Tuna Cheese Bake

Creamy, comforting, and irresistibly cheesy, this Tuna Cheese Bake is the ultimate crowd-pleasing casserole perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Featuring tender pasta, flaky canned tuna, and a luscious homemade cheddar-Parmesan sauce, this baked dish is topped with crisp golden breadcrumbs for the perfect contrast of textures. With just 10 minutes of prep time and everyday pantry staples, this easy tuna pasta bake is a one-dish wonder that’s rich in flavor and simple to whip up. Ideal for meal prep or serving straight from the oven, it’s a hearty, satisfying recipe that’s sure to become a dinnertime favorite. Keywords: tuna cheese bake, cheesy pasta casserole, easy tuna bake recipe, creamy tuna pasta.

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 250 grams pasta (penne, macaroni, or shells)
• 2 cans (about 150g each) canned tuna in water
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.5 cups breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium-sized baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 4

Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens and can coat the back of a spoon (about 5 minutes).

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 0.25 cups of Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 6

Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 7

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

Step 8

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cups of cheddar cheese, 0.25 cups of Parmesan, and breadcrumbs evenly over the top.

Step 9

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

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let the Tuna Cheese Bake cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1454.9 grams (1454.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2856

Total Fat 163.80g	210%
Saturated Fat 93.80g	469%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.30g
Cholesterol 543mg	181%
Sodium 6212mg	270%
Total Carbohydrate 168.90g	61%
Dietary Fiber 7.40g	26%
Total Sugars 30.40g
Protein 189.80g	380%

Vitamin D 386IU	1932%
Calcium 2760mg	212%
Iron 10mg	56%
Potassium 1886mg	40%

*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: 50.7%

Protein: 26.1%

Carbs: 23.2%