Supercharged Tuna Mornay is the ultimate answer for busy weeknight dinners that the whole family will actually look forward to. Creamy, comforting, and secretly packed with veggies, this Australian-inspired classic takes humble pantry staples and transforms them into a bubbling, golden-topped casserole. Whether you’re in it for the gooey cheese, the flaky tuna, or just the sheer joy of an all-in-one meal, Supercharged Tuna Mornay always delivers on flavor, ease, and that irresistible sense of nostalgia.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Supercharged Tuna Mornay lies in its simplicity—the magic happens when wholesome, everyday ingredients come together. Each component has a role to play, from creating velvety creaminess to adding color, protein, or the all-important crispy finish.
- Butter: The rich, melty base for your sauce, ensuring a silky texture.
- All-purpose flour: Forms a classic roux, thickening the sauce without lumps.
- Milk: Whole or low-fat both work, providing creamy body to the mornay.
- Dijon mustard: Lends subtle tang and depth, balancing out the richness.
- Garlic powder: Enhances savory notes without needing to mince cloves.
- Onion powder: Adds gentle aromatic sweetness for big flavor with no fuss.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste, brightening every bite.
- Grated cheddar cheese: Melts into the sauce for that essential gooey, cheesy finish.
- Canned tuna in spring water: Flaked and ready for hearty protein that keeps things light.
- Cooked pasta (elbow or penne): The ultimate comfort carb, perfect for catching the creamy sauce.
- Frozen peas: Sweetness and a pop of green that kids and adults both love.
- Corn kernels: Bursts of golden crunchiness and a natural sweetness.
- Grated carrot: Sneaks in extra color, texture, and a mild natural sweetness.
- Chopped parsley: Brings freshness and a hint of herby aroma to the mix.
- Breadcrumbs: Delivers that all-important crispy topping.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Intensifies the savory, nutty crust.
- Olive oil spray: Helps the golden topping crisp up beautifully in the oven.
How to Make Supercharged Tuna Mornay
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it’s foaming but not browning. Scatter in the flour and whisk briskly to create a smooth paste, then cook for a minute—this step keeps your sauce silky, not floury. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to keep things lump-free. You’ll see the sauce thicken after 5–6 minutes and turn wonderfully glossy. Then, whisk in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Drop in the cheddar cheese and stir until it creates a luscious, melty pool.
Step 2: Mix in the Tuna and Veggies
With your base sauce ready, remove the pan from the heat. Gently fold in the flaked tuna, cooked pasta, frozen peas, corn, grated carrot, and chopped parsley. Mix everything together until all those nutritious mix-ins are coated and evenly distributed throughout the creamy sauce. Not only does every bite taste delicious, but you’re also packing in those colorful veggies with every forkful.
Step 3: Assemble and Top the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish (or deep pie dish) and pour in your tuna and veggie mixture. Give the pan a little shake or use a spatula to even it out. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle this golden mixture generously over the top. Finish with a fine mist of olive oil spray to guarantee an extra crispy, bronzed crust.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. Keep an eye out for when the top turns perfectly golden and the filling bubbles cheerfully at the edges. That bubbling is your cue for peak comfort food! Once done, let your Supercharged Tuna Mornay rest for about 5 minutes before serving—this small wait helps the sauce thicken and makes it easier to serve neat, satisfying squares.
How to Serve Supercharged Tuna Mornay
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley over the hot casserole adds an inviting burst of color and garden-fresh flavor. A touch of extra Parmesan or even a drizzle of lemon juice can elevate each spoonful. If you love a hint of spice, a dash of cracked black pepper or sliced mild chili on top is delicious!
Side Dishes
This hearty bake shines all by itself, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some steamed broccoli turns dinner into a wholesome feast. Crusty bread is another family favorite for mopping up every last bit of creamy sauce—it’s seriously irresistible.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or potlucks, portion the Supercharged Tuna Mornay into ramekins for adorable, individual mini bakes. Or, scoop the hot filling into halved roasted peppers and bake for a show-stopping main. Leftovers also make fantastic toasted sandwiches or wraps for next-day lunches!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Supercharged Tuna Mornay cool completely, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days—the flavors deepen, and every serving stays creamy and satisfying.
Freezing
This dish is freezer-friendly. Divide into portions, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze before baking: assemble, add the topping, cover, and freeze. When cravings hit, simply defrost overnight in the fridge and bake as needed.
Reheating
To revive that freshly-baked magic, reheat servings in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until piping hot and the topping is crisp again. Microwave works in a pinch, though the topping is crispier from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While tuna is classic, cooked salmon or even canned chicken both make tasty substitutes. Just be sure to flake them so they blend easily into the creamy base.
What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?
Both elbow macaroni and penne are ideal since their curves and holes trap the sauce perfectly. Any short pasta works in a pinch—try shells, fusilli, or even rotini.
Can I make Supercharged Tuna Mornay gluten-free?
Definitely. Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta, use a gluten-free flour blend for the roux, and choose appropriate breadcrumbs for the topping. It’ll be just as bubbly, cheesy, and comforting.
How can I add even more hidden veggies?
Grated zucchini, finely chopped spinach, or diced red pepper all integrate easily for an extra nutrition punch. Just squeeze out excess moisture from watery veggies like zucchini to keep the sauce thick and creamy.
Is Supercharged Tuna Mornay suitable for meal prep?
Yes! You can assemble the mornay a day ahead, cover, and chill in the fridge, then bake fresh when you’re ready. Leftovers taste great for days and are perfect for grab-and-go lunches.
Final Thoughts
There’s something special about Supercharged Tuna Mornay—whether it’s the creamy sauce, those bubbly pockets of golden cheese, or the way it brings the family running to the table. It’s a weeknight hero and an all-in-one comfort dish you’ll come back to again and again. Whip up a tray soon and discover just why it’s become everyone’s favorite!
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Supercharged Tuna Mornay Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a comforting dish with this Supercharged Tuna Mornay recipe. Creamy and flavorful, this baked tuna casserole is perfect for a family dinner. Packed with hidden veggies and topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust, it’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to make.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 (425g / 15 oz) can tuna in spring water (drained and flaked)
- 1 cup cooked pasta (elbow or penne)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1/4 cup grated carrot
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil spray (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Make the sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk and seasonings. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
- Combine ingredients: Fold in tuna, pasta, peas, corn, carrot, and parsley. Pour into a baking dish.
- Add topping: Mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan, sprinkle over the tuna mixture, and spray with olive oil.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let it rest before serving.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add crushed cornflakes or potato chips to the topping.
- You can also include more veggies like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
