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!

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium-sized baking dish lightly with olive oil or butter and set aside.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens into a smooth sauce. This should take about 5 minutes.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Adjust the seasonings to taste.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, drained tuna, and cheese sauce. Mix well to coat everything evenly.

Step 8

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the reserved shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, and breadcrumbs.

Step 9

Drizzle the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of olive oil to help them crisp up while baking.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 11

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

Serving size	1436.1 grams (1436.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2639

Total Fat 134.90g	173%
Saturated Fat 75.80g	379%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.40g
Cholesterol 464mg	155%
Sodium 5150mg	224%
Total Carbohydrate 177.20g	64%
Dietary Fiber 8.10g	29%
Total Sugars 31.10g
Protein 185.60g	371%

Vitamin D 379IU	1896%
Calcium 2692mg	207%
Iron 10mg	56%
Potassium 1822mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.6%

Protein: 27.9%

Carbs: 26.6%