Modern Tuna Casserole is a delicious, updated take on the classic comfort food. By lightening up the traditional version with fresh ingredients and a homemade sauce, this casserole brings a new, vibrant twist to a nostalgic dish. Packed with tender pasta, flaky tuna, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, flavorful sauce, it’s topped with crispy breadcrumbs for the perfect crunchy finish. This wholesome and satisfying dish is great for family dinners or meal prep, and it can be easily adapted to suit different tastes or dietary preferences.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz egg noodles or pasta of choice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (or non-dairy milk)
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil for topping
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and mushrooms, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Gradually add the milk and broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add the Tuna and Pasta: Remove the skillet from the heat and gently fold in the drained tuna, cooked pasta, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Transfer to a Baking Dish: Pour the tuna mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter or olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the casserole is bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
This Modern Tuna Casserole is a comforting and flavorful meal that adds a fresh twist to an old classic, making it a perfect dinner for any occasion.
