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!!