Description
This Tuna Noodle Casserole combines tender noodles, hearty tuna, smoky turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheeses to create a cozy, comforting dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in under an hour, this simple casserole offers balanced flavors and a luscious texture that makes it an ideal staple for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 can (5 oz) tuna in water, drained
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup plant-based cream cheese (cream cheese style)
- 1 cup plant-based shredded cheese
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tsp onion powder (natural)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (natural)
- 1 cup plant-based milk
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles and Peas: Boil the egg noodles according to package instructions, stopping just before they become fully soft. Add the frozen peas in the last minute of cooking to warm them through. Drain noodles and peas and set aside.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: While the noodles cook, crisp the smoked turkey bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat. Remove and drain on paper towels, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and whisk together plant-based cream cheese, shredded plant-based cheese, plant-based milk, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), onion powder (natural), garlic powder (natural), salt, black pepper, and natural gelling agent until smooth and gently bubbling.
- Combine Tuna and Sauce: Gently drain any excess liquid from the canned tuna and fold it carefully into the warm sauce, ensuring the tuna is evenly coated without breaking it up too much.
- Assemble the Casserole: Mix the drained noodles and peas into the sauce and tuna mixture. Stir in the chopped smoked turkey bacon to evenly distribute the smoky flavor.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and top with an additional sprinkle of plant-based shredded cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, until the top turns golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Do not overcook noodles; they will finish cooking in the oven to avoid a mushy texture.
- Use quality solid white tuna for the best flavor and texture.
- Ensure smoked turkey bacon is crisped well before adding for a satisfying crunch.
- Season gradually and taste as you go to balance flavors perfectly.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking to thicken and set.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Tuna Noodle Casserole, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, comfort food, creamy casserole, gluten free dinner