Broccoli Tuna Casserole

Total Time

Prep: 35 min. Bake: 1 hour

Makes

8 servings

Updated: Sep. 27, 2023
When I was in the Navy, a co-worker's wife shared this recipe with me. I’ve tweaked it over the years, but it still brings back memories of my "family" away from home. —Yvonne Cook, Haskins, Ohio
Broccoli Tuna Casserole Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 5 cups uncooked whole wheat egg noodles
  • 1 teaspoon butter
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 2 cups fat-free milk
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
  • 4 cups frozen broccoli florets, thawed
  • 2 pouches (6.4 ounces each) albacore white tuna in water
  • 1/3 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. Cook noodles according to package directions; drain. Transfer to a shallow 3-qt. or 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray.
  2. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch, milk and seasonings until smooth; stir into pan. Stir in broth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes. Stir in 3/4 cup cheese until melted; stir in broccoli and tuna.
  3. Spoon over noodles; mix well. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Toss bread crumbs with melted butter; sprinkle over casserole. Bake, covered, 45 minutes. Uncover and bake until cheese is melted, 15-20 minutes longer.

Can you freeze Broccoli Tuna Casserole?

Cool unbaked casserole; cover and freeze. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake casserole as directed, increasing time as necessary to heat through and for a thermometer inserted in center to read 165°.

Nutrition Facts

1-1/4 cups: 271 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 601mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.