Description
Barefoot Contessa’s classic tuna casserole brings comfort and nostalgia to dinner tables across America. Perfectly seasoned egg noodles, tender tuna, and a creamy sauce create a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups (710 milliliters) egg noodles
- 1 can (142-170 grams) tuna, drained
- 1 can (298 grams) condensed mushroom soup
- 1 cup (240 grams) cheddar cheese, shredded
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- ⅔ cup (100 grams) frozen peas, thawed
- 1 tablespoon (3 grams) parsley, chopped
- ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) milk
Topping:
- ½ cup (120 grams) panko bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon (14 grams) butter, melted
- ½ cup (120 grams) cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon (14 grams) butter
- 1 tablespoon (3 grams) parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a crisp 425°F (220°C), ensuring the cooking environment is perfectly prepared for the upcoming tuna casserole creation.
- Craft a crunchy topping by blending panko bread crumbs with melted unsalted butter, sharp cheddar cheese, and freshly chopped parsley in a mixing bowl. Set this aromatic mixture aside for later use.
- Cook egg noodles in rapidly boiling salted water until they reach a tender al dente texture, following package guidelines precisely. Quickly drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to halt the cooking process.
- Transform chopped onions and celery into a fragrant base by gently sautéing them in butter over medium heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables become translucent and softened.
- Compose the casserole’s core by combining the prepared noodles with sautéed vegetables, thawed green peas, condensed cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, shredded cheddar cheese, drained chunk light tuna, and finely chopped parsley. Thoroughly mix the ingredients to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
- Transfer the harmonious mixture into a 2-quart (64 ounces) baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Generously scatter the prepared bread crumb topping across the casserole’s surface, ensuring complete coverage for maximum crunch.
- Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, watching for a golden-brown topping and bubbling edges that signal the casserole is perfectly cooked and ready to serve.
Notes
- Swap ingredients freely, as this versatile recipe adapts to your pantry’s contents.
- Leftovers transform beautifully, becoming an even more convenient meal for hectic family schedules.
- Fresh parsley sprinkled on top cuts through the casserole’s rich, creamy texture with a vibrant herbal touch.
- Panko bread crumbs create an irresistible golden-brown crunch that perfectly contrasts the soft, creamy base.
- Al dente egg noodles soak up every bit of the savory, comforting sauce, becoming the ultimate flavor carrier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 462 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 726 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg