There’s something so comforting about a warm, creamy dish fresh out of the oven. Cheesy Tuna Mornay is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pasta, rich sauce, and perfectly seasoned tuna into a meal the whole family will love.
This recipe has been a lifesaver on busy weeknights, offering a satisfying dinner without hours in the kitchen. The best part? It’s a great way to use pantry staples while still delivering a meal that feels special. Let’s dive in and discover why this dish deserves a spot on your dinner table.
Why You'll Love This Cheesy Tuna Mornay
Get ready to fall in love with a dinner that’s as simple as it is satisfying. Cheesy Tuna Mornay checks all the boxes for a weeknight winner.
First, it’s incredibly quick to prepare. From stovetop to oven, you’ll have this hearty casserole ready in under 40 minutes. That means less time cooking and more time enjoying a cozy evening with your family.
This recipe is also a budget-friendly gem. With affordable ingredients like canned tuna, pasta, and a simple cheese sauce, you can feed a crowd without stretching your grocery bill. It’s proof that delicious doesn’t have to mean expensive.
And let’s not forget how versatile this dish is. Whether you want to swap out ingredients, add extra veggies, or even make it gluten-free, Cheesy Tuna Mornay adapts beautifully to your needs.
Lastly, it’s a crowd-pleaser. The creamy, cheesy sauce and tender pasta appeal to even the pickiest eaters, making it a go-to recipe for families everywhere. Let’s look at the ingredients you’ll need to make this dish shine.
Ingredients Notes

Cheesy Tuna Mornay is all about simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create something magical. Each component plays a key role in building flavor and texture.
Pasta is the foundation of this dish. Penne, elbow macaroni, or shells work wonderfully, as their shapes hold the creamy sauce well. Be sure to cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Tuna brings a savory, ocean-fresh flavor to the Mornay. Choose a good-quality canned tuna in oil or water, depending on your preference. Flake it gently so it distributes evenly throughout the casserole.
Cheese is the star of the sauce. A combination of sharp cheddar and Parmesan creates a rich, tangy flavor. Feel free to mix in other cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for added depth.
Milk and Butter form the base of the creamy béchamel sauce. Whole milk works best for a luxurious texture, but you can substitute with lower-fat milk if desired.
Vegetables like frozen peas or corn add a touch of sweetness and color. These are optional but highly recommended for balance and brightness.
For equipment, you’ll need a large pot for boiling pasta, a saucepan for the sauce, and a casserole dish for baking. A whisk is also handy for achieving a smooth, lump-free sauce.
How To Make This Cheesy Tuna Mornay

Making Cheesy Tuna Mornay is easier than you might think. Follow these steps for a dinner that’s as simple as it is delicious.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a medium-sized casserole dish. While the oven heats, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in flour to create a roux. Cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Once the béchamel sauce has thickened, stir in shredded cheese, reserving a small amount for the topping. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for warmth and depth.
Combine the cooked pasta, tuna, and vegetables (if using) in a large mixing bowl. Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture, stirring until everything is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to your prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle the reserved cheese over the top and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. For an extra-crispy topping, switch to the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes it easier to portion out.
Storage Options
Cheesy Tuna Mornay stores beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers. Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
In the refrigerator, this dish will stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat, simply cover and bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
If you’d like to freeze the Mornay, assemble it without baking, cover tightly with foil, and store it in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Variations and Substitutions
Cheesy Tuna Mornay is a wonderfully adaptable recipe. Here are some ways to customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
Swap the tuna for cooked chicken, shrimp, or even canned salmon if you prefer a different protein. Each option works beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Add more vegetables for a hearty twist. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or diced bell peppers are excellent additions that enhance both flavor and nutrition.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour in the sauce with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
Experiment with different cheeses to create unique flavors. Gouda, Havarti, or even blue cheese can add a gourmet touch.
Make it spicy by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce. This variation is perfect for those who enjoy a little kick.
Cheesy Tuna Mornay is a dish that invites creativity, so don’t hesitate to make it your own. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try a new variation, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
PrintCheesy Tuna Mornay Recipe
This Cheesy Tuna Mornay recipe is a quick and hearty meal made with tuna, creamy cheese sauce, and pasta. It's the ultimate comfort food that's easy to prepare and loved by the whole family.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta (e.g., penne or macaroni)
- 1 can (425g) tuna in spring water, drained
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp plain flour
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup frozen peas
- ½ cup corn kernels (optional)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (356°F).
- Cook pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until softened.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, forming a roux.
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened.
- Remove from heat, stir in cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until cheese melts.
- Fold in tuna, peas, corn, and cooked pasta. Mix well to combine.
- Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and bubbling. Serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed crackers for added crunch.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and flour.
- Add chopped parsley or spring onions for garnish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ of recipe
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
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