Craving a Mediterranean twist on the classic comfort food? Get ready to transform your ordinary tuna noodle casserole into a flavor-packed culinary adventure! This Mediterranean Tuna Noodle Casserole isn't just another weeknight dinner—it's a creamy, tangy, and utterly irresistible dish that will transport your taste buds straight to the sunny coastlines of the Mediterranean. With a perfect blend of protein-rich tuna, creamy Greek yogurt, and zesty feta, this recipe promises to revolutionize your dinner routine and impress even the pickiest eaters.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 1 can (12 oz) tuna, drained
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the 8 oz of egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-9 minutes. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
- While the noodles are cooking, prepare the other ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, 1 cup of frozen peas, 1 cup of Greek yogurt, and 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese. Stir well to combine all the ingredients into a uniform mixture.
- Add the cooked egg noodles to the mixing bowl with the tuna mixture. Gently fold the noodles into the mixture to ensure they are evenly coated.
- Next, add the 1/4 cup of sliced olives to the bowl. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Transfer the noodle and tuna mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the casserole from drying out during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is slightly golden and bubbly.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the casserole set a bit and make it easier to serve.
- Serve warm, garnished with additional crumbled feta or olives if desired. Enjoy your Mediterranean Tuna Noodle Casserole!
Tips
- For the best texture, be sure to cook your egg noodles al dente. Overcooking can lead to a mushy casserole.
- Use high-quality canned tuna in olive oil for an extra layer of Mediterranean flavor. Drain well before adding to the mixture.
- If you want to add more Mediterranean flair, consider throwing in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or a sprinkle of dried oregano.
- Make sure to use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt for a thicker, creamier consistency and tangier taste.
- For a crispy top, consider sprinkling some breadcrumbs or additional feta cheese before the final 10 minutes of baking.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 75mg
