Print

Cozy Tuna Casserole Recipe with Crispy Cheddar Topping

cozy tuna casserole - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy tuna casserole featuring creamy sauce and a crispy cheddar topping, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or feeding a small family.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz egg noodles, cooked al dente
  • 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna packed in water, drained
  • 1 cup milk, whole or 2% (or almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 cup cottage cheese (small-curd recommended)
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 7-8 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle the flour over the onion-garlic mixture and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the Dijon mustard, cottage cheese, thawed peas, and drained tuna. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring gently to combine and warm through. Add a splash more milk if the sauce is too thick.
  5. Transfer the cooked noodles into the sauce and mix well, ensuring every noodle is coated.
  6. In a small bowl, mix shredded cheddar cheese, panko breadcrumbs, olive oil (or melted butter), and smoked paprika.
  7. Pour the tuna noodle mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the cheddar topping evenly over the surface.
  8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Watch the topping closely in the last 5 minutes to avoid burning; tent with foil if browning too fast. Cook noodles al dente to prevent mushiness. Whisk sauce constantly to avoid lumps. Season sauce before mixing noodles and tuna. Substitute gluten-free pasta and flour for gluten-free version. Use dairy-free cheese and plant milk for dairy-free adaptation.

Nutrition

Keywords: tuna casserole, cheesy tuna bake, comfort food, quick dinner, weeknight meal, creamy casserole, crispy cheddar topping

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/cozy-tuna-casserole-recipe-with-crispy-cheddar-topping-easy-and-perfect/