Tuna Noodle Casserole with Walnut Crust
DESCRIPTION
This traditional tuna casserole is made from scratch using wholesome ingredients and is topped off with a simple crunchy walnut topping.
Ingredients
Casserole
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 large stalk celery, sliced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 8 oz. wide or extra wide egg noodles
- 3 (5-oz.) cans water packed tuna, drained and flaked*
- 1 cup frozen thawed peas
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
Crust
- 3/4 cup California walnuts, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup croutons, crushed
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 2 1/2-quart shallow baking dish.
- To prepare casserole, cook noodles in boiling water until tender. Drain well and set aside.
- While noodles are cooking, melt butter in a very large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until slightly softened. Add celery and cook for 5 minutes more.
- Stir in flour and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually stir in milk and broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes or until slightly thickened.
- Stir noodles into vegetable mixture with tuna and peas. Remove from heat and stir in half the cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spread into prepared baking dish and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Top with crushed croutons and walnuts.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbling on the edges and golden brown on top. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
- *May substitute 1 (12.5-oz.) can chunk chicken breast.