Tuna Mornay Casserole Pasta Bake

This Tuna Mornay Casserole Pasta Bake is the epitome of comfort food – creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection. With tender pasta coated in a smooth cheese sauce and packed with hearty tuna and vegetables, this dish makes a fantastic weeknight dinner for the whole family. It’s quick to prepare and utterly satisfying.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste by swapping out vegetables or adding a different type of cheese. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a cool evening or need a quick dish for meal prepping, this tuna pasta bake is sure to hit the spot. Serve it with a fresh salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Full Recipe:

  • 300g / 10 oz pasta (penne or spirals)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp plain flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar or tasty)
  • 185g / 6oz canned tuna, drained
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels (canned or frozen)
  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing)

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F. Grease a baking dish with olive oil.
  2. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to the packet instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
  4. Add the flour to the saucepan and stir to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened.
  5. Stir in half of the grated cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Add the drained tuna, peas, corn, and cooked pasta to the sauce. Stir to combine.
  7. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy.
  9. Serve hot and enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Tuna Mornay Casserole Pasta Bake: A Deliciously Simple Comfort Dish

Tuna Mornay Casserole Pasta Bake is a beloved classic in many households, known for its creamy, cheesy, and comforting nature. This dish perfectly combines affordable pantry staples with the rich flavors of tuna, cheese, and vegetables to create a meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a hearty dish for meal prep, Tuna Mornay delivers on flavor, nutrition, and simplicity.

The History of Tuna Mornay

Tuna Mornay has its roots in French cuisine, particularly from the classic “sauce Mornay,” a creamy cheese sauce used in various dishes. The term “Mornay” refers to a béchamel sauce enriched with cheese, typically Gruyère or Parmesan. Tuna Mornay evolved as an affordable and convenient meal during the mid-20th century, especially in Australia, where it became a staple comfort dish. Canned tuna, which rose in popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, was often combined with pasta and baked with this delicious cheese sauce to create a filling, economical meal for families.

While traditionally made with elbow macaroni or spaghetti, modern variations of the recipe, like this casserole pasta bake, often use heartier pasta shapes like penne or spirals, which hold the creamy sauce beautifully.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Busy Families

This Tuna Mornay Casserole Pasta Bake is a go-to option for many because it’s:

  • Time-Efficient: With a total prep and cooking time of about 40 minutes, it’s easy to prepare after a busy day. The ingredients come together quickly, and the baking time allows you to relax while the oven works its magic.
  • Versatile: You can adapt the recipe to what you have on hand. Swap out vegetables, use different types of pasta, or even mix in a variety of cheeses. It’s a great way to use pantry staples while also catering to individual tastes.
  • Affordable: Using canned tuna as a protein source makes this dish budget-friendly, and the other ingredients, such as pasta, peas, and corn, are inexpensive and readily available.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble this casserole in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. It’s perfect for meal prepping or freezing for later use, which makes it ideal for busy families or those planning meals for the week.
  • Kid-Friendly: The creamy sauce and cheesy topping make it appealing to kids, while the vegetables and tuna ensure they’re getting a nutritious meal. It’s an easy way to introduce seafood into your family’s diet in a way that’s familiar and comforting.

Nutritional Benefits of Tuna Mornay Casserole Pasta Bake

This dish is not only satisfying but also provides various nutritional benefits. Tuna Mornay Casserole Pasta Bake is packed with:

  • Lean Protein: Canned tuna is an excellent source of lean protein. It’s low in fat and calories while being rich in essential amino acids, making it a great protein option, especially for those trying to maintain a balanced diet.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Tuna is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health, brain function, and reduce inflammation. Incorporating seafood like tuna into your diet is an easy way to ensure you’re getting enough of these essential fatty acids.
  • Calcium and Vitamin D: The cheese in this recipe not only adds a rich, creamy flavor but also provides a good amount of calcium and vitamin D, both of which are crucial for maintaining healthy bones and teeth.
  • Vitamins and Minerals: The peas and corn in this dish are rich in vitamins like A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as potassium and magnesium. These vegetables are also fiber-rich, aiding digestion and promoting gut health.

Customizing Tuna Mornay to Suit Your Taste

One of the most appealing aspects of this dish is its versatility. There are endless ways to customize Tuna Mornay Casserole Pasta Bake to match your dietary preferences or to simply switch things up depending on what you have available in your pantry. Here are a few ideas:

  • Vegetable Additions: Add more vegetables to increase the nutritional value and flavor profile. Broccoli, carrots, spinach, or zucchini work well in this casserole, providing texture and color.
  • Cheese Variations: While cheddar is commonly used, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella for a melty, stretchy finish, or Gruyère for a nuttier taste. A sprinkle of Parmesan on top before baking adds a nice crispy texture and rich flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping. Many people find gluten-free pasta holds up well in baked dishes and doesn’t compromise the texture.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: If you’re looking to reduce the carb content, you can replace the pasta with cauliflower or zucchini noodles for a lighter version of the dish.
  • Add a Crunchy Topping: For added texture, mix crushed potato chips or French fried onions with the breadcrumbs. This adds an irresistible crunch to the cheesy topping and takes the comfort level of this dish to a new height.

Making Tuna Mornay Healthier

Although Tuna Mornay is already a fairly balanced meal, there are simple ways to make it even healthier without compromising on flavor:

  • Use Whole Wheat or High-Fiber Pasta: This increases the fiber content of the dish, aiding digestion and helping you feel fuller for longer.
  • Opt for Low-Fat Cheese or Milk: Using reduced-fat cheese and milk can cut down on the fat and calorie content while still maintaining a creamy texture.
  • Increase the Vegetable Content: Doubling the amount of peas, corn, or other veggies can help bulk up the nutritional value of the dish, providing more vitamins and minerals per serving.

The Perfect Pairings for Tuna Mornay

Tuna Mornay Casserole Pasta Bake is rich and satisfying on its own, but it can also be paired with a few side dishes to round out the meal. Here are some excellent side dish ideas:

  • Fresh Green Salad: A light green salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
  • Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread complements the creamy texture of the pasta bake and adds a comforting touch to the meal.
  • Roasted Vegetables: For a heartier side, consider serving roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus. The roasted flavors will complement the creamy tuna bake beautifully.
  • Steamed Broccoli: A simple side of steamed broccoli is not only nutritious but also adds a nice pop of green to your plate, balancing out the richness of the casserole.

Conclusion

Tuna Mornay Casserole Pasta Bake is a timeless dish that offers warmth, comfort, and nourishment in every bite. It’s a great way to incorporate seafood into your diet while still enjoying the cheesy, creamy goodness of a classic casserole. Its versatility and affordability make it a go-to option for busy weeknights or meal prep. By customizing the ingredients, you can easily adapt it to suit your family’s preferences or dietary needs. Whether you’re making it for the first time or it’s already a staple in your meal rotation, Tuna Mornay Pasta Bake will always be a satisfying, wholesome meal that brings people together around the dinner table.

In conclusion, this dish is perfect for those seeking a comforting, easy-to-make, and nutritious meal that the whole family will love. Serve it with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying dinner. Plus, with its make-ahead and freezer-friendly nature, it’s a practical choice for meal prep or busy weeknights. Enjoy this classic favorite and take comfort in knowing that it’s both delicious and nourishing!

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