Best Tuna Casserole Creamy Cheesy Comforting
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy some proper comfort food? This best tuna casserole recipe is about to become your new weeknight staple. Honestly, it’s creamy, cheesy, and just utterly delicious the perfect antidote to a gloomy day.
Brief Overview
Tuna casserole is a dish that has been around for generations. A true American classic, it’s the ultimate noodle casserole recipes .
This easy recipe is great for beginners, taking about 50 minutes total and serves 6 hungry people.
Main Benefits
Forget fancy, let's talk flavor! This creamy tuna casserole packs protein and Omega-3s. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck, its special because of its fresh herbs and crunchy topping it is a classic tuna casserole , but better.
Let's Talk Ingredients for the Best Tuna Casserole Recipe Easy
Right then, gather 'round! It's time to sort out your shopping list.
The Noodle Base: You'll need 1 pound of egg noodles. This is the foundation. Cook them until al dente. Nobody likes mushy noodles! I learned that the hard way.
I once ended up with paste, not a casserole.
The Creamy Dreamy Sauce: Grab 4 tablespoons of butter, 4 tablespoons of flour and 3 cups of milk. Don't forget salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg to make a flavour that will make this the best tuna noodle casserole you will ever taste.
The sherry is optional, but trust me, it adds a certain je ne sais quoi. My gran always added sherry!
The Tuna Gang: Canned tuna is the star! 2 cans will be just fine, the tuna should be well drained because nobody likes a watery casserole.
Then add frozen peas, chopped celery, onion, parsley, dill, and cheddar cheese. These make it a homemade tuna casserole . Fresh herbs are crucial.
They make a world of difference.
The Glorious Topping: Panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle it on for a cheesy tuna casserole that will add the final delicious touches.
Time to get cooking!
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Best Tuna Casserole Toolkit
Ready to make the best tuna casserole ever? It's all about having the right ingredients and a few key bits of kit.
Don't worry, nothing too fancy! Honestly, this recipe is so easy, even I can't mess it up. Well, almost! I once forgot the tuna entirely .
Oops.
Main Ingredients: The A-Team
Here's what you need to build your classic tuna casserole . Precision is key, especially when it comes to measuring. Think of it like building with LEGOs, one wrong brick and it all goes sideways!.
- Egg Noodles: 1 pound (450g) is perfect. Look for thick, good quality egg noodles. They should be a nice golden colour and feel sturdy. If they're pale and flimsy, move on. Also you can search this Tuna Noodle Casserole on the internet for more examples.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons (57g) of unsalted butter. Use proper butter, not margarine! Trust me, it makes a difference to get that creamy tuna casserole .
- Flour: 4 tablespoons (30g) of all-purpose flour. This helps thicken the sauce, so don't skip it.
- Whole Milk: 3 cups (710ml) of whole milk. Full fat is the way to go for that rich flavour.
- Canned Tuna: 2 (5-ounce/142g each) cans of tuna in water. Make sure you drain it really, really well. Nobody wants a watery casserole! Good quality tuna is firm and flaky, not mushy.
- Frozen Peas: 1 cup (115g) . No need to be fancy, just plain frozen peas will do.
- Celery: 1/2 cup (50g) , chopped. Adds a nice bit of crunch and freshness.
- Onion: 1/4 cup (30g) , chopped. Yellow or white onion is fine.
- Fresh Herbs: 1/4 cup (15g) each of chopped fresh parsley and dill. These brighten up the whole dish, so don't skip them!
- Cheddar Cheese: 1/2 cup (57g) shredded cheddar, divided. Sharp cheddar gives a nice bite to make the cheesy tuna casserole
- Panko Breadcrumbs (optional): 1/2 cup (40g) Panko breadcrumbs, are the way to go as opposed to regular ones for the topping!
- Parmesan Cheese (optional): 1/4 cup (28g) grated Parmesan cheese,
Seasoning Notes: The Flavor Boosters
- Essential Spice Combo: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. This is your base. Don't underestimate the power of nutmeg!
- Flavor Enhancer: A splash of dry sherry in the sauce adds a sophisticated touch. Sounds posh, but honestly, it makes it taste amazing!. You can also create other noodle casserole recipes with mushroom if you want.
- Aromatics: Fresh parsley and dill. These herbs bring so much to the party.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- Large Pot: For cooking the noodles. Any large pot will do.
- Colander: For draining the noodles. Essential!
- Large Saucepan: For making the creamy sauce. A non-stick one is helpful.
- Whisk: To make sure your sauce is smooth.
- 9x13 Inch Baking Dish: The perfect size for this casserole.
- Small Bowl: You will use it for the breadcrumb topping.
If you don't have a whisk, a fork will do in a pinch. Honestly, this homemade tuna casserole is about what you can do, not what you can't ! This recipe is great and tuna casserole recipe easy .
Nailing the Best Tuna Casserole : A step-by-step Guide
Honestly, who doesn't love a good tuna casserole ? It's like a warm hug on a plate, proper comfort food, innit? But let's be honest, some recipes are a bit.
..naff. This one? This is the one. It's the best tuna casserole recipe, and I'm going to show you how to ace it.
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic
First things first, let's get organized. This is the essential mise en place. Chop your celery and onion. Thaw those peas.
Get your herbs ready. This little bit of prep saves so much time and stress when you're actually cooking, trust me.
Get your oven preheating to 375° F ( 190° C/Gas Mark 5) . And give your 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish a quick grease!
Let's Get Cooking: step-by-step Brilliance
Right then, here's how we turn simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.
- Cook your egg noodles . You’ll need 1 pound (450g). This bit is mega important. Don't overcook them. Al dente is your best friend. Nobody likes a mushy tuna noodle casserole . Drain them well.
