipe is an updated, elevated take on the classic tuna casserole , bursting with flavor and texture.
It's definitely not your average Tuesday night dinner.
Prep Steps: Setting the Stage for Casserole Success
Before we even think about turning on the hob, let's get our mise en place sorted. This is chef speak for "get your act together.
" Finely chop 1 medium yellow onion and 2 celery stalks. Mince 2 cloves of garlic. Get the 340g of egg noodles cooking.
Grate 0.5 cup of cheddar and 0.25 cup parmesan. Open the two 142g cans of tuna and drain them really well.
This will save you a ton of time and stress later. No one wants to be chopping onions while the sauce is burning!
Oh, and a quick safety reminder: always use oven gloves when handling hot dishes! I've got the scars to prove why!
step-by-step: From Hob to Heaven
- Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) .
- Cook 340g egg noodles until al dente (slightly firm). Don't overcook them!
- Sauté chopped onion and celery in 1 tbsp olive oil until softened. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. This is where the magic starts.
- Melt 4 tbsp butter. Whisk in 6 tbsp flour and cook for 1- 2 minutes for the roux.
- Gradually whisk in 3 cups warmed milk and 1 cup vegetable broth until smooth. Simmer until thickened.
- Stir in 1 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp pepper, 0.25 tsp nutmeg, 1 cup peas, cheddar, and parmesan.
- Gently fold in drained tuna and cooked noodles. Pour into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Top with a mixture of 1 cup panko breadcrumbs and 2 tbsp melted butter. Bake for 20- 25 minutes , until golden brown.
Pro Tips: From Good to Best
Want to take your homemade tuna noodle casserole to the next level? Here's how. A touch of nutmeg is the key to that proper creamy sauce.
Another expert trick is to warm the milk before adding to your roux to prevent a lumpy texture. Warming the milk stops it from creating lumps.
If you want to save time, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and keep it in the fridge.
The tuna noodle casserole with breadcrumbs can then be baked when needed.
One common mistake? Overcooking the noodles. Honestly, nobody wants mushy easy tuna noodle casserole . Al dente is key! Another potential pitfall? Not seasoning properly.
Don't be shy with the salt and pepper! This tuna casserole bake should taste amazing.
So there you have it! An updated tuna casserole recipe that's guaranteed to impress. Enjoy the warmth, the flavor, and the comfort. You deserve it!
Recipe Notes for the Best Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole Ever!
Right, so you're about to dive into making this amazing creamy tuna noodle casserole . Here are a few extra bits of wisdom to make it even better.
I learned some of these the hard way, let me tell you! This is the tuna casserole recipe your friends will rave about.
Let's Talk Serving Suggestions
Honestly, presentation matters. Don't just dump it on a plate! For plating, scoop a generous portion of the creamy tuna casserole onto a plate.
A sprig of parsley adds a pop of color. Think bistro vibes, not school cafeteria.
Complementary sides? A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness nicely. Or steamed green beans. A glass of crisp white wine would also be top-notch. Just saying.
Storage Sorted!
Leftovers? Lucky you! Fridge wise, this classic tuna casserole keeps well for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
Freezing? It's doable but the texture might change a bit. Honestly, it is best enjoyed fresh. If freezing, cool completely first, then wrap tightly. Reheat thoroughly in the oven.
For reheating, the oven is your best bet. Cover with foil to prevent drying out. Microwaving works in a pinch, but it might get a little…sad.
Variations on a Theme
Want to mix it up? For a dairy-free version, use plant based milk and cheese substitutes. It still tastes amazing, promise! You could also use gluten-free noodles to be more celiac friendly.
Seasonal swaps? In the summer, add some grilled corn or zucchini. In the winter, roasted butternut squash would be incredible. This is how you make a good homemade tuna noodle casserole .
Nutrition Nutshell
Okay, I'm no nutritionist, but here’s the gist. This comfort food casserole is a good source of protein from the tuna.
It also provides carbs for energy. Just don't go eating the entire thing in one sitting, yeah?
One serving of this tuna casserole bake has approximately 450-550 calories, 25-30g of protein, 25-30g of fat and 40-45g of carbohydrates.
This tasty recipe will be your next easy tuna noodle casserole .
Honestly, this creamy tuna noodle casserole is all about comfort and flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own! Enjoy making this updated tuna casserole recipe .
You got this! It will soon be the best tuna noodle casserole ever!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make creamy tuna noodle casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole (up to the topping stage) and store it, well covered, in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, sprinkle on the topping and bake as directed, you might need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
This makes it a great option for busy weeknights a proper "Blue Peter" style make-ahead meal!
What's the best way to store leftover tuna noodle casserole?
Let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Note that the topping might lose some of its crispness upon reheating, but it'll still be tasty!
I'm not a fan of peas; what other vegetables can I add to my creamy tuna noodle casserole?
No worries, swap out the peas for any veg you fancy. Diced carrots, green beans, sliced mushrooms, or even some sweetcorn would all work well. Just make sure they are cooked until tender before adding them to the casserole, unless using frozen then add with the sauce.
It's your casserole, so feel free to get creative and add what you like!
Can I use a different kind of topping for this creamy tuna noodle casserole recipe?
Definitely! While panko breadcrumbs offer a fantastic crunch, crushed potato chips (crisps!) or even French fried onions can be used for a salty, savoury topping. For a cheesier topping, try a layer of shredded cheddar or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It's all about experimenting and finding what tickles your fancy!
Is there a way to lighten up this creamy tuna noodle casserole without sacrificing flavour?
You bet! You can use 2% milk instead of whole milk to reduce the fat content in the sauce. Also, consider using light mayonnaise in place of some of the butter when making the roux. Greek yogurt can also be stirred into the sauce at the end for extra creaminess and protein!
Just be careful not to boil the yogurt as it may split.
Help! My creamy tuna noodle casserole sauce is too thick/thin - what do I do?
If your sauce is too thick, whisk in a little extra warm milk or vegetable broth, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. If it's too thin, make a slurry of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and whisk it into the simmering sauce.
Continue to simmer for a minute or two until the sauce thickens. Remember, patience is a virtue!
Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole Elevated Comfort Fo
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-30g |
| Fiber | 3-5g |
