Cheesy Tuna Broccoli Bake

This tuna broccoli casserole combines fresh vegetables, protein-rich tuna, and gooey cheese for a satisfying family dinner that comes together with minimal effort. The combination of sharp cheddar and mozzarella creates a beautiful golden crust while the crème fraiche adds luxurious creaminess without being too heavy.

This casserole became my go-to solution during our family's busiest season when three kids had different sports practices every evening. I could prep it during lunch break and simply pop it in the oven when we all finally made it home.

Ingredients

• Fresh broccoli florets: provide essential nutrients and create the hearty base
• Onion and garlic: build aromatic flavor foundation that pairs perfectly with tuna
• Olive oil: helps vegetables caramelize and adds richness
• Canned tuna: offers convenient protein without much preparation
• Crème fraiche: creates a luxurious creamy sauce without being too heavy
• Cherry tomatoes: add bursts of acidity and brightness throughout
• Mozzarella cheese: creates that perfect melty stretchy topping everyone loves
• Sharp white cheddar: brings bold flavor that stands up to the tuna
• Salt and pepper: enhance all flavors and balance the dish
• Fresh basil leaves: optional but add wonderful aroma and color as finishing touch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep work:

Heat your oven to 400°F and prepare your baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. I prefer glass baking dishes as they distribute heat evenly for casseroles.

Cook broccoli:

Simmer broccoli florets in salted water for exactly 5 minutes. The salt seasons the broccoli from within while the short cooking time ensures it remains bright green with some texture. Overcooking here would result in mushy broccoli after baking.

Sauté aromatics:

Cook onions in olive oil until they become translucent and start to release their sweet aroma. This typically takes 4 minutes over medium heat. Adding garlic for just 30 seconds afterward prevents it from burning while still releasing its essential oils for flavor. Return the partially cooked broccoli to incorporate all these flavors together.

Combine tuna and crème fraiche:

Mix drained tuna with crème fraiche to create the creamy protein component. Season generously with salt and pepper. The tuna should be well drained to prevent a watery casserole. Break up larger chunks with a fork for even distribution throughout the dish.

Assemble casserole:

Layer your components in the baking dish starting with the broccoli mixture then adding tuna cream and tomatoes. The cherry tomatoes should be evenly distributed to ensure bursts of acidity throughout. Top with both cheeses with mozzarella slices on top to create that beautiful golden crust.

Bake:

Cook uncovered for 15 minutes until bubbling around the edges. The cheese should melt completely and develop light golden brown spots. If your oven runs cool you might need an additional few minutes to achieve ideal browning.

Serve:

Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking. This crucial step allows the sauce to thicken slightly and flavors to settle. Garnish with fresh basil right before serving for maximum visual impact and aroma.

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The crème fraiche is really my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered it after years of using canned cream soups and never looked back. Its slight tanginess cuts through the richness of the cheese while creating a silky sauce that coats everything perfectly. My son who normally avoids fish actually requests this dish regularly.

Make Ahead Options

This casserole can be completely assembled up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add 5-7 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from refrigerator temperature.

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Perfect Pairings

This tuna broccoli casserole stands beautifully on its own but also pairs wonderfully with simple sides. Consider serving with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to complement the richness of the dish. For heartier appetites a side of crusty garlic bread makes an excellent addition to soak up the creamy sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

If crème fraiche is unavailable in your area Greek yogurt or sour cream work admirably as substitutes though they provide slightly different tanginess levels. For a dairy free option consider using cashew cream with a squeeze of lemon juice to mimic that slight acidity.

Frozen broccoli can replace fresh in a pinch. Simply thaw and drain thoroughly before proceeding with the recipe to avoid excess moisture. Canned salmon provides a delicious alternative to tuna with a slightly stronger flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this dish. Thaw it first and pat dry to remove excess moisture. You may want to skip the blanching step since frozen broccoli is already partially cooked.

→ What can I substitute for crème fraiche?

Sour cream or Greek yogurt make excellent substitutes for crème fraiche. For a richer option, try cream cheese thinned with a little milk or cream. Each alternative will slightly alter the final flavor and texture.

→ Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate covered. When ready to serve, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, crusty bread, or steamed rice. For a lighter meal, it can be served on its own or with roasted vegetables.

→ How long will leftovers keep?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through.

→ Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?

Yes! Cauliflower, bell peppers, spinach, or peas would be excellent additions. Just ensure any added vegetables are properly cooked or blanched before incorporating them into the casserole.