Tuna Noodle Casserole from Scratch

By cprzybyl

This from-scratch tuna casserole is full of homemade flavor—nothing artificial or processed! It will become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, divided
• 1 (8 ounce) package uncooked medium egg noodles
• 1/2 cup quartered cherry tomatoes (optional)
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon each thyme
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces button mushrooms, sliced
• Splash white wine
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup of Parmesan
• 1/4 package cream cheese
• 2 cups milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 (6 ounce) cans tuna, drained and flaked
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 3 tablespoons bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
• Suggestion: Double Recipe for 9x13 dish

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375°F. Butter a medium baking dish with 1 tablespoon butter or cooking spray.

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add egg noodles, cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente, and drain.

Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir in the onion, celery, thyme, nutmeg, crushed red pepper, garlic, splash of white wine and cook 5 minutes, until tender. Increase heat to medium-high, and mix in mushrooms. Continue to cook and stir 5 minutes, or until most of the liquid has evaporated.

Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan, and whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk. Add the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Parmesan and continue cooking 5 minutes, until sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.

Stir in tuna, peas, mushroom mixture, and cooked noodles. Transfer to the baking dish. Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a small bowl, mix with bread crumbs, and sprinkle over the casserole. Top with left over cheese.

Bake 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until bubbly and lightly browned.

NOTE:
Suggestion: Double Recipe for 9x13 dish