Lemony Tuna Noodle Casserole

By sandiB2010

"This casserole is the ultimate comfort food. My mom used to make tuna casserole when I was growing up, and I loved it. This new twist is even more delicious--the secret is the fresh, zippy lemon zest." —Maria RiCapito, Executive Editor

Ingredients

• 12 ounces wide egg noodles
• 1 ⁄4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 large leeks, sliced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk, at room temperature
• 4 cups (16 ounces) shredded Gruyčre cheese
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 (5- to 5.5-ounce) cans oil-packed tuna, drained and flaked
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)

Details

Servings 8
Preparation time 15mins
Cooking time 65mins
Adapted from myrecipes.com

Preparation

Step 1

1. Cook egg noodles until al dente according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and drain again.

2. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add leeks and cook, covered, 7 minutes or until tender but not browned. Whisk in flour; cook 1 minute. Pour in milk; bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking frequently. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 3 minutes or until sauce is smooth and thickened.

3. Remove from heat, and whisk in cheese and next 3 ingredients. Fold in tuna and egg noodles. Pour into a greased 3-quart baking dish.

4. Combine olive oil, garlic, and panko; sprinkle over casserole. Bake at 375° for 30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.