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    Home » Recipes » Pasta Recipes

    Easy Tuna Casserole – Mediterranean Style

    Published: Mar 21, 2022 · Modified: Nov 5, 2022 by Chef Dennis Littley

    460 shares
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    5 from 48 votes
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    pinterest image of tuna casserole

    If you’re looking for a delicious, filling weeknight dinner my Mediterranean Tuna Casserole is guaranteed to bring smiles to your dinner table! This is comfort food at its best and truly one of my favorite casserole recipes.

    tuna casserole in a white bowl

    I’m going to let you in on a little secret, I’ve never made a tuna noodle casserole before. And I’ve also never tasted a tuna casserole before and I certainly didn’t think of developing a tuna casserole recipe!

    That’s right I was a food snob when it came to tuna casseroles.

    But I’ve definitely seen the light! One of my greatest pleasures in life is when I make something that is so delicious that it surprises me, and that was the case with this ah-mazingly delicious dish. I devoured that plateful of deliciousness and more!

    This isn’t a classic tuna casserole, it’s taken it to an entirely new level of deliciousness.

    close up of tuna casserole in a white bowl

    We reheated the leftovers for dinner on day two and if possible it was even tastier! So now I can proudly proclaim I like Tuna Casseroles (the ones I make, anyway).

    Ingredients

    ingredients for recipe

    Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make my Tuna Casserole. In Chef Speak, this is called the “Mise en Place,” which translates to “Everything in its Place”.

    Not only does setting your ingredients up ahead of time speed up the cooking process, it also helps ensure you have everything you need to make the dish.

    *Grated Romano shown in pic is for the white sauce. White sauce ingredients will follow.

    What type of tuna should I use?

    I prefer albacore tuna, but with all the mixed messages about which type of tuna is healthiest. The problem with albacore is that larger and more mature tuna accumulate higher levels of mercury and other toxic elements. Younger and smaller species like skipjack (chunk light) tend to have less mercury and toxins simply because they are as old as the larger albacore tuna.

    That being said if you are an occasional tuna eater it won’t have as much of an impact on what type you use. Tuna lovers may need to reconsider their choice or look for tuna that’s tested before canning.

    How to make Bechamel Sauce

    Let’s start by making the white sauce aka bechamel for the tuna casserole.

    ingredients to make bechamel sauce

    Learning to make a bechamel will be a game-changer, and will allow you to make so many more delicious dishes. It can be used for mac and cheese, a base for cream soups, gravies and sauces that will make you look like a chef in your kitchen.

    four images showing how to make a white sauce
    • Melt the butter in a medium saucepan and the flour to the pan
    • Using a wire whisk, blend the flour and butter together, this is a roux.
    • Let the roux cook over low heat for 5 minutes, this will cook out the flour taste.
    • Add the chicken broth to the roux and mix it together (not pictured). This is your basic white sauce.
    • Add the milk, grated Romano cheese and seasonings to the sauce and mix well.
    finished bechamel sauce in the pot with a wire whisk

    The end result will be this creamy sauce, known as bechamel (one of the 5 mother sauces). If it’s too thick, add a little more milk or water to the sauce (if you’re feeling decadent, a little heavy cream can be added).

    Most recipes use cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup in their casserole recipe. You can of course, go that route instead of making your own sauce, but I promise the results are worth the effort, and you get to control the ingredients.

    Place the bechamel off to the side until you’ve finished preparing the remainder of the ingredients.

    How to make a Mediterranean Style Tuna Casserole

    sauteed mushrooms and onions with garlic added to a saute pan

    Start by sauteing the chopped onions and mushrooms for 5 minutes. Add the chopped garlic and continue to cook for another 2 minutes (feel free to use your favorite type of fresh mushrooms in the recipe).

    While the mushrooms are cooking and you’re prepping the other ingredients, cook the pasta for the dish. This is all about timing, and while it’s not critical, having the pasta done when the rest of the ingredients are ready, will keep you from rinsing the pasta or letting it get clumpy from sitting too long.

    Chef Dennis Tip:

    Cook the pasta al dente. It will cook more while in the oven.

    collage showing how to make recipe
    • Place the pasta in a casserole dish and add the mushroom-onion mixture, cherry tomatoes, and juice from the can, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, artichokes, basil and parsley. Mix the ingredients together. You can use a large bowl to mix the ingredients together.
    • Add the tuna to the pasta mixture, and blend it into the pasta.
    • Add the bechamel to the casserole.
    • Lightly mix the sauce in. It does not have to be completely mixed.

    Bake the Tuna Casserole in a 350-degree preheated oven for 20 -25 minutes.

