Tuna Noodle Casserole from Scratch: A Comfort Food Classic, Elevated

Tuna noodle casserole. The name alone conjures images of potlucks, family dinners, and comforting warmth. While the canned soup version has its place, making tuna noodle casserole from scratch takes this humble dish to a whole new level of deliciousness. This recipe provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to crafting a creamy, flavorful, and satisfying tuna noodle casserole that your family will adore.

Why Make Tuna Noodle Casserole From Scratch?

While convenience is tempting, building your casserole from the ground up offers several advantages:

* **Superior Flavor:** Fresh ingredients and homemade sauce provide a depth of flavor that canned soup simply can’t match.
* **Customization:** You have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to tailor the recipe to your preferences and dietary needs. Want more veggies? Add them! Prefer a different cheese? Go for it! Gluten-free? Easy to adapt!
* **Healthier Choice:** By using fresh ingredients and controlling the sodium content, you can create a healthier version of this classic comfort food.
* **Sense of Accomplishment:** There’s a certain satisfaction in creating a dish from scratch, knowing exactly what went into it and sharing that homemade goodness with your loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients required for this from-scratch tuna noodle casserole recipe:

* **Noodles:** 1 pound egg noodles (wide or medium). Egg noodles provide a rich texture and hold the sauce beautifully. You can also use gluten-free noodles if needed. Consider trying different shapes like rotini or penne for a variation.
* **Tuna:** 2 (5-ounce) cans of tuna, packed in water or oil, drained. Albacore tuna offers a firmer texture and milder flavor, while chunk light tuna is more affordable. Choose tuna packed in water for a lower-fat option. Look for sustainably sourced tuna whenever possible.
* **Butter:** 6 tablespoons unsalted butter. Butter is the base for the roux, adding richness and flavor to the sauce. Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content of the dish.
* **Flour:** 1/4 cup all-purpose flour. The flour thickens the sauce, creating a creamy texture. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
* **Milk:** 3 cups milk (whole or 2%). Milk adds richness and creaminess to the sauce. Whole milk will result in a richer sauce, while 2% milk offers a slightly lighter option. You can also use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free alternative, but the flavor and texture may be slightly different.
* **Chicken Broth:** 1 cup chicken broth. Chicken broth adds depth of flavor to the sauce. Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended to control the salt content. Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option.
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, chopped. Onion provides a savory base flavor for the sauce. Dice the onion finely for even cooking.
* **Celery:** 2 stalks celery, chopped. Celery adds a subtle crunch and earthy flavor. Dice the celery finely.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced. Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, or substitute with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
* **Frozen Peas:** 1 cup frozen peas. Peas add a pop of color and sweetness. You can substitute with other vegetables like green beans, carrots, or mixed vegetables.
* **Shredded Cheddar Cheese:** 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese. Cheddar cheese adds a sharp and cheesy flavor. You can use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or a blend of cheeses.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season the sauce and casserole to your liking.
* **Optional Topping:** 1 cup crushed potato chips, French fried onions, or breadcrumbs. These add a delightful crunchy texture to the top of the casserole.

Equipment Needed

* Large pot for cooking noodles
* Large skillet or saucepan for making the sauce
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Whisk
* Wooden spoon or spatula
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cutting board
* Knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed steps to create a delicious from-scratch tuna noodle casserole.

**1. Cook the Noodles:**

* Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
* Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions, until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Overcooking the noodles will result in a mushy casserole.
* Drain the noodles well and set aside.

**2. Prepare the Sauce:**

* In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
* Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and butter mixture. Whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes, creating a roux. This step is crucial for thickening the sauce.
* Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth.
* Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly.
* Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
* Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
* Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Be mindful of the salt content, as the cheese and tuna may already be salty.

**3. Assemble the Casserole:**

* Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
* In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, drained tuna, frozen peas, and the cheese sauce. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
* Pour the mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish.
* Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
* If using a topping, sprinkle the crushed potato chips, French fried onions, or breadcrumbs evenly over the cheese.

**4. Bake the Casserole:**

* Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The topping should be golden brown.

**5. Let it Rest:**

* Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and prevents burning your mouth.

**6. Serve and Enjoy!**

* Serve the tuna noodle casserole hot and enjoy this comforting and delicious dish! It pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables.

Tips for Success

* **Don’t Overcook the Noodles:** Overcooked noodles will result in a mushy casserole. Cook them al dente, slightly firm to the bite.
* **Whisk Constantly:** When making the sauce, whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming. This is especially important when adding the milk and chicken broth.
* **Don’t Burn the Roux:** Watch the butter and flour mixture carefully to prevent it from burning. Burnt roux will impart a bitter flavor to the sauce.
* **Adjust Seasoning to Taste:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Be mindful of the salt content, as the cheese and tuna may already be salty.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh ingredients will result in a more flavorful casserole. Use fresh onion, celery, and garlic whenever possible.
* **Customize the Recipe:** Feel free to customize the recipe to your liking. Add more vegetables, use different cheeses, or try different toppings.

Variations and Additions

The beauty of tuna noodle casserole is its versatility. Here are some variations and additions to try:

* **Vegetables:** Add other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, green beans, or broccoli. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the casserole.
* **Cheese:** Use different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or a blend of cheeses. You can also add a layer of cream cheese to the sauce for extra creaminess.
* **Herbs:** Add fresh or dried herbs like parsley, thyme, or oregano to the sauce for added flavor.
* **Spice:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
* **Breadcrumbs:** Use seasoned breadcrumbs instead of potato chips or French fried onions for a different topping.
* **Mushroom Soup:** While this recipe avoids canned soup, some people like adding a can of cream of mushroom soup for extra creaminess and flavor. If you choose to do this, reduce the amount of milk and chicken broth accordingly.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free noodles and a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this casserole gluten-free.
* **Make it Dairy-Free:** Use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk instead of milk and a dairy-free cheese alternative to make this casserole dairy-free.
* **Tuna Alternatives:** Try using canned salmon or shredded cooked chicken instead of tuna.
* **Add Some Crunch:** Water chestnuts add a nice subtle crunch and texture.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Tuna noodle casserole is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble the casserole a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

When you’re ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This will help the casserole cook evenly.

You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time if the casserole is cold from the refrigerator.

Storage Instructions

Leftover tuna noodle casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in individual portions. Be careful not to overheat, as the noodles can become mushy.

Freezing Instructions

Tuna noodle casserole can also be frozen for longer storage. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish and cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight.

Bake as directed, adding extra baking time if necessary, as the casserole will be cold.

It’s best to freeze the casserole before baking, as the texture of the noodles and sauce may change slightly after freezing and thawing. However, you can also freeze leftover baked casserole.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 400-500 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Fat: 20-30g
* Protein: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g

This is just an estimate, and the actual nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients you use.

Conclusion

From-scratch tuna noodle casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion. By using fresh ingredients and making the sauce from scratch, you can create a healthier and more flavorful version of this classic comfort food. With this detailed recipe and helpful tips, you’ll be able to make a tuna noodle casserole that your family will love. So, ditch the canned soup and get ready to enjoy a truly homemade and delicious tuna noodle casserole!

Enjoy!