Description
This Tuna & Noodle Casserole is a comforting and creamy dish made without canned soup, using a homemade cheesy sauce instead. Tender egg noodles are combined with tuna and a rich mixture of half-and-half, milk, and cheddar cheese, topped with crunchy crushed potato chips for a delightful texture contrast. Perfect for a family-friendly weeknight meal, it bakes to bubbly perfection in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces egg noodles
Cheese Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 rib celery, diced (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 small onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Other Ingredients
- 10 ounces canned tuna in water, drained
- 2 cups potato chips, crushed
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 400ºF to ensure it reaches the correct temperature by the time the casserole is assembled.
- Cook Noodles: Boil the egg noodles until al dente according to package instructions, then drain and set aside to prevent overcooking during baking.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add diced onions and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute for enhanced flavor.
- Make Roux and Add Milk Mixture: Sprinkle flour into the skillet and cook for one minute while stirring to form a roux. Warm the half-and-half and milk in the microwave, then slowly whisk the warm milk mixture into the roux to avoid lumps. Cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the grated cheddar cheese until it melts completely, creating a creamy cheese sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Tuna and Noodles: Add the drained tuna and cooked noodles to the cheese sauce, mixing gently to combine. Either spread the mixture evenly in the same skillet or transfer to a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the surface with crushed potato chips, which will form a crunchy topping when baked.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until the edges are bubbly and the topping is golden.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes after baking, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with other melting cheeses such as Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Using freshly cracked black pepper adds more flavor compared to pre-ground pepper.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
