Tuna Casserole with a Twist

The Ultimate Tuna Casserole: A Budget-Friendly, Asian-Inspired Twist

Let’s be real: when I was a kid, I dreamed of being that overworked, holiday-crazed mom. You know, the one with the wreath on the door, a prescription for Prozac in her pocket, and a casserole for every family meal—always serving up something that could somehow keep it all together. She was a badass. And while I did want to emulate her, I couldn’t help but feel like the casseroles I made always lacked that extra oomph.

If I were ever to find myself in that holiday haze, with my bank account looking more like a negative balance after cooking for my family, there’s one thing I’d make that would still make me feel like the badass I am—without breaking the bank.

Enter: Asian-Inspired Tuna Casserole.

Tuna Casserole

Time: about 45 minutes

Serves: 3-4

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 2” ginger, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon five spice

• 1 tablespoon white miso

• 1/4 cup mirin

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 1/2 cup milk of choice

• 1/2 cup white wine

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

• 2 (5oz) cans tuna, drained

• 12 oz corkscrew or cascatelli noodles

• 1 cup cream cheese, room temperature

• 1 cup chopped kale

• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs

• 1 tablespoon salted butter

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 400F. Grease a 9x13 or 8x8 casserole dish. Boil noodles al dente according to package directions, then drain and rinse with cold water.

2. In a separate pot, heat the oil over medium-low heat. Saute the garlic and ginger until combined. Add the five-spice, and saute until fragrant.

3. Add the white miso, soy sauce, mirin, and milk into the pot. Stir until combined, then add the wine. Bring to a strong simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk until incorporated and thickened slightly. Remove from heat.

4. Drain the noodles and place in a large bowl. Add the sauce, drained tuna, chopped kale, and red pepper flakes. Place in the greased baking dish. Toss breadcrumbs with melted butter until combined then sprinkle over the casserole

5. Bake for 20 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley.

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