Description
Homemade cheesy tuna mornay recipe delights with creamy Australian comfort cooking. Seafood and cheese blend seamlessly, delivering rich flavors you’ll savor with each comforting spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 can (185 grams) tuna in spring water, drained
- 2 cups cooked pasta (macaroni or penne)
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Vegetable:
- 1/4 cup frozen peas
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 180°C, preparing a welcoming environment for your creamy casserole.
- Create a silky roux by melting butter in a saucepan, then gently incorporating flour until a smooth paste forms.
- Introduce milk gradually, whisking continuously to prevent lumps, and cook until the mixture transforms into a luxurious, thick sauce.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper, then fold in cheddar cheese until it melts into a velvety consistency.
- In a baking dish, unite cooked pasta, flaked tuna, and sweet green peas, ensuring even distribution.
- Cascade the cheese sauce over the mixture, gently stirring to coat every morsel with creamy goodness.
- Crown the dish with a generous sprinkle of breadcrumbs and additional cheese, creating a golden, crispy topping.
- Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a bubbling, bronzed surface that signals perfect doneness.
- Remove from the oven and allow to rest briefly before serving, letting the flavors meld and intensity build.
Notes
- Choose low-sodium tuna to control salt content and make the dish healthier for those watching their sodium intake.
- Replace regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs and boost nutritional value.
- Toast breadcrumbs before sprinkling to enhance their crunch and add a deeper, nuttier flavor to the dish’s topping.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill to brighten the flavor profile and introduce a fresh, aromatic element to the creamy casserole.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 423 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg