Description
Bobby Flay’s Tuna Casserole elevates a classic comfort dish with bold, zesty flavors. Mediterranean herbs and crispy breadcrumb topping make this hearty meal a delightful twist on traditional recipes that will satisfy your craving for something familiar yet extraordinary.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 can tuna 5-6 ounces (142–170 grams), drained
- 3 cups (255 grams) egg noodles, approximately 6 ounces (170 grams)
- 1 cup (113 grams) cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (57 grams) cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- ⅔ cup (95 grams) frozen peas, defrosted
- 1 tablespoon parsley
- 1 tablespoon parsley
Binding and Topping Ingredients:
- 10 ½ ounces (298 grams) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- ½ cup (60 grams) panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and prepare a 2-quart (1.9 liters) baking dish for the casserole.
- Cook the noodles in salted boiling water according to package instructions until they reach al dente texture. Immediately drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté diced onions and chopped celery until they become translucent and softened, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, sautéed onion and celery mixture, frozen peas, condensed cream soup, whole milk, shredded cheese, flaked tuna, and freshly chopped parsley. Gently stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the mixed casserole contents into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even spread.
- Sprinkle the prepared topping mixture evenly over the casserole surface, creating a crispy layer.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling hot and the topping turns golden brown.
Notes
- Drain tuna thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the casserole soggy.
- Select premium tuna packed in water for a cleaner, fresher taste profile.
- Grate cheese yourself for maximum melting and richer flavor distribution.
- Slightly undercook pasta to maintain perfect texture after baking.
- Customize heat levels by adding red pepper flakes or mild jalapeños.
- Break up tuna chunks uniformly for consistent seasoning throughout the dish.
- Consider whole wheat noodles for added nutritional value and nutty undertone.
- Layer ingredients carefully to create delicious pockets of flavor in each bite.
- Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly and create better overall consistency.
- Store leftovers in airtight container for up to three days in refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 323
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 689mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 68mg