Broccoli Tuna Casserole

Dinner

When I was in the Navy, a co-worker's wife shared this recipe with me. I’ve tweaked it over the years, but it still brings back memories of my "family" away from home.

Average Rating: 3.875

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 35 min. Bake: 1 hour
YIELD: 8 servings.

Ingredients

5 cups uncooked whole wheat egg noodles
1 teaspoon butter
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 cups fat-free milk
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
4 cups frozen broccoli florets, thawed
2 pouches (6.4 ounces each) albacore white tuna in water
1/3 cup panko bread crumbs
1 tablespoon butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Cook noodles according to package directions; drain. Transfer to a shallow 3-qt. or 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray.
2. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch, milk and seasonings until smooth; stir into pan. Stir in broth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes. Stir in 3/4 cup cheese until melted; stir in broccoli and tuna.
3. Spoon over noodles; mix well. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Toss bread crumbs with melted butter; sprinkle over casserole. Bake, covered, 45 minutes. Uncover and bake until cheese is melted, 15-20 minutes longer.
Freeze option:
Cool unbaked casserole; cover and freeze. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake casserole as directed, increasing time as necessary to heat through and for a thermometer inserted in center to read 165°.

Nutrition Facts

1-1/4 cups: 271 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 601mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 22g protein.
Diabetic Exchanges:
2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.