Description
Supercharged Tuna Mornay is a creamy, cheesy tuna bake perfect for a comforting family dinner. Combining a rich cheese sauce with tender tuna, mixed veggies, and optional pasta, this dish is baked to golden perfection with a crispy breadcrumb topping. It’s an easy recipe that uses pantry staples and can be customized with extra vegetables for added nutrition.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (preferably whole)
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Main Ingredients
- 1 (425g / 15 oz) can tuna in springwater, drained and flaked
- 1 cup frozen peas and corn (mixed)
- 1/2 cup cooked macaroni or small pasta (optional for a heartier dish)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Topping
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a medium baking dish to prevent sticking and allow easy serving.
- Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux which will thicken your sauce.
- Add Milk and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk until the mixture is smooth. Add 1/2 teaspoon each of Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, plus salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
- Incorporate Cheeses and Tuna: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted and smooth. Fold in the drained and flaked tuna, 1 cup frozen peas and corn (mixed), and 1/2 cup cooked macaroni or small pasta if using, mixing well to combine all ingredients.
- Assemble the Bake: Pour the tuna and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface evenly.
- Prepare Topping and Bake: In a small bowl, toss 1/2 cup breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter until coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the tuna blend in the dish.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with optional chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For extra veggies, stir in chopped spinach or sautéed mushrooms before baking.
- Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this dish suitable for gluten-free diets.
- This recipe is great for using up pantry staples and feeding a family with minimal fuss.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian-Inspired
