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Creamy Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe with Crispy Topping Easy and Perfect

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A comforting and nostalgic creamy tuna noodle casserole with tender noodles, flaked tuna, peas, and a golden crispy breadcrumb topping. Perfect for cozy dinners, potlucks, and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces egg noodles, cooked al dente
  • 2 cans (5 ounces each) canned tuna, drained and flaked
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk or 2%
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add egg noodles and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
  5. Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 4-5 minutes until thickened and creamy. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme if using.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together cooked noodles, flaked tuna, thawed peas, and creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter and toss with panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
  8. Transfer noodle mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until topping is golden brown and casserole is bubbly. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  10. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook noodles; they will soften further in the oven. Use fresh butter for the topping for better browning. Fold ingredients gently to avoid breaking noodles or mashing tuna. Season throughout the cooking process. Broil topping carefully to avoid burning. For gluten-free, substitute gluten-free pasta, flour, and breadcrumbs. For dairy-free/vegan, use plant-based milk, vegan sour cream, and butter alternatives.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/creamy-classic-tuna-noodle-casserole-recipe-with-crispy-topping-easy-and-perfect/