Description
If you are a tuna lover, you must try The Best Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole from scratch ever and I promise, I’m not exaggerating! This recipe is guaranteed to make anyone who doesn’t enjoy canned tuna a believer that it’s possible to turn it into something delicious.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 12 ounces egg noodles (¾ pound)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 8 ounces mushrooms, chopped
- ¼ cup celery, diced
- ¼ cup onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon or salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground if possible
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3 cans (5 oz) solid albacore tuna packed in water, drained
- 1 ½ cups frozen peas
For the topping:
- 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
Instructions
1. Cook the noodles according to the package directions and drain well. Rinse lightly with cold water to prevent sticking.
2. Heat the oven to 425°F. Spray a 9×13 inch pan with cooking spray.
3. Melt the butter in a large saute pan and add the mushrooms, celery, and onion. Saute for 5 minutes. Season with the bouillon and pepper.
4. Push the vegetables to the edge of the pan and stir in the flour, then brown for a minute.
5. Whisk in the milk, cream, and broth and continue whisking until the sauce thickens lightly.
6. Add the cheese and stir until melted.
7. Add the tuna, noodles, and peas and stir until combined.
8. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared pan.
9. Combine the Ritz crackers and melted butter, then sprinkle over the noodles and add the shredded cheese.
10. Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and the top is lightly browned.
Notes
Use a can of cream of mushroom or celery soup in place of the heavy cream and broth if desired. Allow the sauce to simmer until thickened before combining with tuna and peas to ensure a creamy consistency. Stick with egg noodles for best results, as they provide a light and fluffy texture.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 526
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 411mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.4g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 116mg