Description
A comforting and creamy tuna casserole, perfect for family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces pasta (egg noodles or short pasta like shells)
- 2 cans (5–6 oz) solid white tuna in water, drained
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole milk for richness)
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar or Gruyère
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed buttery crackers
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the sliced mushrooms and a pinch of salt; sauté until golden, about 5–7 minutes. Move the mushrooms to a bowl and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and sauté briefly.
- Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to create a light roux.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and broth until the mixture thickens into a smooth sauce. Add Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper. Fold in shredded cheese until melted.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, flaked tuna, sautéed mushrooms, peas, and cheese sauce. Transfer to prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs, dot with butter, and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbling and golden.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Finish with lemon zest and chopped parsley.
Notes
To make it lighter, use low-fat milk and reduce cheese. Potluck scale easily, making it versatile for gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: comfort food, tuna casserole, easy meal, family recipe, casserole, pasta
