Tuna Bake
EASIER THAN TAKEAWAY!
Here’s the deal: if you can boil water and open a can, you’ve got this. It’s warm, cheesy, and more filling than it has any right to be. Perfect for those times when the fridge is bare, funds are low, and you just need something that hits the spot.
EASY AFWHY THIS ROCKS
It's super cheap, uses ingredients you probably already have or can grab for under a tenner, and there's no raw meat involved! Plus, it's a one-dish wonder that tastes way better than it looks like it should.
WHAT YOU NEED
Total Estimate: $8 - $12
LET'S DO THIS
Preheat your oven to 180°C. This gets it nice and hot for baking, mate.
Grab your biggest pot and fill it with water. Add a good pinch of salt (to flavour the pasta) and a splash of oil (stops it sticking). Bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.
Once the water is boiling like crazy, chuck in your pasta. Cook it according to the packet directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until it's 'al dente' – that means it has a slight bite to it, not mushy. Don't overcook it!
While the pasta is cooking, crack open those tuna cans and drain the liquid. Open the cream of mushroom soup and the milk. Get your frozen peas ready.
Once the pasta is cooked, carefully drain it using a colander in the sink. (SAFETY WARNING: Hot steam will come off, so stand back and move slowly.)
Return the drained pasta to the empty pot (or a large oven-safe dish if you want fewer dishes). Add the drained tuna, the can of cream of mushroom soup, the milk, and the frozen peas. Stir it all together until everything is well combined.
Pour the whole mixture into an oven-safe dish (if you didn't use one already). Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. This is gonna get all bubbly and golden.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown and the mixture is bubbling. (SAFETY WARNING: The dish and its contents will be extremely hot when you take it out.)
Carefully remove from the oven using oven mitts. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving – this lets it cool down a bit and set up.
Sprinkle with a bit of salt and pepper to taste. Dish up and enjoy your victory, chef!
PRO TIP FROM THE CHAOS GOBLINS
If you think you've overcooked the pasta, no worries, it'll still taste great! The sauce and cheese will cover any imperfections. Just don't burn the cheese on top (keep an eye on it!).
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