Description

Cozy and easy Tuna Noodle Casserole featuring creamy plant-based cheese, tender noodles, flaky tuna, and smoked turkey bacon in a rich natural sauce. This comforting one-dish meal is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxing dinners and offers versatility to customize with your favorite veggies and proteins.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 oz Ellen’s egg noodles (or gluten-free noodles)

Protein

2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained
3 oz smoked turkey bacon, chopped

Vegetables & Aromatics

1 cup frozen peas
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

Sauce

1 cup creamy (plant-based) cheese
1 cup vegetable broth
1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
1 tsp natural gelling agent (e.g., pectin, agar, or carrageenan)

Seasonings & Herbs

1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp fresh or dried thyme
1 tsp fresh or dried parsley

Instructions

Prepare your ingredients: Boil the egg noodles in salted water until just tender, then drain and set aside. While the noodles cook, crisp up the smoked turkey bacon pieces in a skillet and chop onions and garlic finely.
Sauté aromatics and create the sauce: In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant. Add vegetable broth and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), then stir in creamy (plant-based) cheese and natural gelling agent until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
Combine tuna and peas: Drain the tuna and add it to the sauce along with frozen peas. Gently fold together to distribute the ingredients evenly while keeping the peas vibrant and fresh.
Mix noodles with sauce: Add the cooked noodles into the sauce mixture, tossing gently to coat everything evenly. Sprinkle the cooked smoked turkey bacon pieces over the top, then add herbs, black pepper, and any additional seasonings you prefer.
Bake to perfection: Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly, creating a cozy crust while keeping the inside creamy and luscious.

Notes

Do not overcook noodles; keep them al dente as they will soften further during baking.
Use fresh herbs to brighten flavors and add a fresh finish.
Adjust the amount of creamy (plant-based) cheese and vegetable broth to control creaminess.
Let the mixture cool slightly before baking to help it set better.
Add toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top for a crunchy texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 550 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 25 mg

Keywords: tuna noodle casserole, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, creamy casserole, one-dish meal, easy dinner, gluten free