Tuna Bake
Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this creamy and comforting Tuna Bake! This classic dish combines tender pasta, protein-packed canned tuna, and colorful mixed vegetables, all enveloped in a rich, cheesy white sauce made from scratch. Topped with golden, buttery breadcrumbs for the perfect crispy finish, this family-friendly casserole is baked to bubbly perfection in just 30 minutes. Packed with flavor from Italian herbs, cheddar, and Parmesan, this recipe is as easy to make as it is satisfying. Serve this hearty tuna pasta bake straight from the oven for a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal that's ideal for busy evenings or casual gatherings.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 grams pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 2 cans (approximately 150 grams each) canned tuna in water, drained
- 200 grams frozen mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, and corn)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 500 milliliters milk
- 200 grams shredded cheddar cheese
- 50 grams grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 50 grams breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F) and grease a large baking dish.
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions, subtracting 1-2 minutes from the recommended cooking time to keep it al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, to make a roux.
Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, drained tuna, frozen mixed vegetables (no need to thaw), and the cheese sauce. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the tuna bake.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Remove the tuna bake from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2801 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 136.2 g | 175% | |
| Saturated Fat | 76.1 g | 380% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 482 mg | 161% | |
| Sodium | 6583 mg | 286% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 203.6 g | 74% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.1 g | 54% | |
| Total Sugars | 41.2 g | ||
| Protein | 196.3 g | 393% | |
| Vitamin D | 11.8 mcg | 59% | |
| Calcium | 2762 mg | 212% | |
| Iron | 10.3 mg | 57% | |
| Potassium | 2175 mg | 46% | |
*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.
