Tuna And Noodle Au Gratin
A creamy tuna and noodle casserole topped with melted American cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners with rich flavors and easy preparation.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Make a white sauce by melting margarine in a saucepan.
- Add flour to the margarine and cook, stirring constantly, until smooth.
- Gradually stir in milk, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using), cooking until the sauce thickens.
- Add American cheese to the sauce and stir until melted and smooth.
- Drain the canned mushrooms and tuna.
- Mix the cooked noodles with the tuna and mushrooms in a large bowl.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the noodle mixture and stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, if baking.
- Bake until bubbly and golden on top, if desired, or serve directly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. You can also substitute the American cheese with cheddar or a blend of your favorites for a different flavor profile. If you're looking to reduce calories, opt for a light margarine. Adding some cooked peas or diced bell peppers can enhance both the nutrition and color of the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad dressed in vinaigrette, which complements the rich flavors of the Tuna And Noodle Au Gratin. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside Garlic Bread or Roasted Vegetables. A light dessert, such as a fruit salad, can round out the meal nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, place the dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna And Noodle Au Gratin contains roughly 1415 calories, with 33g protein, 205g carbohydrates, and 75g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (252% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2545mg per serving (111% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna for this recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh tuna! Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the dish. You'll want to season it well and break it into chunks before mixing it with the noodles and sauce.
What type of noodles work best for this recipe?
Egg noodles are traditionally used for Tuna And Noodle Au Gratin, but you can substitute with any pasta you have on hand, such as rotini or penne. Just be sure to cook them al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).