Print

Crispy Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole Easy Recipe with Golden Breadcrumbs

crispy classic tuna noodle casserole - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and comforting tuna noodle casserole featuring a creamy sauce and a crispy golden breadcrumb topping with lemon zest for added brightness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) egg noodles, cooked al dente
  • Two 5-ounce (140 grams) cans chunk light tuna, drained
  • 4 tablespoons (60 grams) unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons (24 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (480 ml) milk, whole or 2%
  • 1 cup (100 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup (150 grams) frozen peas, thawed
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (100 grams) plain or panko breadcrumbs
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add egg noodles and cook according to package instructions, about 6-7 minutes, until al dente. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent clumping.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle flour over the butter and onion mixture. Whisk constantly for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
  5. Gradually pour in milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Add more milk if too thick.
  6. Remove sauce from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using.
  7. In a large bowl, combine cooked noodles, drained tuna, thawed peas, and cheese sauce. Mix well and adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with lemon zest and melted butter until evenly coated.
  9. Pour noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle breadcrumb topping evenly over the surface.
  10. Bake for 20-25 minutes until topping is golden brown and crispy and filling is bubbling around the edges.
  11. Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If topping browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil halfway through baking. Do not overcook noodles; cook al dente and toss with oil to prevent clumping. Lemon zest in breadcrumb topping brightens flavor. For gluten-free, use gluten-free noodles, flour, and breadcrumbs. For dairy-free, substitute milk and cheese with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: tuna noodle casserole, crispy breadcrumb topping, comfort food, easy casserole, weeknight dinner, creamy tuna casserole

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/crispy-classic-tuna-noodle-casserole-easy-recipe-with-golden-breadcrumbs/