If you’ve ever longed for a dish that wraps you up in cozy, nostalgic flavors while delivering a satisfying, creamy texture, then you’re in for a treat with the Best Tuna Casserole Recipe: Creamy Baked Comfort Dish Recipe. This classic casserole strikes the perfect balance between tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, bright vegetables, and a luscious, cheesy sauce topped with a crispy golden crust. Every bite feels like a warm hug from the inside, making it a go-to comfort meal that’s both hearty and homey. Whether you’re feeding a family or craving a simple yet remarkable dinner, this casserole checks all the boxes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up this beloved tuna casserole, you only need a handful of straightforward ingredients that work magic together. Each one plays a vital role in creating that creamy, flavorful, and textural harmony that makes this dish unforgettable.
- Olive oil: For toasting the panko breadcrumbs to a perfect, crispy golden brown topping.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Adds delightful crunch on top, balancing the casserole’s creamy interior.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning at various stages, enhancing all the other flavors.
- Wide egg noodles: The tender yet sturdy base that holds and soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Yellow onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Carrots: Adds a little natural sweetness and fresh color contrast.
- Celery: Brings a hint of earthiness and crunch before baking.
- Garlic: Infuses a savory warmth, key to that comforting flavor profile.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a bright, herbal note that lifts the whole dish.
- Tuna (oil-packed): The star protein, flaked tenderly for perfect distribution.
- Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce and mixes with the panko for a cheesy crust.
- Unsalted butter: Used to cook the veggies and create the creamy base.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat and complexity.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to that perfect creamy consistency.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Builds savory richness without overpowering the tuna.
- Milk (whole or 2%): Provides creaminess and tenderness to the sauce.
- Dijon mustard: A sneaky secret that adds a subtle tang and depth.
- Frozen peas: Pops of sweet green that give freshness and texture.
How to Make Best Tuna Casserole Recipe: Creamy Baked Comfort Dish Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Panko Breadcrumbs
Start by heating olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat, then add panko breadcrumbs along with a pinch of salt. Stir them around until they take on a golden, toasted color which adds a delightful crunch to the casserole’s topping. Once browned, transfer the panko to a bowl and let it cool—this step brings out a nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish.
Step 2: Cook the Egg Noodles
Using the same Dutch oven, bring salted water to a boil and add the wide egg noodles. Cook them just a bit under package instructions—about three minutes less than recommended—so they stay perfectly al dente after baking. Drain the noodles, then rinse the pot to prepare for the next steps.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables and Tuna
Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into small, uniform pieces that will blend seamlessly into the creamy sauce. Mince the garlic for a fragrant punch, chop fresh parsley for brightness, and make sure to drain and flake the tuna. Grate the Parmesan cheese and mix it with the cooled toasted panko. This mixture will form that irresistible golden crust.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables and Build the Sauce
In the Dutch oven, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, celery, remaining salt, and ground black pepper. Cook everything until the onions become translucent and the vegetables soften—around five minutes. Then add garlic and cook briefly before stirring in all-purpose flour to coat the vegetables; this helps thicken the sauce.
Step 5: Add Liquids and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth, milk, and Dijon mustard, stirring constantly to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens into a luscious, creamy sauce that will perfectly coat each noodle and vegetable piece.
Step 6: Combine Everything and Bake
Remove the Dutch oven from heat, then stir in the fresh parsley, flaked tuna, and frozen peas. Toss in the cooked egg noodles, combining everything thoroughly. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Finally, sprinkle the panko and Parmesan topping evenly across the casserole.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the casserole in a preheated 375℉ oven for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbling hot and the topping is beautifully golden brown. This last step gives the dish that inviting crust and irresistible aroma that will have everyone eagerly reaching for seconds.
