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!

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

Form the mixture into small balls, roughly 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get about 12-14 tuna balls.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

Slowly whisk in the milk and broth, ensuring no lumps form. Cook for 5-7 minutes, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens.

Step 6

Stir in the Parmesan cheese and optional nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

Serve the tuna balls hot, drizzled with the cream sauce, over pasta, rice, or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1057.1 grams (1057.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1813

Total Fat 109.00g	140%
Saturated Fat 41.90g	209%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.90g
Cholesterol 494mg	165%
Sodium 5194mg	226%
Total Carbohydrate 75.90g	28%
Dietary Fiber 2.80g	10%
Total Sugars 22.40g
Protein 132.30g	265%

Vitamin D 979IU	4895%
Calcium 1452mg	112%
Iron 10mg	54%
Potassium 1506mg	32%

*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: 54.1%

Protein: 29.2%

Carbs: 16.7%