The Ultimate Cheesy Tuna Mornay Recipe for Cozy Comfort Meals

Diving into comfort food, this cheesy tuna mornay brings warmth to your kitchen with creamy, satisfying flavors.

Childhood memories of home-cooked meals inspire this classic dish.

Hearty ingredients combine in a simple yet delightful preparation that anyone can master.

Seafood lovers appreciate the rich, velvety sauce complementing tender fish chunks.

Perfectly balanced textures create a mouthwatering experience that feels like a culinary hug.

No complicated techniques stand between you and this delectable meal.

Grab a fork and prepare to savor every single bite of this irresistible comfort classic.

Why Cheesy Tuna Mornay Stands Out

• Quick Comfort Meal: Hamburger Stroganoff delivers a hearty, satisfying dish that transforms simple ingredients into a delicious family-friendly dinner with minimal kitchen effort.
• Adaptable Cooking Style: The recipe allows easy modifications like switching ground beef for turkey, adding mushrooms, or using different pasta types to suit personal preferences and dietary needs.
• Budget-Friendly Delight: Made with affordable ingredients like ground beef, noodles, and pantry staples, this dish provides a cost-effective solution for feeding multiple people without compromising on flavor and nutrition.
• One-Pan Wonder: Prepare the entire meal in a single skillet, reducing cleanup time and making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty but don't want to spend hours washing dishes.

Ingredients In Cheesy Tuna Mornay

• Tuna: A protein-rich seafood that adds a savory flavor and substantial texture to the dish.
• Pasta: The hearty base that provides a comforting foundation for the creamy sauce.
• Cheese: Adds richness, creaminess, and a delightful melted topping for the casserole.

• Butter, Flour: Create a classic roux that serves as the thickening base for the creamy sauce.
• Milk: Provides the smooth, liquid foundation for the white sauce.
• Mustard, Salt, Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor profile with subtle seasoning.

• Breadcrumbs, Extra Cheese: Create a crispy, golden crust that adds texture and extra flavor.
• Peas, Corn: Optional vegetables that introduce color and additional nutrition to the dish.

Cooking Instructions For Cheesy Tuna Mornay

Step 1: Prepare Cooking Equipment

Grab a large saucepan, whisk, baking dish, and measuring tools. Make sure your oven rack is in the middle position.

Step 2: Start Roux Foundation

Melt butter in the saucepan over medium heat until it becomes smooth and slightly foamy. Sprinkle flour gradually while stirring constantly to create a silky paste.

Step 3: Build Smooth Sauce

Slowly pour milk into the butter-flour mixture, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook the sauce until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dijon mustard

Step 4: Develop Cheese Flavor

Add grated cheese to the white sauce, stirring until completely melted and creating a luxurious, creamy texture.

Step 5: Combine Pasta Ingredients

• Cooked pasta
• Drained canned tuna
• Frozen peas or corn

Step 6: Prepare Crunchy Topping

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.

• Breadcrumbs
• Extra shredded cheese

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Place the dish in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F). Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges are bubbling.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot and watch everyone dig in with excitement.

Good Things To Know About Tuna Mornay

• Drain tuna thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the sauce watery.
• Choose a sharp cheddar cheese for extra flavor depth and creamy texture.
• Swap regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives for celiac or wheat-sensitive diets.
• Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill to brighten the dish's overall taste profile.
• Use whole wheat pasta for a more nutritious version with added fiber and nutrients.

Creative Changes For Cheesy Tuna Mornay

• Seafood Symphony: Replace tuna with salmon, shrimp, or mixed seafood for an oceanic flavor upgrade.
• Mediterranean Magic: Add chopped olives, sundried tomatoes, and feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.
• Vegetarian Voyage: Swap tuna with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a plant-based alternative.
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate chili flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce to give the dish a fiery edge.

Best Foods To Serve With Tuna Mornay

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight
• Serve this cheesy tuna mornay with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal that brings everyone together around the table.
• Perfect for Comfort Food Lovers
• Create individual ramekins for a fancy dinner party presentation, topping each with extra cheese and fresh parsley for an elegant touch.
• Lunchbox Makeover
• Pack cold leftovers in meal prep containers for a delicious next-day lunch that reheats beautifully and keeps you satisfied throughout the afternoon.
• Quick Potluck Solution
• Transport this dish in a large casserole dish to gatherings, where it's sure to become a crowd-pleasing favorite that disappears quickly from the buffet table.

How To Keep Cheesy Tuna Mornay Longer

• Store leftover Cheesy Tuna Mornay in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Wrap the dish securely in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm in the oven at 350F (180C) for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.
• Add a splash of milk when reheating to restore creamy texture and prevent sauce from becoming grainy or tough.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of fish instead of tuna?

Yes, you can substitute tuna with canned salmon or canned chicken for a similar creamy casserole experience.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The cheesy sauce and mild flavors make this dish popular with children, and it’s an easy way to incorporate protein and vegetables.

• Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour for the roux, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs on top to create a gluten-free version of the recipe.

• How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Try adding diced bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to increase the vegetable content and boost nutritional value of the mornay.

Cheesy Tuna Mornay Recipe

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4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy cheesy tuna mornay delivers classic comfort with Australian coastal charm. Cheesy sauce envelops tender tuna, creating a hearty meal you’ll savor with each comforting bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar or tasty)
• 2 cups milk
• 1 can (425 g) tuna in spring water, drained
• 2 cups cooked pasta (e.g., penne or macaroni)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons plain flour
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup frozen peas or corn (optional)
• 1 teaspoon mustard (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a welcoming casserole dish and lightly coat with cooking spray at 180°C (350°F).
2. Create a smooth butter and flour base in a medium saucepan, whisking consistently over moderate heat until forming a silky roux.
3. Slowly incorporate milk into the roux, stirring continuously to prevent lumps, allowing the mixture to thicken and develop a creamy consistency.
4. Season the white sauce with delicate touches of salt, black pepper, and a hint of mustard for depth of flavor.
5. Fold grated cheese into the warm sauce, stirring until completely melted and presenting a luxurious, glossy texture.
6. Gently combine the velvety cheese sauce with tender pasta, flaky tuna chunks, and sweet peas or corn, ensuring even distribution.
7. Carefully transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer for consistent cooking.
8. Generously scatter breadcrumbs and additional cheese across the surface, creating a golden, crispy topping.
9. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges bubble with enticing promise.
10. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving this comforting, cheesy creation.

Notes

• Ensure the roux is cooked properly to eliminate raw flour taste by stirring continuously and cooking for 2-3 minutes before adding milk.
• For a gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Boost protein content by adding extra tuna or swapping some with canned salmon for variety.
• Enhance flavor by using sharp cheddar or adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top before baking for a deeper, more complex taste.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg