Cheap & Easy Tuna Dinner: A Quick & Savory One-Dish Meal
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 230.8
This quick and easy tuna dinner is a nostalgic recipe passed down through the family, originally shared by my Aunt Ann after a long, exhausting day on the boat. With minimal ingredients and a cooking time of less than 20 minutes, this dish is the perfect solution when you’re in need of a tasty meal that won’t break the bank. The creamy, savory sauce paired with tender tuna and served over toast makes for a comforting, no-fuss meal that even beginner cooks will love.
This simple yet satisfying dish will quickly become a go-to recipe for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tuna (canned, drained) | 1 can (6 oz) |
| Flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Margarine (or butter) | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion, chopped | 1 small |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| White wine (optional) | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | to taste |
| Pepper | to taste |
| Tomatoes, sliced | 1 medium |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230.8 kcal |
| Total Fat | 10.1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 24.7 mg |
| Sodium | 117.2 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 11.4 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.7 g |
| Sugars | 2.3 g |
| Protein | 12.8 g |
Instructions
-
Sauté the Onion
Start by heating the margarine in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion turns soft and translucent, releasing its natural sweetness. -
Create the Roux
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the sautéed onions and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This step helps to thicken the sauce later on. -
Make the Sauce
Slowly pour in the milk while continuously whisking to ensure no lumps form. The mixture should start to come together into a creamy sauce. -
Add the Wine
Once the sauce thickens slightly, take the pan off the heat and pour in the white wine (if using). Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety. -
Add the Tuna
Return the pan to the heat and add the drained tuna to the sauce. Break up the tuna slightly with a spatula or spoon. Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring gently to incorporate the tuna into the sauce. -
Serve
Toast some slices of bread and top them with the creamy tuna mixture. Arrange fresh tomato slices on top for a refreshing contrast to the rich sauce.
Tips for Success
-
Tuna Variations: Feel free to use flavored tuna (such as lemon or herb) for an added kick. You can also substitute the canned tuna with another canned fish, like salmon, for a slightly different flavor.
-
Make It Richer: For an extra creamy sauce, you can substitute half the milk with heavy cream.
-
Vegetable Add-ins: If you want to pack more nutrition into this meal, consider adding some frozen peas or chopped spinach to the sauce, letting them cook through with the tuna.
-
Serving Ideas: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of crispy salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the richness of the sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cheap & Easy Tuna Dinner is an economical and straightforward recipe that delivers big on flavor. With minimal prep time and a short cook time, it’s ideal for busy days when you need a comforting, satisfying meal. It’s a one-dish wonder that offers the perfect balance of protein from the tuna, richness from the creamy sauce, and a touch of acidity from the wine and tomatoes.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, preparing a quick lunch for yourself, or making a late-night snack, this dish will not disappoint. It’s the kind of recipe that you’ll go back to again and again, not just for its ease, but for the hearty, delicious results.
Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5 stars, 2 reviews)
“I’ve been making this dish for years and it’s still a family favorite. It’s quick, easy, and my kids love it!” – Emma L.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5 stars, 2 reviews)
“Simple but delicious. A great go-to for busy nights when I need something quick and satisfying.” – Dan M.
