Tuna Broccoli Pie
A comforting savory pie combining tuna, broccoli, and carrots in a creamy sauce with a flaky crust, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to the temperature recommended for your pie crust.
- Prepare the pie crust according to your chosen recipe or use a prepared crust.
- In a saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat.
- Stir in 1/3 cup flour and cook, stirring constantly, until smooth and bubbly.
- Gradually add 2 cups milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Add the drained tuna, frozen or fresh broccoli, and sliced carrots to the sauce.
- Mix well and season with 1 teaspoon salt.
- Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
- Cover with the top crust or a lattice, seal edges, and cut slits for steam.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding a bit of cream cheese or sour cream to the mixture. If you want to enhance the flavor, add some shredded cheese or a sprinkle of dill. For a healthier twist, you could substitute whole wheat flour for the regular flour or use a cauliflower crust instead of traditional pie crust. This recipe also works well with other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Tuna Broccoli Pie hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a comforting touch, offer a dollop of tartar sauce or a squeeze of lemon on the side. This dish is perfect for casual dinners or gatherings with friends.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat the whole pie in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, until warmed through. This pie can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna Broccoli Pie contains roughly 976 calories, with 11g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (39% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1760mg per serving (77% 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 fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?
Yes, you can use fresh tuna, but it will require cooking beforehand. Simply sear or poach the fresh tuna until it's fully cooked, then flake it into the filling. This will give a fresher taste to the pie, but canned tuna is much more convenient for this recipe.
Is there a gluten-free option for the pie crust?
Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free pie crust mix or make your own using almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that all other ingredients, like the broth or seasonings, are also gluten-free if you're catering to dietary restrictions.
How can I make this dish more flavorful?
To boost the flavor, consider adding spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of cayenne for heat. You could also incorporate some shredded cheese into the filling or top the pie with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs mixed with herbs before baking for added texture.
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).