This Tuna Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pasta, creamy cheese sauce, and the delightful tang of tuna. Topped with crunchy, salt-and-vinegar chips, it offers a twist on the traditional casserole. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a make-ahead meal, this tuna bake is sure to become a family favorite. With a side of mixed greens, it’s a filling and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 3 cups dried curly pasta

• 1 head broccoli, cut into florets

• 50g butter

• ⅓ cup plain flour

• 3 cups milk

• ¼ cup finely grated parmesan

• 2 tsp wholegrain mustard

• Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to season

• 425g tuna in springwater, drained and flaked

• 2 shallots, roughly chopped

• 2 tbsp chopped dill, plus extra to serve

• 2 tsp finely grated lemon rind

• 2 cups grated tasty cheese

• 2 cups salt and vinegar chips

• Mixed green salad, to serve

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta in a large saucepan of boiling salted water for 8 minutes. Add the broccoli and cook for another 2 minutes or until the pasta is almost tender. Drain well and set aside to cool.

2. Make the Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring until the mixture is bubbling. Gradually stir in the milk, cooking for 8-10 minutes or until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat, stir in parmesan and mustard, and season with salt and pepper.

3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pasta, sauce, tuna, shallots, dill, and lemon rind. Toss everything together until well mixed.

4. Assemble the Bake: Spoon the mixture into a 20 x 27 cm baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.

5. Thaw and Bake: When ready to cook, thaw the bake in the fridge overnight. Preheat the oven to 160°C (fan-forced) or 180°C (conventional). Mix the tasty cheese and chips in a bowl, then sprinkle over the top of the pasta mixture. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and heated through.

6. Serve: Garnish with extra dill and serve with a side of mixed green salad.

Nutrients
Each serving contains approximately:

• Calories: 420 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 35g

• Protein: 25g

• Fat: 20g

  • Saturated Fat: 7g

• Sodium: 500mg

• Potassium: 600mg

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 6g

The Comfort of Pasta and Cheese

One of the most comforting and beloved combinations in any meal is pasta and cheese. The creamy, velvety cheese sauce that coats the pasta is the perfect vehicle for the al dente pasta to soak up all the flavors. In this Tuna Bake, the pasta becomes the hearty base that holds everything together, creating a satisfying dish that is rich and flavorful. The cheese sauce is made from scratch with butter, flour, milk, and parmesan, giving it a deep, creamy texture that complements the tender pasta.

The addition of wholegrain mustard in the sauce adds an extra layer of complexity and tang, cutting through the richness of the cheese and creating a balanced flavor profile. This mustard note also pairs beautifully with the tuna, enhancing the overall dish without overpowering it. Whether you’re a fan of creamy pastas or love the simplicity of pasta and cheese, this bake offers a delicious and comforting take on this timeless combination.

The Zesty and Tangy Tuna

Tuna is often seen as the star of many classic casseroles, and in this Tuna Bake, it shines through beautifully. The tuna brings a light, slightly salty, and tangy flavor that perfectly complements the creamy sauce and pasta. It’s a mild protein that blends seamlessly with the cheese and mustard, while also offering a slightly oceanic note that adds depth to the dish. Using tuna in springwater is a great choice for this bake, as it keeps the dish light without the oily richness of tuna in oil.

Tuna is not only delicious but also packed with protein and healthy fats, making it a nutritious addition to this dish. The flaked tuna blends effortlessly into the creamy sauce, ensuring that every bite offers a satisfying balance of flavors. The combination of the tuna and the cheese sauce creates a wonderfully indulgent base that is hearty enough to serve as a full meal.

A Crunchy, Flavorful Topping

The real twist in this Tuna Bake comes with the addition of salt-and-vinegar chips on top. This crunchy topping adds both texture and a unique flavor profile that sets this bake apart from others. The chips provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta and cheese, while the salt-and-vinegar seasoning adds a sharp, tangy kick that complements the mild tuna and rich sauce.

Using chips as a topping is an innovative way to bring in a bit of extra flavor and texture, making this dish stand out from traditional casseroles that rely on breadcrumbs or cheese alone. The salt-and-vinegar chips not only enhance the dish’s flavor but also provide a visually appealing golden crust on top, giving the Tuna Bake a beautiful, appetizing finish.

