Cheesy Tuna Broccoli Casserole

Name: How to cook Cheesy Tuna Broccoli Casserole - cookcic.com
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Us

Introduce

Chef :

StephieCanCook

Cheesy Tuna Broccoli Casserole

It was a blustery, chilly night. We wanted something hearty and warm, and just a little different than what I normally make on a chilly evening. I browsed the fridge and cabinets and had everything I needed to throw this delight together. I normally make tuna casserole with peas and carrots, but after got going with broccoli on this one I think I'll never go back again!

Ingredient

16 oz

pasta noodles such as Cellentani, Penne, Rotini (something good for holding sauce)

2 cup

broccoli florets - roughly chopped to bite size pieces (fresh steamed or frozen, thawed out is fine)

3 can

tuna in water - drained

1 can

cream of chicken soup

1 can

cream of mushroom soup

1 1/2 cup

milk (I used a soup can filled 1 and 1/2 times)

12 oz

2% Velveeta - cubed

1 1/2 cup

extra sharp cheddar cheese - shredded (I used extra sharp Vermont white cheddar)

1 pinch

cayenne pepper OR nutmeg

1/2 cup

bread crumbs

1/4 cup

grated parmesan cheese

2 tbsp

extra virgin olive oil

Cooking instructions

* Step 1

In a large pot prepare pasta to package directions, cooking 2 minutes less than minimum cooking time listed on package. Drain in colander, return to pot (off heat) and cover. While waiting for water to boil and pasta to cook, prep and cook your broccoli.

* Step 2

IF USING FRESH BROCCOLI: Separate florets, place in a steamer basket in a medium sauce pan with about an inch of water in the bottom, cover and steam until just fork tender. Mine took about 15 minutes. Remove from steamer basket, set aside, spread out on cutting board, let cool slightly so not to burn yourself and give it a rough chop. IF USING FROZEN: Use broccoli florets, thaw completely in a colander so any excess moisture drains away, then spread out and roughly chop the same as you would the fresh. When ready dump broccoli in pot with pasta.

* Step 3

Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13" casserole dish with butter or cooking spray. Set aside. Get ready to make your sauce now!

* Step 4

In the same sauce pan you steamed your broccoli, pour out water, add both cans of soup and milk. Stir with a whisk to combine and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stirring with whisk frequently to prevent sticking.

* Step 5

Add cubed Velveeta, continue simmering until Velveeta is completely melted, stirring constantly to prevent sticking (I still used my whisk). NOTE: If simmer is too fast and you feel sticking on the bottom of the pan, reduce heat to medium low.

* Step 6

When Velveeta is completely melted, reduce heat to low, add a pinch of cayenne or nutmeg and shredded cheese and whisk in until cheese is completely melted. Taste and add salt & pepper as desired (I only add pepper to this, everything else is usually salted enough).

* Step 7

Pour finished sauce into the pot with pasta and broccoli. Add drained tuna. Gently fold everything together until incorporated. Pour into prepared casserole and spread out evenly.

* Step 8

In a small bowl mix together topping ingredients. Sprinkle evenly over casserole. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and edges are bubbling.

* Step 9

When done, remove from oven. Let rest 10 minutes, dish up and enjoy!

* Step 10

NOTE: I personally prefer fresh broccoli for this recipe. It is quicker than waiting for frozen to thaw and tastes much better. If you do use frozen, you will have to start thawing at least 30 minutes before starting pasta. You could also thaw on defrost setting in your microwave or in the package in your fridge over night. With all thawing methods, you should still drain off excess moisture.

Note: if there is a photo you can click to enlarge it