Best Tuna Noodle Casserole

With a classic creamy taste that will remind you of your childhood, this tuna noodle casserole is the best budget-friendly meal to feed a crowd.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 35 mins
• Total Time: 55 mins
• Calories: 481 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cups milk
• 1 (12 ounce) package egg noodles
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 (8 ounce) package sliced fresh mushrooms
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 4 tablespoons salted butter, divided
• 1 small white onion, minced
• 5 teaspoons olive oil, divided
• 1 cup frozen sweet peas
• 2 (6 ounce) cans tuna, drained
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.25 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1.5 cups chicken stock
• 1.5 cups shredded white Cheddar cheese
• 4.25 teaspoons kosher salt, divided

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add egg noodles and 3 teaspoons salt to the boiling water; cook until tender yet firm to the bite, about 6 minutes. Drain noodles. Return to pot and set aside.

Step 3

Heat 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and onion and cook until mushrooms are softened and onions are translucent, about 4 minutes. Add remaining butter; stir constantly until melted. Sprinkle flour over vegetable mixture and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Stir in milk and stock and bring to a simmer, stirring often. Simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in lemon juice, Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper.

Step 4

Add sauce mixture to reserved noodles. Stir in 1 cup Cheddar cheese, peas, and tuna. Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle remaining Cheddar cheese over the top.

Step 5

Stir together bread crumbs, remaining 2 teaspoons oil, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and paprika in a small bowl. Sprinkle bread crumb mixture evenly over the casserole.

Step 6

Bake in the preheated oven until golden and bubbly, 25 to 30 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.