Freshness from Shallots and Lemon

To balance the richness of the creamy sauce and the tuna, this Tuna Bake incorporates fresh shallots and lemon rind, which add a burst of brightness and freshness. The shallots provide a mild, sweet onion flavor that complements the tuna and pasta without overpowering them. Their subtle flavor profile helps to balance the richness of the cheese sauce while adding a touch of complexity to the dish.

Lemon rind, on the other hand, offers a zesty, citrusy aroma that elevates the overall dish. The addition of lemon zest helps to cut through the heaviness of the cheese and tuna, making the bake feel lighter and more refreshing. This touch of citrus adds an unexpected but delightful layer of flavor, enhancing the dish without overshadowing the main ingredients.

Roasted Asparagus for a Fresh, Green Side

To complete the meal, roasted asparagus is served alongside the Tuna Bake, adding a vibrant and healthy green element to the dish. The asparagus is simply seasoned with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a hint of lemon zest, and then roasted until tender and slightly crispy. This side dish provides a fresh, earthy contrast to the creamy pasta and tuna, creating a well-rounded meal that includes both richness and freshness.

The asparagus not only adds a pop of color to the plate but also offers a good source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and folate. The roasted asparagus is a light yet flavorful side that balances the indulgence of the Tuna Bake, making the meal feel both comforting and nutritious.

Meal Prep and Make-Ahead Convenience

One of the great advantages of this Tuna Bake is its ability to be made ahead of time. The dish can be assembled and stored in the fridge for up to a day before baking, making it an excellent option for meal prep or for a stress-free dinner on a busy evening. You can also freeze the assembled bake for later use, ensuring you always have a delicious meal ready to go when needed. Simply thaw the bake overnight in the fridge, then bake it as directed for a comforting meal that requires minimal effort.

This make-ahead convenience makes the Tuna Bake a fantastic choice for busy families, as it allows you to prepare a hearty, satisfying meal in advance without compromising on flavor. Whether you’re preparing it the night before or freezing it for a future meal, this dish is versatile and easy to customize to your schedule.

A Family-Friendly Dish

Tuna Bake is a dish that the whole family will enjoy. The creamy, cheesy pasta is always a hit with kids, while the fresh ingredients and flavorful twist from the chips and asparagus make it appealing to adults as well. This recipe can be easily adjusted to suit different tastes, whether by swapping out ingredients like the cheese, or adding more vegetables to the bake. The combination of tuna, pasta, cheese, and tangy toppings makes it a meal that will be loved by everyone at the table.

Moreover, the dish is highly adaptable. If your family prefers different types of cheese, you can swap out the mozzarella for cheddar or a sharp Parmesan. Similarly, if someone in your household is not fond of tuna, you could substitute it with another protein, such as chicken or shrimp. The versatility of this dish makes it a great option for various tastes and dietary preferences.

Nutritional Benefits

While Tuna Bake is undeniably comforting, it also offers several nutritional benefits. The pasta provides carbohydrates for energy, while the tuna is an excellent source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health. The addition of shallots, asparagus, and lemon provides vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making this dish more than just a comforting casserole—it’s a well-rounded, nutritious meal.

The cheese and chips add richness and flavor, but they are balanced by the healthy vegetables and lean protein in the dish. Serving this Tuna Bake with a side of mixed greens helps to further enhance the meal’s nutritional profile, providing additional fiber and vitamins to balance out the dish.

Conclusion

Tuna Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender pasta, creamy cheese sauce, and the delightful tang of tuna. The crunchy, zesty topping of salt-and-vinegar chips and the freshness from roasted asparagus make it a unique and satisfying meal. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner, preparing it ahead of time, or serving it for a special occasion, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Its versatility, convenience, and balance of flavors make it an excellent choice for any meal. With its combination of rich flavors, healthy vegetables, and hearty pasta, Tuna Bake offers the perfect balance of indulgence and nourishment, making it a go-to dish for any home cook looking for a satisfying and delicious meal.