Description
A cozy and delicious Tuna Noodle Casserole featuring smoky turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, tender noodles, and a natural gelling agent, creating a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna packed in water, drained
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
- 1 cup plant milk
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1/4 cup grape juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles and Bacon: Boil the egg noodles according to package instructions until just tender. Drain and set aside. While the noodles cook, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Remove, chop into bite-sized pieces, and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced celery and onion. Gently sauté over medium heat until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a saucepan over low heat, combine plant milk, plant-based cheese, and natural gelling agent. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Add vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), grape juice, garlic powder (natural), salt, and pepper. Cook gently to blend the flavors well.
- Mix Everything Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, crispy smoked turkey bacon pieces, sautéed celery and onion, drained tuna, and the creamy sauce. Stir gently but thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a casserole dish and transfer the mixture into it. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden on top. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the texture to set.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking noodles as they continue to soften in the oven.
- Use vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) and grape juice to enhance the flavor depth.
- Keep stirring the creamy sauce gently to prevent lumps while thickening.
- Use good quality canned tuna for the best taste.
- Allow the casserole to rest after baking to improve texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: tuna noodle casserole, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, creamy casserole, weeknight dinner, comfort food
