Description
Tuna Noodle Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring tender noodles, smoky turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, and a rich sauce thickened with a natural gelling agent. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this casserole offers a delightful blend of savory flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 8 ounces egg noodles (or gluten-free pasta for gluten-free option)
- 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna in water, drained
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 cups plant-based milk substitute (such as oat, almond, or soy milk)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (natural)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent (such as pectin, agar, or carrageenan)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen green peas
- 1 cup shredded plant-based cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles and Bacon: Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until just tender but not mushy. Meanwhile, cook the smoked turkey bacon in a pan until crispy, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a saucepan, whisk together the plant-based milk substitute, flour, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and natural gelling agent until smooth. Heat gently while stirring until the sauce thickens to a velvety consistency.
- Combine Tuna and Peas: Drain the canned tuna and fold it lightly with the frozen peas, allowing the peas to warm slightly in the residual heat of the sauce or briefly steamed separately.
- Layer the Casserole: In a large baking dish, gently combine the cooked noodles, crispy turkey bacon pieces, tuna and peas mixture, and creamy sauce. Stir everything together carefully to blend the flavors evenly.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Top the casserole with shredded plant-based cheese and a sprinkle of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking the noodles to keep the perfect texture during baking.
- Drain the tuna well to prevent the casserole from becoming runny.
- Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate before baking for convenience.
- Adjust the amount of natural gelling agent to customize sauce thickness according to your preference.
- For a crunchy topping, add plant-based breadcrumbs mixed with herbs before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Tuna Noodle Casserole, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, creamy casserole, comfort food, gluten-free casserole
