Easy Tuna Mornay: The family favourite that never goes out of style

Some meals instantly take us back – and tuna mornay is one of them. It’s the kind of dish that’s been feeding families for generations: affordable, filling, and endlessly comforting. Perfect for busy weeknights or an easy weekend dinner, tuna mornay comes together with pantry staples and delivers that creamy, golden-topped goodness everyone loves. Best of all, it’s incredibly versatile, with plenty of ways to tweak it depending on what you have on hand.

Classic Easy Tuna Mornay
Ingredients (serves 4)

2 x 425g cans tuna in springwater, drained
2 cups milk
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp plain flour
1 cup grated cheese (cheddar works well)
1 cup frozen peas or corn
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups cooked pasta or rice
Extra cheese or breadcrumbs, for topping (optional)

Method
Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced).
Make the sauce
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thick and smooth.
Add cheese
Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine
Fold in tuna, peas (or corn), and cooked pasta or rice.
Bake
Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with extra cheese or breadcrumbs if using, and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Serve
Let stand for a few minutes before serving with a green salad or steamed vegetables.

Easy Tuna Mornay Variations

Veggie-Boost Mornay
Add steamed broccoli, cauliflower or zucchini for extra nutrition and colour.

Lemon & Herb Tuna Mornay
Stir through a little lemon zest and chopped parsley or dill for a fresher flavour.

Extra Creamy Version
Replace ½ cup of the milk with cream or evaporated milk for an ultra-rich finish.

Tuna Mornay with a Kick
Add a pinch of paprika, curry powder or Dijon mustard to the sauce for gentle heat.

Crunchy Topping Option
Mix breadcrumbs with a little melted butter and sprinkle over the top before baking.

Why It Still Works
Tuna mornay has stood the test of time because it’s practical, forgiving and comforting. It stretches pantry staples into a satisfying meal, freezes well, and tastes just as good the next day – if there’s any left.