Description

Tuna Casserole is a comforting and wholesome plant-based dish featuring tender pasta, flaky tuna, and a creamy plant-based cheese sauce topped with crispy breadcrumbs. Easy to prepare and customizable, it is perfect for family meals or entertaining guests, delivering rich flavors and satisfying textures in a warm baked dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

3 cups cooked egg noodles or penne pasta
2 cans (5 oz each) flaky tuna packed in water, drained and flaked
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded or cubed

Aromatics & Sauce Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
2 1/2 cups plant-based milk
1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
1 tsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
Salt and pepper to taste

Topping

3/4 cup breadcrumbs or gluten-free breadcrumbs
1 tbsp olive oil (for toasting breadcrumbs)

Instructions

Prepare the Pasta and Tuna: Cook pasta following package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside. Drain tuna and gently flake with a fork.
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant.
Make the Creamy Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the sautéed onion and garlic. Stir to coat, then slowly whisk in plant-based milk until the sauce thickens smoothly. Add vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) and apple cider vinegar (natural). Season with salt and pepper.
Combine All Ingredients: In a large bowl, fold together the cooked pasta, flaked tuna, frozen peas, plant-based cheese, and creamy sauce until well combined.
Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: In a small pan, toast breadcrumbs briefly in olive oil until golden and crisp.
Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs evenly on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly on top.
Rest and Serve: Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes after baking for easier serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Avoid overcooking pasta to maintain perfect texture after baking.
Use fresh-flaked tuna for a tender bite, if possible.
Adjust plant-based milk to get sauce thickness just right.
Toasting breadcrumbs in olive oil adds extra flavor and crunch.
Let the casserole rest after baking for easier portioning.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Tuna casserole, plant-based cheese, comforting dinner, baked pasta, family meal, gluten-free option, easy dinner