Make It Cheesy Tuna Bake
Get ready to indulge in comfort food at its finest with this "Make It Cheesy Tuna Bake" recipe! This quick and easy casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, featuring tender pasta tossed in a rich, homemade cheese sauce made with melty cheddar and nutty Parmesan. The creamy sauce is perfectly balanced with flaky canned tuna, a sprinkle of fragrant oregano, and a crispy golden breadcrumb topping. Ready in just 40 minutes, this family-friendly dish is baked to bubbly perfection in the oven, making it a go-to meal for a hearty dinner. Pair it with a fresh side salad or steamed veggies, and you’ve got yourself a crowd-pleaser that’s as satisfying as it is simple to prepare. Ideal for fans of cheesy casseroles and easy tuna recipes!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 g Pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 2 cans (5 oz each) Canned tuna in water
- 200 g Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 50 g Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Milk
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Dried oregano
- 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium-sized baking dish lightly with olive oil or butter and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux, stirring constantly to prevent browning.
Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens into a smooth sauce. This should take about 5 minutes.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce, reserving a small handful for topping. Stir until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Adjust the seasonings to taste.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, drained tuna, and cheese sauce. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the reserved shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, and breadcrumbs.
Drizzle the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of olive oil to help them crisp up while baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let the tuna bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2639 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 134.9 g | 173% | |
| Saturated Fat | 75.8 g | 379% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 464 mg | 154% | |
| Sodium | 5150 mg | 224% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 177.2 g | 64% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.1 g | 29% | |
| Total Sugars | 31.1 g | ||
| Protein | 185.6 g | 371% | |
| Vitamin D | 9.5 mcg | 47% | |
| Calcium | 2692 mg | 207% | |
| Iron | 10.0 mg | 56% | |
| Potassium | 1822 mg | 39% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
