You will make the ultimate Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole. This recipe features extra layers of cheese for a wonderfully melty and comforting bake. Sasha brings her intuitive touch to this classic dish, making it satisfying and full of flavor.
Author:Sasha Nguyen
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:6 servings
Category:Casserole
Method:Bake
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
12 ounces egg noodles
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna in water, drained
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup crushed potato chips (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain them well and set aside.
While the noodles cook, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Whisk in the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for one minute, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This will take about 5 to 7 minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the drained tuna, frozen peas, and 3/4 cup of the cheddar cheese plus all of the Monterey Jack cheese until everything is well combined.
Fold the cooked noodles into the cheese and tuna mixture. Spread half of the noodle mixture into your prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the first layer. Top with the remaining noodle mixture.
If you like a crunchy topping, sprinkle the crushed potato chips over the top layer.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is lightly golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Sasha suggests tasting the sauce before adding the tuna; adjust seasonings if needed.