Tuna Casserole
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Author:
Cuisine: American
Serves: 5
Ingredients
  • 1 or 2, 7 Ounce Cans Solid White Albacore Tuna in Spring Water
  • 4 Ounces by Weight Dry Whole Wheat Penne Pasta, Cooked al Dente, Rinsed in Cool Water and Drained
  • 1 Cup Cooked Beans, Rinsed (Pinto or Kidney work great)
  • 2 Tablespoons Butter
  • 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 1 large Stalk Celery with Leaves, Chopped
  • ½ Cup Finely Chopped Yellow Onion
  • 1 Tablespoon Chopped Green Bell Pepper (Optional)
  • 1 Clove Garlic, Minced
  • ¼ Cup Broccoli Stalk (No Flowerettes) Cut into ¼" Dice (Optional)
  • ⅓ Cup Frozen Green Peas
  • 3 Twists of the Black Pepper Grinder
  • 3 Tablespoons All Purpose Flour
  • 1 Cup Milk
  • 2 Tablespoons White Wine (Optional)
  • 1 Cup Chicken Stock or Base
  • 1 Ounce Chopped or Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • 1 Pinch Dried Thyme
  • Salt to Taste
  • 1 Cup Panko Crumbs or Cracker Crumbs
  • 3 Tablespoons Melted Butter
Instructions
  1. Put the tuna, cooked pasta and beans in a large bowl. Be sure to flake the tuna into shreds using a fork.
  2. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a saute pan with the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the celery, onions, garlic, green pepper, black pepper and broccoli stem (if using) to the pan and saute for 4 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over all and stir well to moisten and combine fully.
  3. Pour the milk, chicken broth and wine (if using) into the pan with the floured veggies and stir regularly until the liquid begins to boil. Lower heat to medium and simmer slowly for 2 minutes; add the thyme and cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and is incorporated. Add the green peas and stir.
  4. Add the sauce to the bowl with the tuna, beans and pasta. Stir well to combine. Pour all into a 9" x 9" shallow casserole dish.
  5. Mix the melted butter and crumbs thoroughly and spread evenly over the tuna mixture. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 25 - 30 minutes until the crumbs are golden brown. Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Recipe by C o o k L i v e L e a r n at http://cooklivelearn.com/?p=1169