Tuna Mornay is the classic comfort food that transforms canned tuna into a creamy, golden pasta bake the whole family will love. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly weeknight dinner or a nostalgic dish that brings back childhood memories, this tuna mornay recipe is a must-try. Packed with wholesome ingredients, a luscious white sauce, and a crunchy topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both simple and satisfying.
Tables of contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Tuna Mornay Recipe
There’s something magical about turning a pantry staple like canned tuna into a bubbling, cheesy casserole. Tuna Mornay is more than just a tuna casserole—it’s a creamy pasta bake with pops of sweet corn and a golden, crunchy topping that takes comfort food to the next level. This recipe is easy to make, economical, and endlessly adaptable to what you have on hand
What Is Tuna Mornay?
Tuna Mornay is the Australian answer to tuna casserole. It features canned tuna and pasta enveloped in a creamy white sauce, often with sweet corn or peas mixed in. The dish is finished with a signature crunchy topping—usually parmesan breadcrumbs—then baked until golden and bubbling. It’s a staple in Aussie households and a favorite for anyone who loves a hearty, satisfying bake.
Ingredients for Tuna Mornay Recipe
PrintTuna Mornay Recipe: The Ultimate Creamy Tuna Casserole Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 Serving 1x
Ingredients
- 350g / 12oz penne pasta (or other short pasta)
- 40g / 3 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 4 tbsp (50g) plain/all-purpose flour
- 4 cups (1 litre) milk (any fat %, dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 tsp vegetable or chicken stock powder (like Vegeta or bouillon)
- 1/2 cup (50g) parmesan, finely shredded
- 1/2 tsp each mustard powder, onion powder, and garlic powder
- 425g / 15 oz canned tuna, preferably in oil, drained
- 400g / 14 oz canned corn, drained (or substitute with peas or other vegetables)
Crunchy Topping
- 25g / 1.5 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/2 cup (60g) panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup (25g) parmesan, finely grated
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crunchy Topping
- In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, melted butter, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package directions, reducing the cooking time by 1 minute so it’s just under al dente.
- Drain and return to the pot.
3. Make the White Sauce
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in about one-third of the milk, ensuring the mixture is smooth before adding the rest.
- Add the stock powder, mustard powder, onion powder, and garlic powder. Whisk to combine.
- Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens (about 4–5 minutes). You should be able to draw a path on the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and stir in the parmesan cheese.
4. Assemble the Tuna Mornay
- Flake the tuna into large chunks with a fork (don’t over-mix to avoid mushiness).
- Add the tuna and corn to the pot with the drained pasta.
- Pour the white sauce over the pasta mixture and gently stir to combine.
5. Bake
- Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F.
- Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish.
- Sprinkle the prepared crunchy topping evenly over the surface.
- Bake for 25 minutes, until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.
- Garnish with chives or parsley if desired.
6. Serve
- Let the tuna mornay sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve hot with a crisp salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Stock Powder: Vegeta is a popular vegetable stock powder in Australia, but any chicken or vegetable bouillon works well.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Swap corn for peas, or add cooked carrots, broccoli, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Tuna: Tuna in oil provides the best flavor, but spring water or brine is fine.
- Make Ahead: Prepare up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze. Add a splash of milk when reheating to keep it creamy.
- Leftovers: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
- Crunchy Topping Variations: Try crushed cornflakes, crispy fried onions, or even potato chips for a twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian, Western
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 659 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 1374mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 82g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 73mg
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Preparation and Cooking Instructions
Preparation Time
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 40 minutes
- Total: 55 minutes
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crunchy Topping
- In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, melted butter, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package directions, reducing the cooking time by 1 minute so it’s just under al dente.
- Drain and return to the pot.
3. Make the White Sauce
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in about one-third of the milk, ensuring the mixture is smooth before adding the rest.
- Add the stock powder, mustard powder, onion powder, and garlic powder. Whisk to combine.
- Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens (about 4–5 minutes). You should be able to draw a path on the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and stir in the parmesan cheese.
4. Assemble the Tuna Mornay
- Flake the tuna into large chunks with a fork (don’t over-mix to avoid mushiness).
- Add the tuna and corn to the pot with the drained pasta.
- Pour the white sauce over the pasta mixture and gently stir to combine.
5. Bake
- Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F.
- Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish.
- Sprinkle the prepared crunchy topping evenly over the surface.
- Bake for 25 minutes, until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.
- Garnish with chives or parsley if desired
6. Serve
- Let the tuna mornay sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve hot with a crisp salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Serving Size | Calories | Sugar | Sodium | Fat | Saturated Fat | Unsaturated Fat | Trans Fat | Carbohydrates | Fiber | Protein | Cholesterol |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/6 recipe (approx. 350g) | 659 kcal | 12g | 1374mg | 18g | 10g | 8g | 0g | 82g | 3g | 41g | 73mg |
Values are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients used14.
Notes and Tips
- Stock Powder: Vegeta is a popular vegetable stock powder in Australia, but any chicken or vegetable bouillon works well.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Swap corn for peas, or add cooked carrots, broccoli, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Tuna: Tuna in oil provides the best flavor, but spring water or brine is fine.
- Make Ahead: Prepare up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze. Add a splash of milk when reheating to keep it creamy.
- Leftovers: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
- Crunchy Topping Variations: Try crushed cornflakes, crispy fried onions, or even potato chips for a twist.
Can I freeze tuna mornay?
Yes, tuna mornay freezes well. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge, add a splash of milk, then bake as directed
What pasta shapes work best for tuna mornay?
Short pasta shapes like penne, spirals, or shells are ideal because they hold the creamy sauce well and bake evenly
Can I make tuna mornay gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend for the white sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use plant-based milk and a dairy-free cheese substitute. The sauce will still be creamy and delicious.
What can I serve with tuna mornay?
A simple green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli, beans, or carrots make perfect sides. For extra flavor, drizzle with a quick vinaigrette or your favorite dressing
Conclusion
Tuna mornay is the ultimate comfort food that proves canned tuna can be delicious, not just convenient. With its creamy sauce, sweet corn, and golden crunchy topping, this tuna mornay recipe is a family favorite that’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this classic bake is sure to satisfy. Try it once, and it’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation!
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