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Creamy Classic Tuna Casserole with Crispy Topping

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A comforting and easy-to-make tuna casserole featuring creamy sauce, tender pasta, and a golden crispy breadcrumb topping. Perfect for family meals, potlucks, and cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces egg noodles (or any pasta you like)
  • 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna in water, drained (chunk light preferred)
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley or fresh chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add egg noodles and cook according to package instructions (7-8 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook for about 4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Do not brown.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, and sautéed onions. Whisk until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Add drained pasta, tuna, and frozen peas (if using) to the sauce mixture. Stir gently to combine without breaking up the tuna.
  6. Fold in shredded sharp cheddar cheese, reserving a little for topping if desired.
  7. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and parsley until crumbs are evenly coated.
  8. Transfer the tuna pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb topping over the surface.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
  10. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; it will finish cooking in the oven. Handle tuna gently to keep chunks intact. Butter the breadcrumbs well for a golden, crunchy topping. If topping browns too quickly, tent with foil halfway through baking. Let casserole rest before serving to thicken the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: tuna casserole, creamy tuna casserole, crispy topping, easy dinner, comfort food, family meal, tuna pasta bake

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/creamy-classic-tuna-casserole-recipe-easy-homemade-crispy-topping/