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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare a welcoming casserole dish and lightly coat with cooking spray at 180°C (350°F).
- Create a smooth butter and flour base in a medium saucepan, whisking consistently over moderate heat until forming a silky roux.
- Slowly incorporate milk into the roux, stirring continuously to prevent lumps, allowing the mixture to thicken and develop a creamy consistency.
- Season the white sauce with delicate touches of salt, black pepper, and a hint of mustard for depth of flavor.
- Fold grated cheese into the warm sauce, stirring until completely melted and presenting a luxurious, glossy texture.
- Gently combine the velvety cheese sauce with tender pasta, flaky tuna chunks, and sweet peas or corn, ensuring even distribution.
- Carefully transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer for consistent cooking.
- Generously scatter breadcrumbs and additional cheese across the surface, creating a golden, crispy topping.
- 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.
- 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