Chef John's Tuna Noodle Casserole

I consider this the king of comfort food casseroles. What I love about this recipe, other than that it is simple and easy, is that it doesn't require the traditional can of cream of mushroom soup—but it still has the same amount of creamy, decadent goodness that every casserole should. Serve this with a green salad on the side.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 55 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
• Calories: 511 Calories

Ingredients

• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup shredded white Cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• ½ cup plain bread crumbs
• 4 cups cold milk
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• ½ cup finely diced yellow onion
• 1 (12 ounce) package dry egg noodles
• 2 (5.5 ounce) cans tuna packed in olive oil, drained and crumbled, or to taste
• ¾ cup frozen peas, thawed and drained

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly butter a 9x13-inch casserole dish.

Step 2

Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Saute onion with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt until it starts to soften up and turn translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the flour, and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes, reducing heat if needed.

Step 3

Pour in cold milk and whisk for 1 minute. Raise heat to medium-high and cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and comes to a simmer. Remove from heat, whisk in Cheddar cheese, and reserve until needed.

Step 4

Fill a large pot with water and remaining salt and bring to a rapid boil. Cook egg noodles for 5 minutes. Drain well and add to a large mixing bowl. Stir in the reserved sauce, followed by tuna, peas, cayenne, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix with a spatula until evenly combined.

Step 5

Pour the mixture into the prepared dish. Mix bread crumbs, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and olive oil together in a small bowl until combined and resembling wet sand. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.

Step 6

Bake in the center of the preheated oven until browned and bubbly, about 30 minutes. Let sit for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.