- Sauce time! Melt 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter in a pan. Whisk in 4 tablespoons (30g) all-purpose flour . Cook for a minute or two to make a roux. Slowly whisk in 3 cups (710ml) whole milk until smooth.
- Simmer the sauce. Bring it to a simmer, stirring non-stop. Then, reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes . You want it thickened and lush. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg . Feeling fancy? Add 1/4 cup (60 ml) dry sherry . Oh, it makes a difference!
- Mix it all up. In a big bowl, chuck in the cooked noodles, the creamy sauce, 2 (5-ounce/142g each) cans drained tuna , 1 cup (115g) thawed peas , 1/2 cup (50g) chopped celery , 1/4 cup (30g) chopped onion , fresh herbs ( 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh dill ), and half of 1/2 cup (57g) shredded cheddar cheese . Stir it good.
- Bake it 'til it's golden. Pour the mixture into your baking dish. If you're using it, sprinkle with your breadcrumb topping (1/2 cup (40g) panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons (28g) melted unsalted butter, 1/4 cup (28g) grated Parmesan cheese, Pinch of salt, Pinch of black pepper) and remaining cheese. Bake for 20- 25 minutes . The topping needs to be golden, and the casserole bubbly.
- Let it rest. Let it stand for 5- 10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips : Level Up Your Noodle Casserole Recipes
- Don't skip the fresh herbs. Seriously, they make a huge difference. You will have your homemade tuna casserole feel like it came from a professional chef.
- Want extra crunch? Pop it under the broiler for a minute or two at the end. Just watch it like a hawk. You don't want burnt breadcrumbs!
- Made too much? No worries. Creamy tuna casserole is fantastic reheated the next day. Perfect for lunch!
So there you have it! My foolproof guide to the best tuna casserole . You know? Give it a go, and tell me what you think! I'm sure it will be the Classic Tuna Casserole in your family very soon!
Recipe Notes for the Best Tuna Casserole
Alright, so you're ready to make the best tuna casserole ever, eh? Ace! Before you dive in headfirst, here are a few extra bits and bobs I thought you might find useful.
It's all about those little touches, innit?
Serving Suggestions: Make it Look Fancy!
Honestly, the tuna casserole doesn't have to be just chucked on a plate. A sprig of parsley goes a long way.
Serve it in individual ramekins for a proper gastro pub vibe. A simple green salad cuts through the richness nicely. Think steamed green beans or a bit of broccoli, too.
And crusty bread? Essential for soaking up all that creamy sauce!
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
Got leftovers of this creamy tuna casserole ? No worries! Refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing? Yeah, you can. But be warned, the noodles might get a bit soft when you reheat it. Still tastes banging though.
Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through. Microwave works too, if you're impatient.
Variations: Mix It Up!
Fancy a twist on this tuna noodle casserole ? Make it gluten-free with gluten-free egg noodles and flour. You could also try a dairy-free version with almond milk and dairy-free cheese.
It's not exactly the same, but it does the trick. For a seasonal swap, use roasted butternut squash instead of peas in the autumn.
Nutrition Basics: Good For Ya!
Each serving is about 450 calories. You get a hefty 30g of protein! Plus, the tuna is full of those good Omega-3s, which are great for your brain.
Did you know? Studies show that eating fish high in Omega-3s can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 30 percent! So, this cheesy tuna casserole is not just comfort food, it's proper good for you too.
Right then, that's all folks! Hope you give my homemade tuna casserole a go. Don't be afraid to experiment a bit and make it your own.
You've got this! Get ready to enjoy the classic tuna casserole ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make sure my best tuna casserole isn't dry? It's happened to me before and it was a bit "meh".
A dry tuna casserole is a culinary crime! The key is in the sauce. Make sure you have enough creamy sauce to thoroughly coat the noodles and tuna mixture. Also, don't overbake it; you want it bubbly and golden, not desert dry. Draining your tuna well also helps prevent excess liquid from thinning your sauce.
What can I add to my best tuna casserole recipe to give it a bit of a "kick"? I like a bit of zing!
Fancy livening things up a bit, eh? A few pinches of red pepper flakes added to the sauce will inject a subtle heat. You could also incorporate a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a savory depth.
For a bit of tang, a squeeze of lemon juice before baking works wonders, or try adding some chopped pepperoncinis to the tuna mixture.
Can I make this best tuna casserole ahead of time? I'm planning a Sunday roast style dinner and want to prep.
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole (without the topping) up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, add the topping and bake as directed, but you might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time since it's starting cold.
Just make sure the centre is piping hot before serving, yeah?
What are some good substitutions for the egg noodles? I'm not a huge fan, to be honest.
Not a noodle fan, are we? No worries! Rotini, penne, or even shell pasta work beautifully in tuna casserole. They hold the sauce well and provide a good texture. Just make sure you cook them al dente, as with egg noodles, to avoid a mushy casserole.
How long does leftover best tuna casserole last, and what's the best way to reheat it?
Leftover tuna casserole is a treat for lunch the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave it in portions (add a splash of milk to keep it moist) or bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, which will also help to crisp up the topping again.
Is this best tuna casserole recipe actually healthy? I'm trying to eat better!
Well, it's comfort food, innit? You can definitely make healthier choices! Opt for tuna packed in water rather than oil, and consider using whole wheat noodles for added fiber. Loading up on the veggies will boost the nutritional content.
Swapping some of the cheddar for cottage cheese can lower the fat content, and using a lighter milk will help reduce calories!
Best Tuna Casserole Creamy Cheesy Comforting
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 3g |
