Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Japanese Tuna Noodle Casserole?

Well, ok, the only thing Japanese about this casserole are the curly noodles and panko, but Japanese tuna casserole sounds much more interesting.  Honestly, today I just didn't feel like hitting the store and I have changed my grocery shopping habits because I was buying and we were throwing away too much food - oh the horror - and want to concentrate on clearing out my cabinets!  Therefore, I don't have lots of extra this and that to throw together.  Today I found two partially used bags of egg noodles and an open package of curly noodles, as well as my last two cans of Tuna Guys tuna and half a bag of frozen peas.  What's a girl to do?  Casserole time!

And OMG, and have you ever tried Tuna Guys tuna??  It's way too good, pricey but worth it.  You can check 'em out here:Tuna Guys.  100% dolphin safe too!

 Here's what we threw together.

4 tbsp butter
12 oz egg noodles
1/2 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup flour
2 cups skim milk
2 cans tuna, drained and flaked
1 cup frozen peas
cheddar cheese, shredded
whole wheat breadcrumbs, to top
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste

Heat oven to 350.  Boil your noodles according to package(s) directions, drain and set aside.  In a large skillet, melt your butter.  Add garlic and onion to the melted butter and saute until translucent.  Whisk in your flour, milk, tuna and peas.  Cook for about 3-5 minutes.  Add to your pre-cooked noodles, salt and pepper and slap all that goodness into a casserole dish.  Top with breadcrumbs and cheese.  Bake until top begins to bubble.
It was yummy!  Next time I'll throw a little hot sauce and some more spices in there since I always have those items around, but this was a nice comfort meal and we have enough left over for about 3 or 4 lunches during the week.

Kid review - Do I have to eat the peas?  Ah well, they did eat the rest.

Just FYI, my Tuna Guys plug is totally uncompensated.  I just like their tuna.  :)  More casseroles to come.  It's fall baby!!



9 comments:

  1. Hmm..mmm... this is just so mouthwatering! I have to make this. Thanks alot.
    Have a great day!
    Kristy

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yum! I will be making this! What a cool update of a classic dish.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This sounds really good! I haven't had tuna noodle casserole in ages! Time to change that :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Some times the best dishes are created out of desparation (and lack of groceries)! :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Was just about to type what you wrote...about the best dishes being created out of desperation... that's so true :) Sounds really good. I love tuna casserole and I love to try it different ways!

    ReplyDelete
  6. You have inspired me once again... casserole it is tonight ;) OK, so it is not tuna but I prepared it last night and it is cooking as we speak. When I get home supper will be ready so that I may eat and gear up for the night of Karate.... I am a little nervous this week because of last weeks injuries but I will get through it.

    Have a great day!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I have to tell you... those Japanese curly noodles work like a dream for tuna noodle casserole. You have converted me!

    ReplyDelete