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Creamy Tuna Mornay Casserole – Easy 30-Minute Dinner

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This creamy tuna mornay comfort casserole is quick, affordable, and deeply satisfying. A silky cheese sauce, tender pasta, and flaky tuna come together in a dish that feels special without requiring any fancy techniques.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni or small pasta shells
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cans (5 ounces each) solid white tuna, drained and flaked
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, make the mornay sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
  3. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and onion. Whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
  4. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes, until it coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the Dijon mustard, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Then add the shredded cheddar and Parmesan, one handful at a time, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
  6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, flaked tuna, frozen peas, and the mornay sauce. Fold everything together gently until well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish. Spread it into an even layer. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle this evenly over the top.
  8. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. If desired, broil for the last 1-2 minutes for extra color.
  9. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm.

Notes

Don’t skip the roux—it gives the sauce its silky texture. Grate your own cheese for smooth melting. Use room-temperature milk to prevent lumps. Don’t overbake; check at 15 minutes. Multitask by making the sauce while the pasta boils.

Nutrition

Keywords: tuna casserole, creamy tuna mornay, easy dinner, comfort food, 30-minute meal, weeknight dinner, cheesy casserole

Find it online: https://emacrave.com/creamy-tuna-mornay-casserole-easy-30-minute-dinner/