    I like how pasta gets a little crunchy around the edges from being exposed to the heat, but if you’re not a fan, cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep all the pasta moist.

    fully baked casserole with melted mozzarella cheese and chopped parsley on top

    Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and add shredded mozzarella (or shredded cheddar cheese) and sprinkle chopped parsley on top of the casserole. Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is nicely melted.

    overhead partial view of mediterranean style tuna casserole in a white bowl

    I had thought about adding gorgonzola crumbles to the dish for added flavor. You could also use feta or bleu cheese crumbles. Be creative with the casserole by adding your favorite ingredients to my easy tuna casserole.

    Zucchini, roasted red peppers, and eggplant would make delicious additions. And if you can’t find canned cherry tomatoes, stew tomatoes would be a tasty substitute.

    *You could make this dish with egg noodles if you like for a more traditional tuna noodle casserole, adding a little panko bread crumbs to the top.

    close up of tuna casserole in a white bowl

    However, you decide to customize your Tuna Casserole I promise you it will bring smiles to your dinner table.

    Serve this delicious dish with grated Romano or parmesan cheese and black pepper for the ultimate flavor sensation.

    Recipe FAQ’s

    Why is my tuna casserole dry?

    The most common reason your tuna casserole was too dry is simply there wasn’t enough liquid in the dish. The noodles absorbed what liquid there was and as it baked it dried out. You may also be using a baking dish that’s too large for the amount of casserole you have.
    If you’re worried about the casserole drying out cover it with foil while baking. Remove the foil and add the cheese, then bake until the cheese is melted.

    Do you cook the pasta before adding it to the casserole?

    Yes, you cook the pasta before adding it to the casserole. Cook the pasta al dente (still firm) before combining it with the other ingredients. If it says cook for 9-12 minutes, cook for 9 minutes. Always take the lower number of minutes for al dente pasta.

    Should I rinse the pasta to cool it down?

    No, rinsing the pasta will remove starch from the cooked pasta, and the sauce will not cling or absorb into the pasta properly. Try to plan the combining of ingredients so when the pasta is done you can add the rest of the ingredients and sauce.

    How long is tuna casserole good for?

    Tuna casserole will last 2-3 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze tuna casserole for up to 2-3 months. Make the casserole, then freeze it uncooked.

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    overhead partial view of mediterranean style tuna casserole in a white bowl
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    5 from 48 votes

    Tuna Casserole – Mediterranean Style

    When it's time for dinner my Mediterranean-Style Tuna Casserole is guaranteed to bring smiles and requests for seconds to your dinner table! My easy to make casserole is loaded with delicious and easy to find ingredients.
    Prep Time15 mins
    Cook Time40 mins
    Total Time55 mins
    Course: Entree
    Cuisine: American, Italian – American
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 518kcal
    Author: Chef Dennis Littley

    Ingredients

    Bechamel

    • 4 tbsp butter
    • ½ cup all-purpose flour
    • 2 cups chicken stock
    • 1½ cups milk I used whole milk
    • ½ cup grated Romano cheese
    • ½ tsp black pepper
    • 1 tsp granulated garlic
    • 1 tsp granulated onion

    Tuna Casserole

    • 9.2 ounces albacore tuna two 4.6 ounce cans
    • 12 ounces uncooked pasta cooke al dente- I used cavatappi
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • 2 cups baby bella mushrooms sliced (or button mushrooms)
    • 1 cup sweet onions diced
    • 2 cloves garlic finely diced
    • 14 ounces artichoke hearts one can sliced (reserve liquid)
    • 3 ounces sundried tomatoes reconstituted and sliced
    • 14 oz cherry tomatoes with juice 2 cups fresh cherry tomatoes can be used instead
    • 1 cup kalamata olives sliced
    • 1 tbsp basil finely chopped
    • 1 tbsp Italian parsley finely chopped (save a little to garnish the mozzarella, so it melts in)
    • 1 cup shredded mozzarella more or less as desired
    US Customary – Metric
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    Bechamel Sauce

    • Melt the butter in a medium saucepan and the flour to the pan.
    • Using a wire whisk, blend the flour and butter together, this is a roux. Let the roux cook over low heat for 5 minutes, this will cook out the flour taste.
    • Add the stock to the roux and mix it together. This is your basic white sauce.
    • Add the milk, grated Romano cheese and seasonings to the sauce and mix well.
    • Your sauce is now a bechamel, If it’s too thick, add a little more milk or water to the sauce (if you’re feeling decadent a little heavy cream can be added)
      Place the bechamel off to the side until you’ve finished preparing the remainder of the ingredients.

