TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE PAULA DEEN RECIPES

Steps:

• For the casserole: Preheat the oven to 375degrees F. Butter a 13- by 9-inch ovenproof dish or lasagna dish and set aside.
• Cook the egg noodles in salted boiling water according to package directions for al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and immediately place the noodles in a large bowl filled with ice water to stop the cooking. Once cooled, drain and then pour the pasta into a large bowl with the tuna, peas and both cheeses. Toss to combine.
• In a large pan with straight sides, add the 2 tablespoons butter, the olive oil, onions and thyme. Season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper and cook on medium heat until the onions are tender and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms, season with salt and cook gently until tender and darkened, about 5 minutes more. Add the Worcestershire sauce and horseradish, and then sprinkle the flour over the entire pan. Stir to help the flour soak into the vegetables and cook a minute more to lose the flour taste. Raise the heat to medium-high and add the chicken stock. Cook until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes, and then slowly stir in the heavy cream. Simmer until the cream is thickened slightly, about 4 minutes more. Taste and season with salt if needed. Pour the mushroom sauce over the prepared noodles in the large bowl and quickly stir to combine. Immediately pour into the prepared dish.
• For the topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and olive oil. Season with a sprinkle of salt and a grind or two of pepper. Stir until the crumbs soak up the oil evenly. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the dish and place, uncovered, in the oven until the sides are bubbly and the top is golden brown, about 35 minutes. Let it rest 5 minutes before serving.

Steps:

• Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the salt.
• Using a cheese grater or food processor fitted with a grating attachment, grate the Cheddar, Gruyere or Swiss, and Gouda cheeses. Set aside.
• Cut the cream cheese into 1/2-inch cubes. Set aside.
• Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente, about 9 minutes. Drain the pasta in a large colander, and rinse thoroughly with cold water.
• Preheat the oven to 375°F.
• In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter.
• Once melted, add the flour. Whisk to thoroughly combine. Continue whisking until the roux turns slightly golden and begins to smell toasty, 1-2 minutes.
• Slowly stream the milk into the pot while continuing to whisk. Cook, whisking steadily, until it begins to thicken and bubble, 4-5 minutes.
• Once bubbling, turn off the heat. Add the mustard powder, salt, and black pepper.
• Add the cheeses to the pot one handful at a time, whisking slowly after each addition.
• Once the sauce is smooth, add the drained pasta noodles to the pot. Stir to combine.
• Pour the pasta into the prepared baking dish.
• Place the crackers in a plastic bag and crush them to the consistency of coarse sand using a rolling pin. Transfer the cracker crumbs to a large bowl.
• Place the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high until butter is melted, about 30 seconds. Pour the melted butter over the cracker crumbs. Mix with a fork until they are evenly moistened.
• Sprinkle the cracker crumbs in an even layer over the pasta.
• Bake the mac and cheese on middle rack of oven until edges are bubbling and top is slightly browned, 25-28 minutes.
• Check to see that mac and cheese is done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.
• Allow macaroni and cheese to rest for 15-20 minutes before serving.