Description
A comforting Broccoli Tuna Bake featuring tender broccoli, flaked tuna, and creamy cheese, all baked to perfection with a crunchy topping. Perfect for a hearty dinner!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 can (12 oz) tuna, drained and flaked
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup (or homemade equivalent)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for breadcrumbs)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preparing the Broccoli:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the broccoli florets.
- Blanch the broccoli for about 2-3 minutes until it turns bright green and is slightly tender but still crisp.
- Drain the broccoli and immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This helps maintain that beautiful green color.
- After a few minutes, drain the broccoli again and set it aside.
- Preparing the Tuna Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, cooked rice, and blanched broccoli.
- Add the cream of mushroom soup and milk to the bowl. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Next, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix again to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Finally, fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese, reserving the other half for topping later.
- Assembling the Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Pour the tuna and broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture.
- Preparing the Breadcrumb Topping (Optional):
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter. This will help the breadcrumbs brown nicely in the oven.
- Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with the oil or butter.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese layer in the baking dish.
- Cooking the Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to ensure the breadcrumbs dont burn.
- Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the bake set a little and make it easier to serve.
Notes
- You can substitute the tuna with cooked chicken or another protein if desired.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or corn for extra nutrition and flavor.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes