Tuna Casserole Recipe 🐟🥘

Overview:

Tuna Casserole, a delightful dish reminiscent of a tuna mornay but with a unique twist, is a family favorite that’s sure to become a regular in your kitchen rotation. This recipe, passed down from generation to generation, embodies comfort and flavor in every bite. With a creamy sauce, tender tuna, and a crispy topping, it’s a meal that satisfies both the palate and the soul. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something hearty and comforting. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon butter 🧈
• 1 tablespoon plain flour 🍚
• 1/2 cup milk 🥛
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 🌶️
• Juice of half a lemon 🍋
• 200g canned tuna 🐟
• 1 cup shredded cheese 🧀
• Cooked rice 🍚
• Bread crumbs 🍞
• Optional: herbs for additional flavor 🌿

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven and Boil Rice: Start by preheating your oven to high heat, ensuring it’s ready for baking later. Simultaneously, begin boiling the rice according to package instructions so it’s ready by the time you finish preparing the mornay sauce.

2. Prepare the Mornay Sauce: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter until it’s fully melted and bubbling. Once melted, add the plain flour to the saucepan, stirring continuously to combine with the butter. Cook this mixture until it becomes slightly lumpy and dry, ensuring it doesn’t burn.

3. Create a Smooth Sauce: Remove the saucepan from the heat and slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. The sauce should gradually become smooth and creamy. If it appears lumpy, you may have added the milk too quickly. Continue stirring until you achieve the desired thickness.

4. Add Flavorful Ingredients: Once the sauce is smooth, add the paprika and lemon juice for an extra kick of flavor. Stir well to incorporate these ingredients into the sauce, enhancing its taste profile.

5. Incorporate Cheese and Tuna: Slowly add a quarter cup of shredded cheese to the sauce, stirring until it’s completely melted and blended in. Feel free to add any additional herbs or seasonings at this stage for extra taste. Then, gently fold in the canned tuna, allowing it to warm through in the sauce for about 5 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally.

6. Assemble the Casserole: Drain the cooked rice and spread it evenly across the bottom of a casserole dish, creating a hearty base for the dish. Pour the prepared mornay sauce over the rice, ensuring it covers the surface evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top of the sauce, creating a cheesy layer that will melt beautifully in the oven.

7. Add Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle a generous amount of bread crumbs over the cheese layer, adding a delightful crunch and texture to the dish.

8. Bake to Perfection: Place the assembled casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake at high heat until the top becomes golden brown and crispy, typically around 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, adjusting the baking time as needed.

9. Serve and Enjoy: Once the casserole is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Spoon generous portions onto plates, savoring the creamy texture, flavorful tuna, and crunchy topping in every bite. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting goodness of this Tuna Casserole with your loved ones!

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 702.3
• Fat: 26.6g
• Saturated Fat: 14.9g
• Cholesterol: 102mg
• Sodium: 1192mg
• Carbohydrates: 68.8g
• Fiber: 2.2g
• Sugar: 1.7g
• Protein: 44.1g

Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this Tuna Casserole is sure to impress with its irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Give this recipe a try and let its comforting goodness warm your heart and satisfy your cravings! 🍽️✨