(Mostly) Lactose Free Tuna Casserole: A Comfort Food

Everybody has that one food that reminds them of when things were easy or that was a favorite growing up. For me, my mom's tuna casserole comes to mind, and can be made virtually lactose free. I say virtually because there is still a tiny bit of lactose in one of the ingredients in the recipe.

I was always the last at the table when my mom made this. I always dug through the fridge searching for the leftovers the next day after she made it. For whatever reason, this food always reminds me of home, and always tastes delicious. Her recipe isn't the same as the ones you find online. I know people think tuna casserole and get squeamish, but I promise, this is much better than those casseroles you've had before. It's creamy, and cheesy, and doesn't have peas or celery in it. A few bites of this, and you feel as comforted as you would with a big bowl of mac & cheese in front of you.

This ain't your mama's tuna casserole, this is MY mama's tuna casserole. It's simple, easy, and costs very little to make. Which is THE BEST.

My husband has always hated tuna casserole, but loves this recipe. We devoured the entire casserole dish full in two sittings. There are no pictures of it plated because we can't wait to eat it, and photographing it on a plate just takes WAY too long.

INGREDIENTS

(Servings: 8-10. Or 2-3 adults with no evening plans except iTunes, stretchy pants, and the couch. You can half this recipe if necessary.)

+ 1 - 7 oz. pkg wide egg noodles

+ 1 cup chopped onion

+ 6 tbsp (butter or vegetable oil)

+ 1/4 cup flour

+ 2 1/4 cup milk (I used Lactaid Milk to keep it lactose free)

+ 1 can Cream of Chicken soup (this has some lactose in it, but I'm pretty sensitive to it, and this doesn't bother me)

+ 2 - 7 oz cans tuna fish (drained)

+ Optional - shredded cheese

DIRECTIONS

Cook noodles in a pot with salted water and drain when done. While noodles are cooking, cook the chopped onion in the butter or oil in another pot. Blend in the flour until the mixture is smooth. Slowly add the milk and cook the mixture until thick, stirring constantly. Stir in soup and drained tuna until mixed well. Put cooked noodles in greased 3-quart casserole dish and pour soup mixture on top. Stir to combine. Bake uncovered at 350° F for 35 minutes. When two minutes remain, sprinkle a layer of cheese on top.

Tip: For the people who struggle with cheese, you can skip adding it all together. We do it on one half for my husband because it's one of the best parts, and keep the other side as lactose free as possible for me.

If you can eat a tiny bit of lactose without a problem, this recipe is for you. For me, I avoid cheeses, yogurt, milk, and creams (unless they're lactose free) and only can handle food with traces of regular dairy. So, the fact that this wasn't an issue for me was exciting. We put cheese on one half for my husband, and leave it off the other half for me.

Let me know what you think if you make it. My mom would be happy to know I'm spreading joy out into the world with food she made us as kids. 

+++What's your favorite comfort food?

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