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Cozy Tuna Noodle Casserole with Crispy Golden Topping

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A warm, comforting tuna noodle casserole featuring creamy cheesy noodles topped with a satisfyingly crispy golden crust. Perfect for cozy dinners and easy to prepare with pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) egg noodles, cooked al dente
  • 2 cans (5 oz / 142 g each) tuna packed in water, drained
  • 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 ml) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery for a twist)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk, whole or 2% (use dairy-free milk if preferred)
  • 1 cup (120 g) frozen peas, thawed
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup (120 g) shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1 cup (100 g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 3 tablespoons (42 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) egg noodles and cook according to package instructions, about 7-8 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the noodles cook, melt 1 tablespoon (14 g) butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped small onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent and fragrant.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup (240 ml) milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the drained tuna, cooked peas, sautéed onions, and 1 cup (120 g) shredded cheddar cheese. Fold in the cooked noodles gently.
  4. In a small bowl, mix 1 cup (100 g) panko breadcrumbs with 3 tablespoons (42 g) melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and dried thyme if using. Toss until crumbs are evenly coated and slightly clumpy.
  5. Pour the tuna noodle mixture into a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb topping over the surface, pressing lightly to adhere.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
  7. Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If the topping browns too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil halfway through baking. Stir the filling gently but thoroughly to balance tuna, cheese, and noodles. For gluten-free, substitute gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs. Fresh peas can replace frozen peas. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the tuna mixture.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://sizzlesprout.com/cozy-tuna-noodle-casserole-recipe-easy-crispy-golden-topping-guide/