Fresh Tuna Casserole with Gruyère & Mushrooms

FreshAIG Quick Facts

• Species: Albacore Tuna (Thunnus alalunga) or Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares)
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Diet Types: Pescatarian

Preparation Method: Bake until bubbly, warm, and golden brown.

Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh tuna steak (Albacore or Yellowfin)
• 8 oz wide egg noodles
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup sweet onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups whole milk
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup sweet green peas
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x9 inch baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sear the fresh tuna steaks for 2 minutes on each side just until opaque, then remove from the heat, flake into bite-sized chunks with a fork, and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, add the diced onions and sliced mushrooms, and sauté until tender and browned.
5. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, then sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.
6. Gradually whisk in the whole milk until the sauce begins to simmer and thickens into a rich cream.
7. Remove the skillet from the heat, stir in half of the shredded Gruyère cheese until smoothly melted, then fold in the flaked fresh tuna, cooked egg noodles, and peas, seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.
8. Transfer the creamy mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly, and top with the remaining Gruyère cheese and panko breadcrumbs.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and beautifully bubbling at the edges.
10. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot alongside a crisp green side salad.

For those who prefer to stick to what they know and love, there's nothing like a comforting, classic dish to bring the family together. This twist on a nostalgic favorite swaps canned fish for tender, fresh tuna, for a meal that is a wholesome choice for the whole family. By using fresh seafood from your local market, you can enjoy real, wholesome flavor that is free from unnecessary additives. Not only does this dish satisfy those hearty cravings, but it also supports domestic fishermen and family businesses that strengthen your community's local economy. You can find them nearby on FreshAIG.