Description
This Tuna Casserole blends tender egg noodles, flaky canned tuna, creamy plant-based cheese, and crispy smoked turkey bacon for a cozy, satisfying dish. Enhanced with frozen peas, aromatics, and a creamy sauce thickened with a natural gelling agent, this recipe is perfect for an effortless dinner or meal prep. Adaptable and flavorful, it offers comforting textures and tastes that please all ages.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 2 cans high-quality flaky canned tuna, drained
- 6 strips smoked turkey bacon
Creamy Sauce and Flavorings
- 1 cup creamy plant-based cheese
- 1 cup plant-based milk
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta and Aromatics: Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until just tender. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan and sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent to create the flavor base.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a separate pan, cook smoked turkey bacon until crisp. Chop into bite-sized pieces and set aside to add smoky crunch later.
- Mix the Creamy Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine creamy plant-based cheese, plant-based milk, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce and the natural gelling agent until smooth and thick enough to coat noodles well.
- Combine Tuna and Veggies: Drain canned tuna and gently flake it into the cheese mixture. Stir in frozen peas and the sautéed onions and garlic carefully, maintaining the tuna’s delicate texture.
- Assemble and Bake: Drain egg noodles and mix them with the creamy tuna and vegetable sauce. Transfer everything into a lightly oiled baking dish. Top with chopped smoked turkey bacon. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 20 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the top turns golden.
Notes
- Drain tuna thoroughly to prevent sogginess and maintain texture.
- Avoid overcooking pasta to keep noodles firm after baking.
- Use fresh peas if possible for a sweeter, fresher flavor.
- Add cheese mixture just before baking to keep creamy consistency.
- Cover casserole loosely in the oven to maintain moisture and allow topping to crisp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: tuna casserole, plant-based cheese, smoky turkey bacon, comfort food, creamy casserole, easy dinner, gluten free
