The buona beef tuna genovese copycat recipe is a mouthwatering blend of Italian tradition and seafood freshness, perfect for anyone who loves a hearty yet lighter pasta sauce. This buona beef tuna genovese recipe takes the beloved Neapolitan Genovese sauce — famous for its sweet, slow-cooked onions and savory depth — and reimagines it with tender tuna in place of beef. The result is a dish that’s rich, satisfying, and a little unexpected, making it an ideal choice whether you’re cooking for family or impressing dinner guests. If you’re craving a restaurant-quality meal at home, this buona beef tuna genovese copycat recipe delivers big flavor with simple steps.
If you love the balance of comfort and creativity in this recipe, you might also enjoy our creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne or our chicken cordon bleu recipe, both of which deliver that same mix of heartiness and flavor.
Table of Contents
Buona Beef Tuna Genovese Copycat Recipe: A Comforting Italian Twist
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A rich and comforting buona beef tuna genovese copycat recipe with tender tuna, caramelized onions, and aromatic herbs — a perfect blend of hearty and light.
Ingredients
2 cans tuna in olive oil, drained (reserve 1 tbsp oil)
6 large sweet onions, thinly sliced
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup dry white wine
1 cup vegetable or seafood stock
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
1 lb linguine or spaghetti
Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a skillet and caramelize onions for 20–25 minutes until golden.
2. Add garlic, oregano, and thyme; cook 2 minutes.
3. Deglaze with white wine, reduce by half.
4. Add stock and simmer 30 minutes until onions are silky.
5. Stir in tuna gently and warm through.
6. Boil pasta in salted water, reserving ½ cup water.
7. Toss pasta with sauce, adding water if needed.
8. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Use tuna in olive oil for best flavor.
Sauce can be made ahead and stored for up to 3 days.
Works well with polenta or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 71g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 32mg
From Naples to Chicago: The Story Behind Tuna Genovese
Genovese sauce has deep roots in Naples, despite the name suggesting origins in Genoa. Traditionally, it’s a slow-simmered sauce made with beef or veal, onions, and white wine, developing a silky texture and bold, savory-sweet flavor over hours of gentle cooking. In this buona beef tuna genovese recipe, we keep all the signature onion richness but swap in high-quality tuna packed in olive oil, making the dish lighter without sacrificing flavor. The magic of this buona beef tuna genovese copycat recipe is how the tuna soaks up all the aromatics, resulting in a meal that feels just as comforting as classics like our creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne.
Why Tuna Works So Well
Tuna may seem like an unusual choice for an onion-heavy sauce, but in this buona beef tuna genovese copycat recipe, it shines. The meaty texture stands up to long cooking, and the subtle briny notes complement the sweet onions and earthy herbs. Each forkful offers the same satisfaction as traditional beef Genovese but feels lighter and fresher. This makes the buona beef tuna genovese recipe a fantastic option for pescatarians, fans of Mediterranean cuisine, or anyone looking for a unique pasta night. For another hearty yet unexpected comfort dish, try our chicken shepherd’s pie alongside this tuna-based delight.
Ingredients for the Buona Beef Tuna Genovese Copycat Recipe
One of the best things about the buona beef tuna genovese copycat recipe is that it uses simple, everyday ingredients to create something unforgettable. The secret to achieving that authentic buona beef tuna genovese recipe flavor is in the slow caramelization of onions and the use of high-quality tuna packed in olive oil.
You’ll need:
- 2 cans of tuna in olive oil, drained (reserve 1 tablespoon of the oil)
- 6 large sweet onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup vegetable or seafood stock
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 pound pasta of choice (spaghetti or linguine works perfectly)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Buona Beef Tuna Genovese Recipe
- Caramelize the onions – Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions and cook slowly for 20–25 minutes until golden and deeply sweet. This slow cooking is the heart of the buona beef tuna genovese copycat recipe.
- Add aromatics – Stir in the garlic, oregano, and thyme. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant, layering flavors like in any authentic buona beef tuna genovese recipe.
- Deglaze with wine – Pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom to release caramelized bits. Let it reduce by half for maximum richness.
- Simmer with stock – Add vegetable or seafood stock and simmer gently for 30 minutes, allowing the onions to break down into a silky sauce.
- Incorporate the tuna – Flake the tuna into large chunks and fold gently into the sauce so it absorbs the flavors without overcooking. This gives the buona beef tuna genovese copycat recipe its signature tender texture.
- Cook the pasta – Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water before draining.
- Bring it all together – Toss the pasta into the sauce, adding reserved water if needed for a smooth, glossy finish.
- Serve and enjoy – Garnish with parsley and serve immediately. Pairing this buona beef tuna genovese recipe with a side like our creamy kielbasa broccoli skillet or chicken cordon bleu recipe makes for an unforgettable meal.
Serving Ideas for the Buona Beef Tuna Genovese Copycat Recipe
The beauty of the buona beef tuna genovese copycat recipe is its versatility. You can serve it the classic Italian way — tossed with al dente pasta — or get creative. For an authentic buona beef tuna genovese recipe experience, pair it with linguine or spaghetti, letting the silky onion sauce coat every strand. You can also spoon it over creamy polenta for a rustic, comforting twist, or serve it alongside crusty bread to soak up the rich flavors.
For a complete dinner, consider pairing this dish with a crisp salad like our Mediterranean cucumber salad or a vibrant side like carrot ribbon salad. Both add freshness that balances the rich, savory depth of the tuna and onions.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips for the Buona Beef Tuna Genovese Recipe
The buona beef tuna genovese copycat recipe isn’t just delicious fresh off the stove — it’s also perfect for make-ahead meals. Once cooled, store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of stock or water to loosen the sauce.
For meal prep, you can cook the sauce in advance and boil fresh pasta when ready to serve. This keeps the texture perfect and the flavor fresh. The buona beef tuna genovese recipe is ideal for batch cooking, making it a great choice if you want to plan meals for the week without sacrificing taste.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Buona Beef Tuna Genovese Copycat Recipe
What is Buona Beef Tuna Genovese?
The buona beef tuna genovese recipe is a twist on the traditional Neapolitan onion-based Genovese sauce, replacing beef with tender tuna. It combines sweet caramelized onions, wine, herbs, and rich tuna for a hearty yet lighter pasta dish.
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Yes. While the buona beef tuna genovese copycat recipe is traditionally made with canned tuna in olive oil for convenience and flavor, fresh tuna seared and flaked into the sauce can give an even more luxurious texture.
What type of pasta works best with this sauce?
Linguine and spaghetti are the top choices for the buona beef tuna genovese recipe because their long strands capture the silky onion sauce. Short pasta like penne also works well if you prefer more bite.
How long can I store the tuna Genovese sauce?
You can store the sauce from the buona beef tuna genovese copycat recipe in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of stock or pasta water to revive its silky texture.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. The buona beef tuna genovese recipe holds its flavor beautifully, making it ideal for batch cooking. Prepare the sauce in advance and boil fresh pasta when ready to serve for the best results.
Conclusion About the Buona Beef Tuna Genovese Copycat Recipe
The buona beef tuna genovese copycat recipe is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be heavy to be satisfying. With its blend of slow-cooked onions, rich olive oil–packed tuna, and aromatic herbs, this dish offers a unique twist on an Italian classic that’s both hearty and fresh. Whether you’re enjoying it over pasta, polenta, or crusty bread, the buona beef tuna genovese recipe is a crowd-pleaser that fits seamlessly into weeknight dinners or special occasions.
For ore check this Spicy Dill Pickle Tuna Salad
