Creamy Tuna & Broccoli Bake with Cheddar Crumb
Craving a comforting recipe tuna bake? This easy Creamy Tuna & Broccoli Bake with a cheddar crumb is a weeknight winner! Ready in under an hour. Get the recipe!
Alright, let's dive into comfort food, yeah? ever crave something warm and cheesy? something that just screams "home"? our recipe tuna bake is exactly that.
It’s a dish that’ll have you saying, "oh my gosh, where has this been all my life?" seriously, this one is a winner.
Back to Basics: What’s the Deal with Tuna Bake?
This isn’t just any old dish. think of it as the british cousin of the american tuna casserole . it is a staple, especially in the uk.
It’s like a warm hug from your grandma, full of creamy goodness. it’s a simple, satisfying meal that uses pantry staples.
Ready in under an hour. this recipe will easily feed four to six hungry folks.
Why This Recipe Tuna Bake is Your New Best Friend
Honestly? it's just good, plain and simple. we’re talking about a creamy tuna pasta bake that’s packed with protein. it is relatively cheap to make.
Perfect for a busy weeknight when you just want something quick and easy. plus, that golden cheddar crust? chef's kiss .
This recipe brings that warm, gooey deliciousness you crave. i once made this for a friend who was feeling down, and it totally cheered them up.
Good food can make such a difference, you know? this tuna mornay recipe is just as good as it sounds.
What You'll Need
To make this magic happen, you'll need some basics. we're talking pasta, broccoli, butter, flour, milk, mustard, nutmeg, tuna, and of course, cheddar cheese! check the recipe for the specific quantities, but those are the main players.
Okay, bestie, let's talk about what you need to make this recipe tuna bake amazing. honestly, it’s easier than doing your taxes.
I promise! we're making a creamy tuna & broccoli bake with cheddar crumb, which, honestly, sounds way fancier than it is.
Don't be intimidated, okay? this is a recipe everyone needs in their back pocket.
Ingredients & Equipment Breakdown
Let’s get down to brass tacks, shall we?
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
Okay, so here's the lowdown on what you'll need. I've messed this up before. So pay attention!
- Pasta & Broccoli:
- 300g (about 10.5 oz ) dried pasta. Penne or macaroni are solid choices.
- 450g ( 1 lb ) fresh broccoli. Make sure it’s bright green and firm. Nobody wants mushy broccoli.
- Creamy Sauce:
- 50g ( 1/4 cup ) unsalted butter. Real butter makes a difference, you know?
- 50g ( 1/2 cup ) all-purpose flour.
- 750ml (that's 3 cups ) whole milk. Makes for a super creamy sauce.
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard. Adds a little zing, you feel me?
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg. Trust me on this, it elevates the flavor.
- Tuna & Topping:
- Two cans ( 150g/5.3 oz each) tuna. Drain that stuff well!
- 100g ( 1 cup ) grated cheddar cheese. Sharp cheddar is the way to go. Reserve a bit for the end.
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!
Alright, so here's where you can get creative. My granny used to say a little pinch of this and a little dash of that is what made the dish special.
Essential combos? salt and pepper, duh! but seriously, taste as you go. the nutmeg in the sauce? don't skip it.
It's a game-changer. if you don't have dijon, a little squirt of yellow mustard works in a pinch. it is important to remember that tuna pasta bake has to have balance and taste.
My personal tuna pasta recipes always include seasoning with flavor. tuna pasta bake easy to prepare and enjoy!
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!
Listen, you don't need fancy gear for this tuna mornay recipe . don't have a whisk? use a fork. don't have a 9x13 baking dish? use whatever you have.
It is important that we create simple recipes using the tools at your disposition.
- Large saucepan. For the pasta.
- Colander. To drain the pasta.
- Medium saucepan. For the sauce.
- Whisk. Or fork, if you're feeling rebellious.
- 9x13 inch baking dish. Or whatever casserole dish you have.
Honestly, that's it. Super basic. Super easy. Now, let's get cooking, shall we? Let's dive into the actual steps of the Tuna Casserole process.
Alright, let's dive into this creamy tuna & broccoli bake with cheddar crumb thing. oh my gosh, it's total comfort food, you know? seriously, imagine a cold night.
This is like a warm hug.
Creamy Tuna & Broccoli Bake with Cheddar Crumb Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Cooking Up Comfort: The Creamy Tuna Bake Way
Listen, i've made a ton of pasta bake tuna recipes. honestly? this one's a keeper. it’s easy, cheesy, and totally satisfying.
Plus, it sneaks in some broccoli. you get the veggies in without a fight. my family always love the tuna mornay recipe .
I mean, what's not to love?
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place
- Essential mise en place : Get your 300g pasta going. Chop 450g broccoli into bite-sized pieces. Open those two cans of tuna and drain it! Grate 100g of cheddar. Easy peasy!
- Time-saving tips: Measure out all your sauce ingredients ahead of time. It makes things flow so much faster. Trust me!
- Safety first: Watch that boiling water. Don't wanna burn yourself, okay?
