There's something irresistibly comforting about a warm, creamy Cheesy Tuna Mornay bubbling away in the oven. With its rich cheese sauce, tender pasta, and hearty tuna, this dish has earned its place as a family favorite. The golden breadcrumb topping is the perfect finishing touch, adding a satisfying crunch to every bite.

I first fell in love with Tuna Mornay during a potluck dinner years ago. A friend's mother brought a steaming dish of this classic casserole, and from the first taste, I was hooked. Now, it's my go-to recipe for busy weeknights or when I need a cozy dinner that's sure to please everyone.

Why You'll Love This Cheesy Tuna Mornay

Get ready to meet your new favorite casserole dish. Cheesy Tuna Mornay combines classic comfort food flavors with modern ease, making it a go-to meal for every occasion.

First off, it’s incredibly simple to make. With pantry staples like canned tuna, pasta, and cheese, you can whip up this dish without a last-minute grocery run. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something hearty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

This recipe is also a budget-friendly superstar. Using economical ingredients, you can feed a family of four or more without breaking the bank. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day, giving you great value for your effort.

Another reason to love Tuna Mornay? It’s kid-approved. Even picky eaters can’t resist the creamy, cheesy goodness of this dish. The mild flavors and creamy texture make it an easy win at the dinner table.

Lastly, it’s an incredibly versatile recipe. Whether you want to sneak in some extra veggies, swap out ingredients to suit dietary needs, or make it gluten-free, this dish adapts beautifully.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Cheesy Tuna Mornay lies in its balance of simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why these components work so well together.

Tuna: Opt for high-quality canned tuna in water or oil. I recommend chunk light or albacore tuna for the best texture and flavor. Be sure to drain it well before adding it to the casserole.
Pasta: Short pasta shapes like macaroni, penne, or shell pasta work perfectly. Their nooks and crannies hold onto the creamy sauce for the ultimate bite.
Cheese: A combination of sharp cheddar and Parmesan adds depth and richness to the dish. For extra creaminess, you can mix in a handful of mozzarella.
Milk and Butter: These are the foundation of the béchamel sauce. Whole milk delivers a luxurious texture, but you can substitute it with low-fat milk or even plant-based milk if needed.
Breadcrumbs: The golden topping is made with panko breadcrumbs, which provide the perfect crunchy contrast. Mix them with a little melted butter for extra flavor.
Optional Veggies: Frozen peas or corn are classic additions to Tuna Mornay. They add a pop of sweetness and nutrition without any extra prep.

You’ll also need a large casserole dish and a whisk for making the cheese sauce. If you have oven-safe ramekins, you can portion the Mornay for individual servings!

How To Make This Cheesy Tuna Mornay

Creating Cheesy Tuna Mornay is easier than you might think. Follow these steps for a perfect, bubbling casserole every time.

Cook the pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook your pasta until just al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain and set aside.
Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in flour to form a smooth roux. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens. Stir in shredded cheddar and Parmesan until fully melted and creamy.
Combine the casserole: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, drained tuna, and any veggies you’re using. Pour the cheese sauce over the top and gently stir until everything is well coated.
Assemble and top: Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

From start to finish, this dish takes about 45 minutes to prepare. The result? A creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dinner that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Storage Options

Leftovers? Lucky you! Cheesy Tuna Mornay stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Tuna Mornay freezes well too! Place it in a freezer-safe container, and it’ll keep for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze before baking and add the breadcrumb topping just before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, cover the dish with foil and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. If frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is as adaptable as it is delicious. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs, and substitute cornstarch for flour in the cheese sauce.
Add more veggies: Stir in cooked spinach, diced carrots, or sautéed mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Boost the protein: Swap tuna for cooked shredded chicken or add a handful of cooked bacon bits for smoky flavor.
Try different cheeses: Experiment with Gruyere, Swiss, or a touch of blue cheese for a more sophisticated flavor profile.
Lighten it up: Use low-fat cheese and milk, or swap the butter for olive oil to make a lighter version.

Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own. No matter how you customize it, this Cheesy Tuna Mornay is sure to hit the spot!