This recipe delivers an incredibly cheesy tuna noodle casserole, featuring layers of extra cheese for a delightfully melty bake. It’s a comforting classic made even more decadent.
Author:Amara Louis
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:40 minutes
Yield:6-8 servings
Category:Main Course
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
12 ounces wide egg noodles
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna, drained and flaked
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.
While the noodles are cooking, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until lightly golden.
Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring often, until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Stir in the drained tuna, frozen peas, half of the cheddar cheese, half of the Monterey Jack cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream until well combined and the cheeses are melted.
Add the cooked noodles to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat.
Pour half of the noodle mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
Top with the remaining noodle mixture and sprinkle with the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For an extra creamy sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream along with the milk.
Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations like Gruyere or Swiss for a new flavor profile.
If you prefer a crispier topping, add a layer of breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter over the cheese before baking.