Tuna Noodle Casserole

Ingredients

• 6 ounces egg noodles
• 1/4 cup butter ((1/2 stick))
• 4 stalks celery (diced)
• 1/2 large onion (diced)
• 1 medium green pepper (diced)
• 4 ounces finely diced mushrooms
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (plus more to taste)
• 4 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese (see notes)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 5- ounce cans water-packed chunk tuna (drained)
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 4 ounces drained, chopped jarred pimento peppers (optional)
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup shredded or grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh minced parsley

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a two quart casserole dish, and set aside.

2. 2

   Cook the egg noodles according to package directions, except reducing the cooking time slightly. Drain the noodles when they are just shy of al dente. Set aside.

3. 3

   Heat the butter in a large skillet with high sides or a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until melted. Add in the celery, onion, green pepper, and mushrooms and sauté until tender, about 10 minutes.

4. 4

   Stir in the flour, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to reduce the raw flour flavor. Then slowly add in the milk, stirring constantly during addition. Bring to a simmer, and cook until thick and bubbly, about 10 minutes.

5. 5

   Remove sauce from heat, and add in the ground mustard, salt, pepper, and cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted. Taste sauce for seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if desired.

6. 6

   Add in the cooked noodles, mayo, tuna, frozen peas, and pimento peppers, if using.

7. 7

   Pour mixture into the prepared casserole dish, and set aside.

8. 8

   In a small bowl, combine all the topping ingredients until well-mixed. Sprinkle over top of the casserole.

9. 9

   Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Remove from oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.