Helen Spear’s Tuna Casserole
📜 Collection: Burcea Collection | ✍️ Attribution: Helen Spear | 📂 Category: Entrees A classic mid-century comfort food featuring tender noodles, peas, and tuna folded into a creamy homemade white sauce, topped with golden buttered crumbs.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Inactive / Chill Time | Yield / Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mins | 25 mins | None | 4 servings |
🔪 Key Equipment
- Saucepan
- Baking dish
- Colander
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
White Sauce
| Measurements | Ingredients | Prep / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2 tbsp. | Shortening | None |
| 2 tbsp. | Flour | None |
| 2 cups | Milk | None |
| 1/2 tsp. | Salt | None |
| to taste | Black Pepper | None |
| Measurements | Ingredients | Prep / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 5 oz. | Noodles | egg noodles preferred |
| 1 (7 oz.) can | Tuna Fish | drained and flaked |
| 1 | Pimiento | chopped |
| 1 cup | Peas | fresh or frozen |
| 2 cups | Breadcrumbs | buttered, for topping |
Instructions
Step 1: Prep & Sauce
- Cook the 5 oz. noodles in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp. shortening. Stir in 2 tbsp. flour, 1/2 tsp. salt, and a pinch of black pepper to form a smooth paste.
- Gradually pour in 2 cups milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens and bubbles gently.
Step 2: Assemble & Bake
- Gently fold the cooked 5 oz. noodles, the prepared white sauce, 1 (7 oz.) can tuna fish, 1 chopped pimiento, and 1 cup peas together until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Evenly scatter 2 cups buttered crumbs over the top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until the casserole is bubbling hot at the edges and the crumb topping is beautifully golden brown.
💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: Can be assembled ahead of time, covered, and refrigerated. Add the buttered crumbs just before baking.
Original Recipe Scan
