Description
Ina Garten’s barefoot contessa tuna casserole delivers comfort with classic American diner-style nostalgia. Crisp breadcrumb topping and creamy sauce make this hearty dish perfect for family dinners when home calls for something simple and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 can (142-170 g/5-6 oz) tuna, drained
- 1 can (298 g/10.5 oz) condensed mushroom soup
- 3 cups (710 ml/24 fl oz) egg noodles
- 1 cup (240 g/8 oz) cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- ⅔ cup (100 g/3.5 oz) frozen peas, thawed
- ⅓ cup (80 ml/2.7 fl oz) milk
- 1 tbsp (3 g) parsley, chopped
- ½ cup (120 g/4.2 oz) panko bread crumbs
- 2 tbsps (28 g/1 oz) butter, melted
- ½ cup (120 g/4.2 oz) cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tbsp (3 g) parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Preparation: Ignite the oven to a sizzling 425°F (220°C), creating the ideal thermal environment for the upcoming tuna casserole.
- Topping Creation: Blend panko crumbs, melted butter, cheddar cheese, and parsley in a mixing bowl, crafting a crisp, flavor-packed crown for the dish.
- Noodle Transformation: Immerse egg noodles in salted, rolling boiling water until achieving a perfect al dente consistency. Drain and rinse under cold water to cease cooking, preserving their delicate texture.
- Vegetable Foundation: Sauté onions and celery in butter over medium heat, coaxing out their aromatic essence until translucent and tender, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Casserole Assembly: Merge cooked noodles, sautéed vegetables, green peas, cream of mushroom soup, milk, cheddar cheese, chunk light tuna, and parsley in a harmonious blend, ensuring each ingredient is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Baking Preparation: Slide the combined mixture into a 2-quart baking dish, smoothing the surface for an even layer, then lavishly sprinkle the prepared bread crumb topping across the entire casserole.
- Culinary Finale: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and effervescent edges that signal the casserole has reached its peak of delectable perfection.
Notes
- Boost Noodle Texture: Rinse cooked noodles in cold water to prevent overcooking and maintain a perfect al dente consistency.
- Enhance Vegetable Flavor: Sauté onions and celery until translucent to develop a deeper, richer base flavor for the casserole.
- Create Crunch Perfection: Ensure the bread crumb topping completely covers the casserole for maximum crispy texture and golden-brown appearance.
- Prevent Soggy Disaster: Use whole milk and condensed soup carefully to maintain the right moisture balance and avoid a watery casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg