Welcome to the world of casseroles with a kick! This Spicy Southwestern Tuna Noodle Casserole is a zesty twist on a classic comfort dish, combining the heartiness of tuna with the bold flavors of the Southwest. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that’s anything but ordinary.
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that's heating up, cook your egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once they’re al dente, drain them and set them aside for later. In the meantime, grab a large skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño, and garlic. Sauté these until they’re soft, about five minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen starts to smell amazing.
Next, add in the drained tuna, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and black beans. Sprinkle the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Give it a good stir and let everything cook together for about 2-3 minutes until well combined. Remove the skillet from the heat and mix in the sour cream, half of your cheese, and those cooked noodles. Stir everything until it’s well coated and looks like something you can’t wait to dig into.
Now, transfer this delicious mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, along with the crushed tortilla chips. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. The cheese should be bubbly and golden brown by the time it’s done. Once out of the oven, garnish with chopped cilantro for a fresh, herby finish.
This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette. You could also serve it with some warm, crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. A glass of crisp white wine or a light beer complements the spicy notes perfectly.
Starting with egg noodles, they serve as the hearty base, absorbing all the delicious flavors. Olive oil helps to sauté the vegetables to perfection, bringing out their natural sweetness and aroma. The onion, red bell pepper, and jalapeño create our flavor trio, adding depth, sweetness, and a touch of heat. Garlic infuses the dish with its unmistakable aroma. Tuna is our star protein, versatile and rich. Frozen corn brings a pop of sweetness, while diced tomatoes with green chilies add a tangy, spicy edge. Black beans enhance the protein content and provide a creamy texture. Spices like ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder tie everything together with a smoky, warm flavor. The creamy element comes from sour cream, which smooths out the spice. Finally, a generous helping of shredded Mexican cheese blend and crushed tortilla chips tops the casserole with gooey, crunchy goodness, and fresh cilantro adds a refreshing finish.
Share