Creamy Tuna Topped Broccoli
Creamy Tuna Topped Broccoli offers a delightful combination of tender broccoli, savory tuna, and a rich cheese sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting family meal, its creamy texture and flavorful ingredients make it a satisfying choice for seafood and vegetable lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash broccoli and remove long leaves and tough pieces of stalks.
- Cut stalks lengthwise into quarters.
- Place broccoli in a large saucepan with 1-inch boiling salt water.
- Cook for 10 to 12 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain broccoli well and reserve the cooking water.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté celery and onion until soft.
- Stir in flour, blending well.
- Combine reserved cooking water and milk.
- Gradually stir the milk mixture into the saucepan and cook until slightly thickened and coming to a boil.
- Add shredded processed American cheese and stir until melted.
- Stir in drained, flaked tuna.
- Serve hot over cooked broccoli.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the milk. You can also swap the American cheese for cheddar or mozzarella for a different taste. For a vegetarian option, replace tuna with cooked chickpeas or a mix of your favorite vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the creamy tuna over the broccoli topped with a sprinkle of paprika or fresh herbs for added color and flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider serving with a light soup, such as Potato And Shrimp Soup, or a seafood dish like Crab Meat Appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk if the sauce is too thick. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring often, to ensure even heating without drying it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Tuna Topped Broccoli contains roughly 1044 calories, with 22g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (45% of the Daily Value), iron (39% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 580mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used. Just blanch it in boiling water for a few minutes before proceeding with the recipe. Note that frozen broccoli may have a softer texture, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What can I substitute for tuna?
If you're looking for alternatives to tuna, consider using canned salmon or cooked shredded chicken for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian option, cooked lentils or chickpeas work well and provide a similar texture.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
You can easily add more vegetables by incorporating bell peppers, peas, or even spinach into the sautéed mixture. Just ensure they are cooked until tender before adding the cheese and tuna mixture for a colorful and nutritious twist.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).