Tuna Bake

This tuna bake recipe is based on an old-fashioned favourite that uses pantry, fridge & freezer staples to create a tasty and nourishing meal. Use a pan that can go from the stovetop to the oven, such as this one, to save on washing up.

I started making this tuna bake recipe for an elderly friend as the flavours are fairly plain and it reheats well so it was a good dish to share with her. It is a comforting meal for cooler weather and it’s relatively easy to make. I make it in a large pan but feel free to divide the mixture between 4 or 6 individual dishes or ramekins if you’d like to put some aside to freeze – it reheats well in the microwave from frozen.

With the recent floods that have affected our local communities, I thought this recipe was a good one to share as it uses pantry staples and canned goods which may be all some folk have on hand at the moment. For those same reasons, this tuna bake recipe is a good option if you don’t feel like heading out to the shops but want to make a tasty and nourishing meal with what you have on hand.

I have included some grated carrot and spinach to up the vegetable content but you can leave these out if you don’t have them on hand. You could also substitute hot-smoked salmon or trout for the tuna which would be a delicious option, and I’d suggest adding the zest and juice of a lemon to compliment the salmon.

I hope you enjoy this recipe and that it feeds and nourishes your family.

Tuna Bake

An old-fashioned, nourishing one-pan dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Servings 4 people

Ingredients

  

• 250 g short pasta shape eg maccheroni, spirals, fusilli
• 425g can tuna in oil, drained but reserve the oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• olive oil, as needed
• salt & pepper for seasoning
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 50 g butter
• 35 g plain flour
• 250 ml chicken stock (or use a stock cube + water) warmed
• 250 ml milk warmed
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 cup frozen peas & corn combined measurement

Breadcrumb topping

• 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs or use dried or panko
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• 25 g grated parmesan
• 1-2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

 

• Cook the pasta in plenty of salted water according to the instructions on the packet. When cooked, drain but reserve some of the cooking water, and toss the pasta in some oil to stop it from sticking together.
• Place a 30cm ovenproof pan over medium heat and when hot add the reserved oil from the tuna. Add the diced onion and garlic, season with a generous pinch of salt, and saute until translucent. Add some extra olive oil if you feel it needs it.
• Add the carrot and saute for a few minutes to soften, then add the spinach leaves and cook until wilted. You can pop a lid on the pan to speed up this process but it doesn't take long. Push the vegetables to one side of the pan.
• Melt the butter into the empty side of the pan then add the flour and stir to make a paste. Cook for 1 minute, then gradually add the stock and milk to make a sauce, stirring all the time to avoid lumps. Once the sauce is bubbling away stir through the vegetables and allow to simmer for a couple of minutes.
• Add the peas, corn, tuna and a generous grinding of black pepper, then stir through and heat the mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning. Keep warm whilst you prepare the breadcrumb topping.
• Preheat the grill to high.
• For the breadcrumb topping, combine the breadcrumbs, parsley and parmesan in a bowl then add the oil and rub it in. It should feel like damp sand - add extra oil if you feel it needs more moisture. Sprinkle this over the filling and place the tuna bake under the grill for 5 minutes or until golden brown.
• Serve with a crisp green salad.

Notes

1. I prefer tuna in oil for its flavour and texture.
2. You could substitute zucchini for the carrot, it will cook quickly so add with the spinach.
3. You could substitute hot-smoked salmon or trout for the tuna. If doing so, add the zest and juice of a lemon to the sauce.
4. You can divide the mixture into 4 or 6 individual ramekins.
5. I have successfully frozen individual portions which I reheat in the microwave.

Keyword Tuna