Description
Comforting cheesy tuna mornay brings classic Australian home cooking to your table with creamy sauce and golden breadcrumb topping. Simple ingredients blend into a satisfying meal that connects family and friends around warm, nostalgic flavors you’ll savor with genuine delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 can (12 ounces / 340 grams) tuna, drained and flaked
- 2 cups cooked pasta (macaroni, penne, or shells)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups milk (warm)
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients:
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare a casserole dish with a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.
- Cook pasta until al dente, ensuring it remains slightly firm. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Create a roux by melting butter in a saucepan and incorporating flour, stirring continuously for a couple of minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Gradually introduce warm milk while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps, allowing the mixture to thicken and develop a smooth consistency.
- Incorporate both cheddar and parmesan cheeses into the sauce, melting them completely. Add Dijon mustard for a subtle tangy flavor and season with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste.
- Gently combine the prepared sauce with cooked pasta, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Fold in flaked tuna and peas, distributing ingredients uniformly throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the creamy mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Optional: Sprinkle a layer of breadcrumbs on top for added texture and golden crispiness.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the surface turns golden brown and the edges become bubbly, indicating the dish is heated through and ready to serve.
Notes
- Prevent sauce from lumping by whisking milk slowly and consistently into the roux, ensuring smooth texture.
- Enhance flavor complexity by using smoked tuna or adding a dash of paprika for subtle warmth.
- Boost nutrition by incorporating extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach for added color and vitamins.
- Create gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, maintaining creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 366
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 570 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg