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Fish, Americas

Tuna noodle casserole

Tuna noodle casserole is a comforting bake made with egg noodles, tuna, mushrooms and peas, all bound in a creamy white sauce. For 4 people, it takes 45 minutes and is easy to make, at about €2.60 per person. The key to getting it right is a smooth white sauce and a breadcrumb and cheese topping that browns without burning.

Tonight, a classic American grandma dish, tuna noodle casserole, all creamy with peas and a golden top.

Tuna noodle casserole
Total time
45 min
Difficulty
Easy
Cost per person
€2.60
Calories per person
730 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Season
Fall, Winter
The kids
They generally like it

This casserole has the texture you want on a cool evening, tender noodles coated in a creamy sauce seasoned with nutmeg, tuna that stays in chunky pieces, and peas that add a little sweetness. The crisp breadcrumb and melted cheese topping contrasts with the soft filling underneath, and that mix of textures is what makes the dish so satisfying.

This is a classic American grandma recipe, simple and filling, perfect for a weeknight when you need to feed the whole family without spending hours in the kitchen. Kids take to it easily thanks to the mild sauce and the melted cheese on top, and it works just as well for a relaxed Sunday dinner as for a rushed weeknight.

The ingredients

4 people

Pantry

  • Egg noodlesoften in the pantry 300 g
  • Canned tuna in wateroften in the pantry 2 can
  • Flouroften in the pantry 3 tbsp
  • Breadcrumbsoften in the pantry 3 tbsp
  • Nutmegoften in the pantry 1 pinch
  • Saltoften in the pantry 1 pinch
  • Pepperoften in the pantry 1 pinch

Fruits and vegetables

  • White mushrooms 250 g
  • Onion 1

Frozen foods

  • Frozen peas 150 g

Dairy

  • Butter 40 g
  • Milk 50 cl
  • Shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese 120 g

Allergens Gluten, Lactose, Eggs, Fish

The step by step recipe

  1. Cook the noodles in salted boiling water for a bit less than the package time. 8 min

    They'll finish cooking in the oven, so don't cook them all the way through.

  2. Sauté the onion and sliced mushrooms in the butter, add the flour, then whisk in the milk. 12 min

    Pour the warm milk in three additions for a lump free white sauce.

  3. Let it thicken, season with nutmeg, salt and pepper, then stir in half the cheese. 5 min

    Take it off the heat before adding the cheese so it doesn't turn stringy.

  4. Mix the noodles, flaked tuna, peas and sauce together, then pour everything into a baking dish.

    Stir gently to keep the tuna in big flakes.

  5. Top with the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs, then bake at 200°C until the top is golden. 20 min

    If the top browns too fast, cover it with foil for a few minutes.

Our tips to get it right

  • Drain the tuna well so the casserole doesn't turn watery once it's baked.
  • Slice the mushrooms thin so they cook through in the given time and don't release too much water into the sauce.
  • Let the casserole rest for five minutes out of the oven, the sauce firms up slightly and it's easier to serve.

The variations

  • Swap the tuna for shredded cooked chicken for a more classic version that's just as simple.
  • For a vegetarian version, swap the tuna for hearts of palm or white beans and keep the rest of the recipe the same.
  • To save time, use a store bought white sauce and spend your time on assembling and browning the top.

What to serve it with

  • A green salad with vinaigrette
  • Simple steamed vegetables
  • A glass of lemon water

Storage

The casserole keeps for 2 to 3 days in the fridge in a sealed container. It freezes well once cooled, in an airtight container, for up to 2 months. Reheat it in the oven to get a crispy top back, rather than the microwave which softens the crust.

Questions about this dish

Can you make tuna noodle casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to the baking step, then cover it and keep it in the fridge for a day before baking. Add a few extra minutes of baking time if it goes into the oven cold.

Can you use a different pasta instead of egg noodles?

Yes, small shells or macaroni work well and soak up the sauce just as nicely. Keep the same weight of pasta and the same shorter cooking time.

How do you keep the white sauce from getting lumpy?

Pour the warm milk in three additions over the roux, whisking well between each one. If lumps still appear, a good whisk at the end of cooking usually smooths them out.

Does this casserole work for kids who don't like mushrooms?

You can reduce the amount of mushrooms or chop them very finely so they blend into the sauce. The tuna and cheese flavors still dominate, which makes the dish easier for picky eaters to accept.

How long does it take to make a tuna noodle casserole?

Count 45 min in total, prep and cooking included. The recipe is rated “easy”.

How many calories are in a tuna noodle casserole?

About 730 kcal per serving, for a recipe meant for 4 people. Calories are calculated by Kiloach, your weight coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does a tuna noodle casserole cost?

About €2.60 per serving, or €10.40 for 4 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains gluten, lactose, eggs, fish. Always check the labels of the products you buy.

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