Creamy, cheesy tuna noodle casserole is a comfort food classic.
Directions for: Tuna Noodle Casserole
Ingredients
12 oz wide egg noodles
8 Tbsp (1 stick) salted butter, plus extra for buttering the baking dish
1 medium onion, diced
6 oz white button mushrooms, finely chopped
cup all-purpose flour
3 cups warmed whole milk
cup dry sherry
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 6.4-oz cans white albacore tuna in water, drained
cup finely chopped red bell pepper
2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley
cup panko breadcrumbs
Serving suggestions: a green salad and crusty bread
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 400F.
2. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the egg noodles to al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Meanwhile, melt 4 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until starting to soften, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring, for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the mixture and stir so that the flour coats the onions and mushrooms thoroughly. Cook, stirring, for another minute. Add the milk and sherry and whisk to combine. Cook the sauce until it's nice and thick, 3 to 4 minutes. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste and stir. Adjust the seasoning to make sure the sauce is adequately salted.
4. Add the tuna and stir it into the sauce. Then stir in the bell pepper and 1 tablespoon of the parsley. Stir in the noodles until they're coated. Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish and transfer the noodle mixture to the dish.
5. Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons butter in a bowl in the microwave; stir it around with the breadcrumbs and remaining tablespoon of parsley.
6. Top the casserole with the breadcrumbs and bake until golden, 25 to 30 minutes. Serve piping hot with a green salad and warm crusty bread.
Tips and Substitutions
Cook's Note
To make ahead: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate, unbaked, up to 24 hours before baking. Allow an extra 10 to 15 minutes of baking time if you put it in the oven cold.
See more: Casserole, Cheese, Comfort Food, Fish, Pasta, Vegetables