Description
This easy Tuna Noodle Casserole with creamy plant-based cheese and crispy smoked turkey bacon offers a warm, comforting, and nourishing meal. Ready in under an hour, it combines tender elbow macaroni, savory aromatics, and a rich, smooth sauce enhanced with vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Perfect for family dinners, it is customizable and satisfying, delivering a cozy and flavorful experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cans good-quality tuna packed in water, drained and flaked
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
Aromatics and Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
Sauce Components
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 2 1/2 cups plant-based milk
- 1 cup creamy cheese (plant-based)
- 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
Topping (Optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted plant-based butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente according to package instructions. Drain the noodles and set aside.
- Cook the Smoky Bacon and Aromatics: In a large skillet, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy, then remove and chop into bite-sized pieces. In the same skillet, sauté finely chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Whisk together the flour and plant-based milk in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Stir in the creamy cheese (plant-based), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), frozen peas, salt, pepper, dried thyme, and natural gelling agent until smooth and well combined.
- Combine All Ingredients: Gently mix the cooked noodles, flaked tuna, bacon pieces, and sautéed aromatics into the sauce until everything is evenly coated.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish. If desired, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted plant-based butter and sprinkle on top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Notes
- Use flaked tuna, drained well and broken into small pieces for better distribution.
- Do not overcook pasta; slightly undercooked noodles prevent a mushy casserole.
- Season the sauce generously; taste before combining all ingredients.
- Fold in frozen peas at the end of sauce preparation to retain their vibrant color and tender texture.
- Allow casserole to rest a few minutes after baking to set and enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: tuna noodle casserole, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, creamy casserole, easy dinner, gluten-free casserole