Bake It 'Til You Make It: Step-by-Step
- Heat your oven to 200° C ( 400° F) . Grease a 9x13 dish.
- Cook pasta. Add the broccoli for the last 3 minutes . Drain it all real good .
- Melt 50g butter in a pan. Whisk in 50g flour. Cook for 1- 2 minutes . Slowly whisk in 750ml milk until smooth. Add 1 tsp mustard, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Thicken it up!
- Mix the pasta, broccoli, and sauce. Gently stir in the tuna.
- Pour into the dish. Top with 75g cheddar.
- Bake for 20- 25 minutes , until golden and bubbly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar before serving.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Bake
- Don't overcook the pasta! Al dente is key. It holds its shape.
- Stir constantly when adding milk to the flour. No lumpy sauce allowed!
- Wanna get ahead? Make the sauce earlier. Store it in the fridge. Assemble and bake later.
Honestly, this tuna casserole is a weeknight lifesaver. you can serve your tuna bake with salad and fries . and if you are looking for more dinner suggestions, i suggest mary berry recipes dinners .
So, give it a try! i bet you’ll find yourself making this tuna pasta bake easy again and again. i get inspiration for tuna pasta recipes from recipe tin eats all the time.
Enjoy!
Alright, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of this amazing recipe tuna bake . honestly, these notes are gonna be your secret weapon to tuna bake perfection.
You know? i messed up so many tuna pasta bakes before i learned these little tricks.
Recipe Notes: Making Your Tuna Bake Shine
Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Plating
Presentation matters, peeps! i love serving this tuna casserole straight from the dish. but, for a bit more pizzazz, try scooping a generous portion onto a plate.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley? adds a pop of color. for sides, think simple. a light salad and fries for the win.
Maybe a slice of garlic bread too. and what to drink? a crisp white wine or even just some iced tea works wonders.
Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh, Folks!
Got leftovers? no problem! this tuna pasta bake is fantastic the next day. just let it cool completely. then, pop it in an airtight container in the fridge.
It'll keep for about 3 days. freezing? yeah, you can. but the sauce might get a little watery. so, if freezing, undercook the pasta a tad.
Reheating is easy. microwave or oven until heated through.
Variations: Making it Your Own!
Want to mix things up? of course, you do! for a dietary tweak, use gluten-free pasta. and a gluten-free flour blend for the creamy tuna pasta bake .
Seasonal? try adding some roasted butternut squash in the fall. for a mary berry recipes dinners vibe, consider a fancier cheese topping! think gruyere! if you're after a mary berry recipes baking try her crumble topping instead of cheese.
Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Body
This pasta bake tuna is pretty balanced, actually. you're getting protein from the tuna mornay . carbs from the pasta. and some vitamins from the broccoli.
Each serving has roughly 450-550 calories. it will depend on ingredients. it's also a good source of fiber. plus, the milk and cheese give you calcium.
So there you have it. my personal notes on the recipe tuna bake . follow these tips, and you'll nail it.
Trust me, this tuna mornay recipe is gonna become a family favorite. plus, if you're looking for easy tuna pasta or a recipe tin eats recipe.
This one delivers on the comfort and the flavor. now get cooking and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe tuna bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the tuna bake up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly with cling film and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven. This ensures it cooks evenly. Just like preparing a Sunday roast the day before to save time!
What can I substitute for broccoli in this tuna bake recipe?
Not a fan of broccoli, eh? No worries! Frozen peas are a great substitute and add a lovely sweetness. Cauliflower florets also work well and provide a similar texture. You could even try some cooked mushrooms for a bit of earthiness. It's all about making it your own, innit?
How long does this recipe tuna bake last, and how should I store it?
Cooked tuna bake will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it's completely cooled before covering it tightly with cling film or transferring it to an airtight container. When reheating, you can microwave it (though the topping might lose some crispiness) or reheat it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until heated through. Perfect for a cheeky leftover lunch!
My sauce is lumpy! How can I fix it when making this recipe tuna bake?
Lumpy sauce is a common kitchen woe, but easily solved! The best trick is to use an immersion blender to smooth it out while it's still in the saucepan. If you don't have one, you can try whisking vigorously. Next time, make sure you whisk the flour into the melted butter really well and add the milk gradually, whisking constantly to prevent lumps forming in the first place. It's all about mastering that roux, old bean!
Is this recipe tuna bake healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
Tuna bake can be part of a balanced diet. It provides protein from the tuna and dairy, and some fibre from the broccoli and pasta. However, it can be high in calories, fat, and sodium depending on the ingredients used. To make it healthier, use semi-skimmed milk, reduce the amount of cheese, and choose tuna in brine rather than oil. Balance it with a fresh side salad for a bit of extra goodness.
Can I add a crispy breadcrumb topping to this tuna bake recipe?
Definitely! A breadcrumb topping adds a lovely texture contrast. Simply mix together some dried breadcrumbs (panko work well), grated Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and a pinch of garlic powder. Sprinkle it over the tuna bake before baking for the last 15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. It adds a bit of a posh touch, like something you'd find at a gastro pub!