My Top Picks Meatless

Tuna Noodle Casserole

Source: Found on Pinterest

Finally found a great homemade tuna noodle casserole. No more using cream of mushroom soup!
Perfect to make during Lent!
I use my recipe for homemade seasoned bread crumbs recipe for the crumb topping.

Ingredients

  • 6 oz. no-yolk egg noodles (or pasta of your choice)
  • 1 c. frozen petite peas, thawed (regular work also)
  • 2 (5 oz.) cans albacore tuna in water, drained

Sauce

  • 1 Tbls. butter
  • 1 medium onion, minced fine
  • 3 Tbls. unbleached all-purpose white flour
  • 1 3/4 c. chicken broth
  • 1 c. milk
  • 1 oz. white wine or sherry, optional (liquor, not grocery store brand)
  • 8 oz. sliced baby mushrooms
  • 4 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (low-fat, if desired)

Crumb Topping

  • 2 Tbls. parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 Tbls. butter, melted
  • 4 Tbls. seasoned breadcrumbs (whole wheat or white)

Instructions

Cook the noodles in salted water until al dente, or slightly undercooked by 2 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Let stand until noodles cool down a bit, then add peas and drained tuna. Set aside.

Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a 3 qt. sauce pan. Add onions and cook on medium heat until soft (about 5 minutes).

Add flour and a pinch of salt; stir well, cooking an additional 2-3 minutes on medium-low heat.

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until well combined, increasing heat to medium and whisking well for 30 seconds, then add the milk and bring to a boil.

When boiling, add sherry or white wine and mushrooms. Adjust salt and pepper to taste and simmer on medium, mixing occasionally until it thickens (about 7 to 9 minutes).

Remove from heat and add the sharp cheddar and mix well until it melts.

Add sauce to the bowl with noodles, peas and tuna; mix well until evenly coated.

Lightly spray 9 x 12 or 2 qt. casserole dish with cooking spray. Pour tuna noodle mixture into casserole dish and top with parmesan cheese.

Melt butter, add breadcrumbs and use a fork to mix until moistened. Sprinkle on top of parmesan cheese.

Bake at 375 degrees for about 25 minutes. Check after 20 minutes.

Serves 6

NOTE: You can assemble ahead of time, just allow a little more time to heat. Do not put a cold glass or ceramic pan in hot oven (place pan in oven, then turn on oven).