    Tuna Casserole

    • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F
    • Prep the ingredients
    • Start cooking the pasta
    • Saute the mushrooms and chopped onions
    • Place the pasta in a baking dish and add the mushroom onion mixture, cherry tomatoes (and the juice from the can), sun dried tomatoes, olives, artichokes, basil and parsley. Mix the ingredients together.
    • Add the tuna to the pasta mixture, and blend it into the pasta.
    • Add the bechamel to the casserole and lightly mix the sauce in.
      It does not have to be completely mixed.
    • Bake the Tuna Casserole in a 350 degree preheated oven for 20 -25 minutes.
      I like how pasta gets a little crunchy around the edges from being exposed to the heat, but if you’re not a fan, cover the dish with foil to keep all the pasta moist.
    • Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and top it with shredded mozzarella and sprinkle chopped parsley on top. Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is nicely melted.
    • Serve with grated Romano cheese and enjoy!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 518kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 53mg | Sodium: 936mg | Potassium: 958mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 700IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 256mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @askChefDennis or tag #askChefDennis!

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    About Chef Dennis

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    Chef Dennis is a semi-retired Chef, writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of A Culinary Journey with Chef Dennis aka Ask Chef Dennis®. Chef Dennis worked professionally in White Table Cloth Restaurants for 40 years and has been developing easy to make, restaurant-style recipes since 2009. The second phase of his reinvention from chef to blogger has earned him a place at the Worlds Dinner Table. Join him on his Culinary Journey enjoying his easy to make Restaurant Style recipes and travel adventures. For more details, check out his About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Christal Y.

      August 20, 2022 at 9:07 pm

      5 stars
      Hands down the BEST tuna casserole I have ever made or had. Enough said.

      Reply
    2. Cindy

      July 20, 2022 at 1:14 pm

      Can you sub Parmigiano for the Romano?

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        July 20, 2022 at 1:20 pm

        Yes you can, its an easy swap

        Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        July 20, 2022 at 1:22 pm

        yes you can. That’s an easy swap

        Reply
    3. Judi

      May 07, 2022 at 8:22 am

      5 stars
      I thought this combination of ingredients a bit odd when I came across this recipe, but I happened to have all of them, so I decided to give it a try. I am so glad I did! This recipe is delicious and the only way I will make “tuna casserole” from now on. Thanks, Dennis! (I am new to your site, but looking forward to trying more of your recipes!)

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        May 07, 2022 at 8:49 am

        Thank you Judi, I’m happy to hear you enjoyed my Tuna Casserole! I hope you find more recipes to try

        Reply
    4. Heidy

      March 28, 2022 at 8:46 am

      5 stars
      I loved the Mediterranean Tuna Casserole! My mom used to make a basic one, and it was good, but this one was so much better. It is packed with flavor! I will be keeping this recipe to make again.

      Reply
    5. Amita

      March 27, 2022 at 3:38 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you for this recipe Chef. I made it for the Hubby as I was going out of town for couple of days and he just told me that he loved it.

      Reply
    6. Marisa Franca

      March 27, 2022 at 1:10 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve been wanting to make a tuna casserole for quite some time. But every time I mentioned it the family would groan and grumble they didn’t want one. Well, I saw your recipe — it is totally different from the “typical” tuna casserole — and I knew I had to make it. All I can say that there wasn’t a noodle left in the casserole. The family loved it and asked that I make it more often. That is certainly a switch from the groans and grumbles.

      Reply
    7. Leslie

      March 26, 2022 at 11:05 am

      5 stars
      This is one of the best tuna casserole recipes! I love how easy this is to put together and the flavor is incredible!

      Reply
    8. Veronika Sykorova

      March 25, 2022 at 10:39 am

      5 stars
      This tuna casserole was amazing! I really like that it uses canned tuna because it made the whole process much easier than using any fresh meat or fish. Definitely making this again soon!

      Reply
    9. UR

      March 24, 2022 at 11:09 pm

      5 stars
      Your Mediterranean-Style Tuna Casserole was delicious! I can smell the fresh herbs and spices. Thanks for the recipe.

      Reply
    10. Sharon

      March 24, 2022 at 9:17 pm

      5 stars
      I adore tuna so I knew this recipe would be right up my alley. It turned out even better than I expected!!

      Reply
    11. Mikayla

      March 23, 2022 at 1:14 pm

      5 stars
      Wow the medley of flavors here are terrific. I had not heard of Mediterranean tuna casserole. What a difference and will be on my menu again for sure!

      Reply
    12. Bernice

      March 22, 2022 at 9:40 pm

      5 stars
      This is a great upgrade on a classic recipe. It was delicious and everyone loved the added Mediterranean flavours.

      Reply
    13. Jere Cassidy

      March 22, 2022 at 1:50 pm

      5 stars
      Well thank you for sharing this updated tuna casserole, it is in the oven right now and smells delicious. I rely on casseroles to get us through the week. I love the fresh ingredients and the fact no cream of mushroom soup is used!!!!

      Reply

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