Tuna Casserole

Ingredients Breakdown

Topping

Ingredient	Amount
Breadcrumbs	⅓ cup
Butter (melted)	2 tbsp

Casserole

Ingredient	Amount
Dried egg noodles	7 oz
Frozen peas	1 cup (150 g)
Salted butter	¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g)
All-purpose flour	¼ cup (31 g)
Basil	1 tsp
Oregano	1 tsp
Thyme	1 dash
Kosher salt	½ tsp
Whole milk	3 ½ cups (857.5 g)
Parmesan cheese (grated)	½ cup
Tuna (packed in water)	2 cans (5 oz each)

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Preparation Overview

Step	Time Needed
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	20 minutes
Total Time	~35 minutes

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Topping

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with breadcrumbs until evenly combined. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook Noodles and Peas

1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the egg noodles until al dente (3–5 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. In a small pot of boiling water, cook the peas until tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. In a medium pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour, basil, oregano, thyme, and salt. Continue whisking for 1 minute.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk. Stir constantly until the sauce begins to boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
4. Whisk until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Fold the drained noodles, peas, and flaked tuna into the sauce until evenly mixed.
2. Pour the mixture into a 10×8-inch baking dish or oven-safe skillet.

Step 5: Add Topping and Bake

1. Sprinkle the prepared breadcrumb topping evenly over the casserole.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
3. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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Pro Tips for Success

✔ Customize Herbs: Adjust the basil, oregano, or thyme to your liking, or add a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor.
✔ Breadcrumb Variety: Use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier topping or add a sprinkle of Parmesan to the topping for extra cheesiness.
✔ Mix It Up: Swap frozen peas for mixed vegetables, or use canned chicken if you don’t have tuna.

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Perfect Pairings

• Side Dish: Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
• Beverage: Complement with a glass of crisp white wine or iced tea.

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FAQs

• Can I make this ahead of time?
  Yes! Assemble the casserole without the breadcrumb topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the topping and bake just before serving.

• Can I freeze leftovers?
  Absolutely! Store cooled casserole in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

• What can I substitute for egg noodles?
  Any short pasta, like penne or fusilli, works well as a substitute.

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Final Thoughts

This tuna noodle casserole is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy textures, offering a nostalgic taste of home-cooked comfort. It’s easy to customize and ideal for busy weeknights or family dinners.

What’s your favorite casserole twist? Let’s experiment! 🥘✨