How to Serve Best Tuna Casserole Recipe: Creamy Baked Comfort Dish Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or a pinch of grated Parmesan right before serving adds a fresh, vibrant finish that enhances the dish’s warmth. A few lemon wedges on the side can provide an optional zesty brightness if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
This creamy baked casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette or classic garlic bread to round out the comforting experience. Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans make tasty complements without overpowering the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this tuna casserole in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch, perfect for dinner parties or cozy family meals. Alternatively, layer it with slices of tomato or a thin spread of pesto to introduce exciting visual and flavor contrasts that make the dish feel fresh and new.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover tuna casserole covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce holds its texture remarkably well, and the flavors tend to deepen overnight, making leftovers a delicious second meal.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole before baking for up to 2 months. Wrap the dish securely with plastic wrap and a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking to ensure even cooking.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350℉ until warmed through, about 20 minutes, to preserve the crunchy topping and creamy interior. Microwave reheating is possible but may soften the topping. Cover the dish loosely with foil to maintain moisture during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use canned tuna in water instead of oil-packed tuna?
Absolutely! While oil-packed tuna adds a bit more richness, tuna in water works just fine; just be sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture that could thin the sauce.
Is there a substitute for panko breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work, though the topping won’t be quite as crispy. You could also experiment with crushed crackers or cornflakes for a different but tasty crunch.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the tuna for cooked mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or chickpeas for a plant-based alternative while keeping the creamy sauce and crunchy topping intact.
What’s the best way to reheat without losing texture?
Reheating in the oven preserves the crust’s crispness best. Cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying, and remove the foil towards the end to crisp up the topping again.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. Just be careful not to add too much liquid to maintain the casserole’s perfect creaminess.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Best Tuna Casserole Recipe: Creamy Baked Comfort Dish Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to linger around the table, savoring each bite and sharing stories. If you’re looking for a comforting, tasty dish that feels like a warm embrace on a plate, this casserole is calling your name. Give it a try—you might just find your new family favorite.
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Best Tuna Casserole Recipe: Creamy Baked Comfort Dish Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Tuna Casserole recipe is a heartwarming comfort dish featuring tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, a creamy vegetable sauce, and a crispy Parmesan-panko topping. Baked until golden and bubbling, it combines simple pantry ingredients into a satisfying, family-friendly meal perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
For the Topping
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ounce Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup freshly grated or 1/3 cup store-bought grated)
For the Casserole
- 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 12 ounces dried wide egg noodles (about 9 cups)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 medium stalk celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small bunch fresh parsley (1/2 cup chopped leaves)
- 2 (5- to 6-ounce) cans tuna, preferably oil-packed, drained and flaked
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups whole or 2% milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup frozen peas (do not thaw)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375℉ and position a rack in the center to ensure even baking of the casserole.
- Prepare the topping: In a Dutch oven over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add panko breadcrumbs and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, stirring for 3-4 minutes until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown. Transfer to a bowl and let cool.
- Cook the noodles: Empty and rinse the Dutch oven, then fill it with salted water and bring to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook for 3 minutes less than the package directions to keep them slightly firm. Drain the noodles and rinse out the pot.
- Prep vegetables and cheese: Dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic and chop the parsley. Drain and flake the tuna. Grate the Parmesan cheese and combine it with the cooled panko breadcrumbs.
- Sauté the vegetables: Melt butter in the Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, remaining kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and flour: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to release its aroma. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, coating them well.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, milk, and Dijon mustard. Stir continuously and scrape the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking. Let the sauce simmer until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine main ingredients: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the chopped parsley, flaked tuna, and frozen peas. Finally, fold in the cooked noodles carefully to combine all elements evenly.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the prepared panko-Parmesan topping over the surface.
- Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling and the topping is golden brown and crisp. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Using oil-packed tuna adds extra flavor and richness, but water-packed tuna can be used for a lighter dish.
- Do not thaw the frozen peas before adding to maintain their texture and color.
- Cooking the noodles slightly under al dente prevents them from becoming mushy during baking.
- The Dijon mustard enhances the flavor of the creamy sauce without overwhelming the dish.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free panko and all-purpose flour with appropriate alternatives.
