Description
Tuna Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish combining creamy plant-based cheese, tender egg noodles, sustainably sourced canned tuna, and wholesome vegetables. This recipe offers a perfectly smooth texture with rich flavors and delightful contrasts, ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends. Adaptable and family-friendly, it is a nutritious, balanced meal featuring protein, carbs, and vegetables in every hearty bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 can (5 oz) sustainably sourced canned tuna in water, drained
- 1 cup creamy (plant-based) cheese
- 1 cup plant-based milk
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Topping (Optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (can use gluten-free if needed)
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the egg noodles, and cook until just tender (al dente). Drain well and set aside, keeping them warm as you prepare the sauce.
- Prepare the creamy sauce: In a saucepan, whisk together plant-based milk, creamy (plant-based) cheese, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), onion powder (natural), garlic powder (natural), salt, and natural gelling agent. Heat gently until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly to a creamy consistency.
- Combine tuna and vegetables: Stir the drained canned tuna and frozen peas into the warm sauce mixture. Mix thoroughly to ensure the peas are heated through and tuna is evenly distributed for a savory filling.
- Assemble the casserole: In a greased baking dish, combine the cooked noodles with the tuna and sauce mixture. Stir gently to coat all noodles evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Add topping and bake: Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole for a crunchy texture. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
Notes
- Drain tuna thoroughly to avoid excess moisture and prevent a watery casserole.
- Use room-temperature plant-based milk to help the cheese melt smoothly without clumping.
- Do not overcook the noodles; keep them slightly firm for better texture after baking.
- Toast breadcrumbs lightly with olive oil and herbs before adding for extra flavor and crunch.
- Allow casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set perfectly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: tuna casserole, plant-based cheese, creamy casserole, easy dinner, comforting dish, gluten free casserole, family friendly dinner