Tuna Mornay is a classic, creamy casserole dish that’s both comforting and easy to make. Loaded with tender tuna, a rich cheese sauce, and optional vegetables or pasta, this recipe is a family favorite. Serve it on its own, with rice, or alongside a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare with pantry staples.
- Budget-friendly and perfect for feeding a crowd.
- Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying comfort food.
- Easy to customize with your favorite add-ins.
- Great for leftovers or meal prep.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Canned tuna in spring water, drained
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Milk
- Grated cheese (cheddar or a mix of cheeses)
- Onion, finely diced
- Optional: Peas, corn, or cooked pasta
- Salt and pepper
- Breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in grated cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, cheese sauce, onion, and any optional vegetables or cooked pasta. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Dish: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs and additional cheese over the top if desired.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace tuna with cooked chickpeas or diced mushrooms.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
- Pasta Bake: Mix the sauce with cooked pasta, such as penne or macaroni, for a tuna mornay pasta bake.
- Herbaceous: Add fresh herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the assembled but unbaked dish for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Yes, cooked and flaked fresh tuna can be used for a more gourmet version.
2. What type of cheese is best?
Cheddar is a classic choice, but you can use Gruyère, Parmesan, or a mix for extra flavor.
3. Can I make this without an oven?
Yes, you can serve the tuna mornay straight from the stovetop, skipping the baking step.
4. How do I prevent the sauce from being lumpy?
Whisk continuously when adding milk to the roux, and ensure the heat isn’t too high.
5. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach work wonderfully in this dish.
6. Is it okay to skip the breadcrumbs?
Yes, breadcrumbs add texture, but the dish is still delicious without them.
7. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use plant-based milk and cheese alternatives for a dairy-free version.
8. What can I serve with tuna mornay?
It pairs well with rice, a green salad, or crusty bread.
9. Can I use evaporated milk instead of regular milk?
Yes, evaporated milk works and adds extra creaminess.
10. How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
Let it simmer longer, or add a slurry of cornstarch and water for extra thickening.
Conclusion
Tuna Mornay is a comforting and versatile dish that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying. Whether served as a standalone meal or paired with sides, this recipe is a guaranteed hit for any occasion. Try it today and enjoy its creamy, cheesy goodness!
Print
Tuna Mornay Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian, Comfort Food
Description
Tuna Mornay is a creamy, comforting casserole featuring flaked tuna, a rich cheese sauce, and a crispy topping. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1/4 cup sweetcorn kernels (optional)
- 2 cans (185g each) tuna in spring water, drained
- 2 cups cooked pasta (e.g., macaroni, penne, or shells)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for breadcrumbs)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, tuna, peas, and sweetcorn. Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and stir until evenly coated.
- Assemble the Mornay:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter, and sprinkle over the top. Add extra grated cheese for a cheesier topping if desired.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the dish is bubbling.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the Tuna Mornay cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair with steamed vegetables or a side salad.
Notes
- Substitute cheddar with Gruyère, mozzarella, or Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free flour, pasta, and breadcrumbs.
- Add chopped cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.