Description
Tuna Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dinner that combines creamy plant-based cheese sauce, crispy smoked turkey bacon, and fresh vegetables for a flavorful and nourishing meal. Quick and easy to prepare in under an hour, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights and offers a versatile and wholesome choice for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Proteins
- 8 ounces gluten-free egg noodles
- 1 can (5 ounces) tuna canned in water, drained
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
Vegetables
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons flour (gluten-free if needed)
- 2 cups plant-based milk
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 cup plant-based cheese (mozzarella or cheddar-style), shredded
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil, then add the gluten-free egg noodles. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while preparing the rest of the dish.
- Prepare the bacon and vegetables: In a large skillet, cook smoked turkey bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. In the same pan with residual fat, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Make the creamy sauce: Sprinkle flour into the skillet with onions and garlic, stirring constantly for about one minute to create a roux. Slowly whisk in plant-based milk and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), stirring until a smooth sauce forms. Add apple cider vinegar (natural) for a touch of brightness.
- Combine tuna and peas: Gently flake the drained canned tuna and stir it along with frozen peas into the sauce, ensuring everything is well coated and evenly mixed.
- Assemble and bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, gently fold the cooked noodles, sauce mixture, and bacon pieces together. Transfer to a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded plant-based cheese on top and bake for about 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Cook noodles just shy of done as they will continue cooking in the oven.
- Whisk flour thoroughly into onions before adding milk to avoid lumps.
- Add bacon on top before baking to maintain crispiness.
- Both fresh and frozen peas work well; fresh peas provide a brighter flavor.
- Let casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to thicken slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: tuna casserole, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, gluten-free, dairy-free, easy dinner, weeknight meal, creamy sauce
