
Tuna casserole is a classic staple of American comfort food. It’s an ideal choice for potluck gatherings and can be prepared for under $10. This dish features canned tuna, mushrooms, peas, and noodles enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce—no canned soup needed! Topped with crispy toasted breadcrumbs, it’s simply delicious!
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Begin by warming your oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a 9 x 12 inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Boil the pasta in salted water until it's al dente, which means it should be slightly firmer than fully cooked—about 2 minutes shy of the package instructions. Once done, set it aside.
In a large, deep skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onions and sauté them until they become tender, which should take roughly 5 minutes.
Sprinkle in the flour along with a pinch of salt, stirring thoroughly. Continue to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes on medium-low heat to create a roux.
Gradually incorporate the broth by whisking until the mixture is fully blended. Increase the heat to medium and whisk for about 30 seconds before adding the milk. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
Once boiling, stir in the sherry, mushrooms, and petite peas. Season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Allow the mixture to simmer on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens, which should take around 7 to 9 minutes. Finally, fold in the drained tuna and stir for an additional minute.
Take the skillet off the heat and mix in the reduced-fat sharp cheddar until it's melted and well combined. Then, add the cooked noodles to the sauce, stirring until they're thoroughly coated. Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, then top with parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Lightly spray the top with a bit more cooking spray, then place it in the oven to bake for approximately 25 minutes.
For a crispy topping, place the casserole under the broiler for a few minutes—just keep an eye on it to avoid burning.