mediterranean tuna-noodle casserole

I think it's well-documented how much I love casseroles. Some days when the weather is gray, you're tired, and it has been too cold to see any friends in weeks, the idea of a casserole makes it all a little better.

Here is one I made last week. The recipe called for red peppers, but I used green because they're so much cheaper and I'm not a big red pepper fan anyway.  Also, I halved the recipe because I'm a big eater, but 8 servings is a lot even by my two-serving-per-person standards.

It turned out alright. Mushy and warm was pretty much all I needed that night, and it was certainly that. I may suggest using crumbled potato chips on top instead of parmesan to give it some added texture. And also for the fact that (from where I come from at least) it's not a casserole until there's a chip or tater tot on top.

Mediterranean Tuna-Noodle Casserole (via Martha Stewart.com)

Serves 8

1/3 cup olive oil, plus more for baking dishes
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 pound wide egg noodles
2 red bell peppers (ribs and seeds removed), thinly sliced
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
5 cups whole milk
4 cans (6 ounces each) tuna in olive oil, drained
1 can (14 ounces) artichoke hearts, drained and thickly sliced
5 scallions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly oil two 8-inch square (or other shallow 2-quart) baking dishes. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook noodles until 2 minutes short of al dente; drain, and return to pot.

Meanwhile, in a 5-quart Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat oil over medium. Add bell peppers; season with salt and pepper. Cook until crisp-tender, 4 to 6 minutes. Add flour and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Gradually add milk, stirring until smooth. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture comes to a simmer.

Remove from heat; add mixture to noodles in pot, along with tuna, artichoke hearts, and scallions. Season with salt and pepper, and toss. Divide between prepared baking dishes, and sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake until golden and bubbling, about 20 minutes.