For a richer flavor, try using Gruyere cheese in place of or in addition to the Colby-Jack. Freshly grated nutmeg adds a wonderful warmth to the bechamel sauce. If you don't have bread, crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs can be used for the topping. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the tuna brightens the flavor. Use high-quality tuna packed in olive oil for a more luxurious taste.
Tuna Noodle Casserole with Bechamel Sauce
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PREP TIME15 mins
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COOK TIME1 hrs 10 mins
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TOTAL TIME1 hrs 25 mins
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SERVING8 People
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VIEWS12
Elevate your comfort food game with this Tuna Noodle Casserole, featuring a luscious homemade bechamel sauce. Say goodbye to canned soups and hello to a creamy, flavorful dish that's both comforting and surprisingly light.
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
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Carbohydrate38 g
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Cholesterol65 mg
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Fiber3 g
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Protein27 g
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Saturated Fat12 g
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Sodium602 mg
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Sugar7 g
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Fat19 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
Step
5 mins
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
02
Step
9 mins
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes less than directed on the package, about 9 minutes. Drain penne, reserving 1 cup pasta water, rinse, and set aside.
03
Step
18 mins
Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a large, shallow saute pan. Stir in flour and continue stirring until golden, about 3 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk. Add minced onion, bay leaves, and cayenne pepper. Continue cooking until bechamel sauce thickens, 10 to 15 minutes. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt.
04
Step
8 mins
Place the cooked pasta into a large bowl. Add bechamel sauce and mix well. Crumble the drained tuna over the pasta. Add peas and Colby-Jack cheese; mix. Thin the mixture with 2 to 4 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water. Season with pepper and remaining salt. Transfer to the prepared casserole dish.
05
Step
5 mins
Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Add bread cubes; mix well until bread is completely coated. Stir in Parmesan cheese. Top casserole with this bread mixture and cover tightly with aluminum foil.
06
Step
40 mins
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until top is browned and golden, about 10 minutes more.
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Ruthie Wyman
Jun 23, 2025This recipe is a game-changer! The bechamel sauce makes it so much better than the traditional casserole.
Henderson Okeefe
Jun 22, 2025My family loved it! Even my picky eater asked for seconds.
Keyshawn Robertslabadie
Jun 16, 2025Easy to follow instructions and the result was delicious. Will definitely make again!
Destinee Wiza
Jun 8, 2025I was skeptical about the cayenne pepper, but it adds just the right amount of kick.
Tod Kirlin
May 19, 2025The breadcrumb topping is the perfect finishing touch.