Description
This Tuna Noodle Casserole is a creamy and comforting dish featuring tender egg noodles, smoky turkey bacon, and melty plant-based cheese. Enhanced with sautéed mushrooms, fresh parsley, and a natural vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, it offers a delicious twist on a classic casserole that’s easy to prepare and versatile enough for customizing with your favorite veggies or seasonings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 1 can (5 oz) tuna, drained
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 1 cup shredded plant-based cheese
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 tsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 cup plant-based milk
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp plant-based butter
- 1/2 tsp natural gelling agent
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the egg noodles and cook until just tender according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the smoked turkey bacon: In a large skillet, sauté the smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Remove and chop into bite-size pieces, reserving a bit of the rendered fat in the pan for the next step.
- Sauté mushrooms and make the sauce: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the reserved fat; cook until tender and golden. Stir in plant-based butter, then whisk in flour to create a roux. Gradually pour in plant-based milk, whisking continuously until thick and creamy. Finish the sauce with vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Combine tuna and noodles: Gently fold the drained tuna, smoked turkey bacon, cooked noodles, and chopped fresh parsley into the sauce, mixing carefully to coat everything evenly with the creamy goodness.
- Bake to perfection: Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish, sprinkle the top with shredded plant-based cheese, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
Notes
- Cook noodles al dente since they will soften further in the oven.
- Gently fold tuna to avoid breaking it down into mushy bits in the casserole.
- Add parsley and other herbs right before baking for a refreshing bright note.
- Adjust sauce consistency with a little extra plant-based milk if it looks too thick before baking.
- Allow the casserole to stand 5 minutes after baking to set properly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: tuna casserole, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, creamy casserole, comfort food