Description
Supercharged Tuna Mornay is a creamy, cheesy baked casserole combining flaked tuna, spinach, peas, and a rich Mornay sauce topped with golden, crispy breadcrumbs. This hearty dish takes just 40 minutes to prepare and bake, making it a perfect flavorful and nutritious weeknight dinner for four.
Ingredients
Scale
Mornay Sauce and Tuna Mixture
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 can (5 oz) tuna in oil or water, drained and flaked
- 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or 1/2 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Make Roux: Stir in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously to form a smooth roux without lumps.
- Add Milk: Slowly pour in 2 cups of whole milk while whisking constantly. Continue cooking and stirring for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in 1 cup grated cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard if using, and season with salt and pepper. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Tuna and Vegetables: Fold the flaked tuna, thawed peas, and chopped spinach into the cheese sauce. Ensure everything is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour and spread the tuna mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon olive oil until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Bake: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the tuna mixture evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the dish is bubbling around the edges.
- Serve: Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach or frozen spinach—just be sure to thaw and drain well to avoid excess moisture.
- Dijon mustard is optional but adds a subtle tangy depth to the cheese sauce.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute milk with low-fat milk and use reduced-fat cheeses.
- Breadcrumb topping can be replaced with crushed crackers or panko for a different texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness of the topping.
