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Tuna Noodle Casserole

Tuna Noodle Casserole

  • Author: Marcus
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Tuna Noodle Casserole combines tender egg noodles, flaky canned tuna, crispy smoked turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese in a warm, comforting dish perfect for quick and easy family dinners. Ready in under 45 minutes, it features a delicious creamy sauce enhanced with smoked paprika and natural savory notes from vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). This versatile casserole is both satisfying and adaptable to various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 8 oz egg noodles
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 cans (5 oz each) canned tuna, drained
  • 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 2 cups plant-based milk
  • 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (natural)
  • 1 tsp natural gelling agent

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Noodles and Peas: Boil the egg noodles until al dente, tender but still firm to the bite. Add the frozen peas in the last two minutes of cooking to warm through. Drain both noodles and peas together and set aside.
  2. Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon and Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Remove and chop into bite-sized pieces. In the same skillet with the rendered fat, sauté the diced onions and minced garlic until soft and fragrant.
  3. Make the Cream Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the cooked onions and garlic, stirring constantly to form a roux. Slowly whisk in plant-based milk and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), stirring until the sauce thickens smoothly. Add plant-based cheese and smoked paprika (natural), stirring until melted and combined. Mix in the natural gelling agent for a creamy texture.
  4. Combine Tuna and Casserole Ingredients: Gently fold the drained noodles and peas into the sauce, then add the canned tuna and chopped smoked turkey bacon. Stir carefully to evenly distribute ingredients without breaking up the tuna.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased casserole dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbling and golden on top. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use al dente noodles to prevent mushy pasta after baking.
  • Drain tuna well to avoid watery casserole.
  • Sauté aromatics and smoked turkey bacon to layer flavors.
  • Do not skip the natural gelling agent; it ensures perfect consistency.
  • Let casserole rest briefly before serving for better slicing and texture.
  • Doubling the peas adds more freshness and color.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: tuna casserole, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, easy dinner, family meal, creamy casserole, gluten free casserole

Find it online: https://tastysoulkitchen.com/tuna-noodle-casserole/