Tuna Balls with Cream Sauce
Elevate your weeknight dinner with these irresistible Tuna Balls with Cream Sauce, a perfect fusion of simplicity and gourmet flavor. Made with pantry staples like canned tuna, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese, these golden-brown tuna balls are packed with savory goodness and a touch of fresh parsley for brightness. What truly sets this dish apart is the luscious, velvety cream sauce made from a buttery roux, milk, and a hint of nutmeg for subtle warmth. Ready in just 45 minutes, this family-friendly recipe is as versatile as it is delicious—serve it over pasta, rice, or with a crisp salad for a satisfying meal. Perfect for fans of quick homemade comfort food, this dish will have everyone reaching for seconds!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cans (5 oz each) canned tuna, drained
- 0.5 cups breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups milk
- 0.5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 0.25 cups grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)
- 0.125 teaspoons nutmeg (optional)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained canned tuna, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined and holds together.
Form the mixture into small balls, roughly 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get about 12-14 tuna balls.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the tuna balls and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides. Remove the tuna balls from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
Slowly whisk in the milk and broth, ensuring no lumps form. Cook for 5-7 minutes, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and optional nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Return the cooked tuna balls to the skillet, spooning the cream sauce over them. Simmer for 5 minutes on low heat to warm through and allow the flavors to meld.
Serve the tuna balls hot, drizzled with the cream sauce, over pasta, rice, or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
412 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 24.7 g | 32% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.7 g | 48% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 110 mg | 37% | |
| Sodium | 1013 mg | 44% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 18.3 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.8 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.9 g | ||
| Protein | 29.5 g | 59% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.3 mcg | 32% | |
| Calcium | 262 mg | 20% | |
| Iron | 2.5 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 364 mg | 8% | |
*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.
