Tuna-Vegetable Casserole

I made this a few weeks back from my "Joy of Cooking" cookbook. I remember my husband telling me his mother used to make it when he was growing up, so I thought I'd try it out. He absolutely loved it! :o) Actually we all did. And I'm sure you will too. I like it because it is pretty simple to make and doesn't require a lot of pairings. (Something I am still learning how to do.) I served it with steamed asparagus seasoned with butter and salt. Yummy! Any veggie would do, but a green veggie I think adds the best presentation.




Ingredients

* 4 TBSP unsalted butter
* ¾ cup thinly sliced mushrooms
* ¼ cup finely diced red or green bell peppers
* ¼ cup finely chopped onion
* ¼ cup all-purpose flour
* 2 ½ cups milk
* ¾ to 1 cup grated Cheddar cheese
* Two 6-ounce cans water-or oil-packed white tuna
* 2 cups cooked egg noodles or pasta(shell, macaroni, or spiral work best)
(4 oz. uncooked) (follow directions on package)
* ¼ cup minced fresh parsley
* Salt and ground pepper to taste
* ½ cup dry unseasoned breadcrumbs or crushed corn flakes
* 2 TBSP unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:
Position a rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter a 1 ½ to 2 quart shallow baking dish.

Melt the 4 TBSP butter in a sauce pan over medium heat until fragrant and bubbly. Add to it the mushrooms, green or red bell pepper and the chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are just tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and whisk in the milk.

Return the saucepan to the heat and cook, whisking, until the sauce comes to a boil, reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat, add grated cheese and whisk until melted.

Drain the tuna and break into flakes with a fork. Stir tuna into the hot cheese sauce, then add the cooked egg noodles or pasta. Continue to stir and add minced fresh parsley, and salt and ground black pepper to taste. Stir together well. Pour this mixture into the baking dish and sprinkle the breadcrumbs or corn flakes mixed with the melted butter.

Bake until bubbly and golden brown on top, 25 to 35 minutes.

Enjoy!