The Joy of Cooking Tuna Noodle Casserole

By dublinburro

This simple, hearty casserole brings together tuna, egg noodles, onions, mushrooms, red pepper, homemade Cheddar sauce, and crunchy topping.

Ingredients

• TOPPING:
• 4 tablespoons (1/2-stick) unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup red or green bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 3/4 to 1 cup grated Cheddar
• 2 (6-ounce) cans tuna packed in oil or water, drained
• 2 cups cooked egg noodles (or other pasta)
• 1/4 cup fresh parley, minced
• Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup dry unseasoned breadcrumbs, fine cracker crumbs, or crushed corn flakes
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375°F. Butter a 1 1/2 to 2 quart shallow baking dish.

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, until bubbly. Add the vegetables and cook about 5 minutes. Stir in flour. Cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and whisk in milk. Return to heat and cook, whisking, until the sauce comes to a boil and is thickened, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and add the cheese, whisking until melted.

Turn the tuna into a bowl and flake with a fork. Do not mince. Stir in the hot cheese sauce, then add the cooked noodles, parsley if using, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix together well. Pour the mixture into a baking dish. Mix together the topping ingredients and sprinkle over the top.

Bake until bubbly and browned on top, 25 to 35 minutes.