Ah, canned tuna—a pantry hero, isn’t it? It’s like the denim jeans of the culinary world; versatile, reliable, and never out of style. With these 10 easy dinner recipes, you’ll find yourself wondering how such a humble ingredient can morph into so many tasty wonders.
Steps
- Best Tuna Casserole: Begin by cooking your pasta of choice, then mix in canned tuna, a creamy sauce, and your favorite vegetables. Top with crunchy breadcrumbs before baking until golden.
- Chef John’s Spaghetti al Tonno: Cook spaghetti, then sauté garlic and onion in olive oil. Add canned tuna, tomatoes, and seasonings; simmer and combine with pasta.
- Chile-Sesame Tuna Salad: Mix canned tuna with ginger, sesame oil, soy sauce, chile paste, and honey. Add scallions, cilantro, cranberries, and sesame seeds; serve in lettuce wraps or pita.
- Teriyaki Tuna Patties: Combine canned tuna with teriyaki and soy sauce, form into patties, and coat with cornmeal. Pan-fry until crispy and golden.
- Easy Macaroni Tuna Casserole: Mix cooked macaroni and cheese with canned tuna, then bake with a topping of breadcrumbs. Enjoy the blend of cheesy pasta and creamy tuna.
- Tangy Tuna Black Bean Quesadillas: Fill tortillas with canned tuna, black beans, and cheese. Grill until the cheese melts and the tortillas are golden and crispy.
- Tuna Lime Tostadas: Top crunchy tostadas with canned tuna, salsa, and your choice of hot sauce. Customize with your favorite toppings for a quick, no-cook meal.
- Salad Niçoise: Assemble a salad with canned tuna, boiled potatoes, green beans, olives, and eggs. Drizzle with vinaigrette for a refreshing, light dinner.
- Tuna Garden Casserole: Combine penne pasta, canned tuna, and assorted vegetables. Bake until everything is heated through and the top is crisp.
- Easy Weeknight Tuna Pot Pie: Mix canned tuna with a rich filling and cover with pie crust. Bake until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
- Insalata di Riso (Italian Rice Salad): Toss cooked rice with canned tuna, vegetables, and dressing. Serve chilled, and add hot sauce or mayonnaise for extra flavor.
- Tasty Tuna Burgers: Form patties from canned tuna, add seasonings, and pan-fry until browned. Serve with your favorite burger toppings.
- Tuna and Chickpea Salad: Mix canned tuna with chickpeas, feta, and parsley. Adjust seasonings to taste and serve as a hearty salad.
- Spaghetti with Tuna and Capers: Cook spaghetti, then toss with canned tuna, capers, olive oil, and lemon juice. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Spicy Tuna Fish Cakes: Combine canned tuna with spices and breadcrumbs, then shape into cakes. Pan-fry until golden brown.
- Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl: Mix canned tuna with spicy seasonings and serve over rice. Add vegetables and sauces to your liking.
- Pasta With Tuna Sauce: Cook pasta, then toss with a sauce made from canned tuna, herbs, and tomatoes. Serve immediately for a quick meal.
- Avocado and Tuna Tapas: Top slices of avocado with a mixture of canned tuna and spices. Serve as a light appetizer or snack.
- Best Tuna Melt: Toast bread, then top with tuna salad and cheese. Broil until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Tuna Noodle Casserole from Scratch: Prepare a homemade creamy sauce, mix with pasta and canned tuna, and bake. Enjoy the comforting flavors.
- Quick and Easy Tuna Casserole: Combine canned tuna with pasta and a simple sauce. Cook in one pot for a fast, hearty meal.
- Tuna Pizza: Spread cream cheese on a pre-made pizza crust, top with canned tuna and mozzarella. Bake until the cheese melts and the crust is crispy.
- Easy Tuna Patties: Mix canned tuna with eggs, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. Form into patties and fry until golden.
- Italian-Style Tuna Salad: Combine canned tuna with fresh tomatoes and herbs. Serve with crusty bread for a Mediterranean twist.
- Tuna Stroganoff Casserole: Mix canned tuna with pasta and a creamy sauce, omitting mushrooms for a twist on beef stroganoff.
- Tuna Macaroni Salad: Combine cooked macaroni with canned tuna, mayonnaise, and vegetables. Serve chilled as a hearty side or main dish.
Ingredients
- Canned tuna (amount not specified)
- Macaroni or pasta (amount not specified)
- Cheese (type and amount not specified)
- Creamy sauce (type and amount not specified)
- Breadcrumbs (amount not specified)
FAQ
- What makes the Best Tuna Casserole recipe so popular?
- The Best Tuna Casserole is a beloved recipe due to its nostalgic appeal and nearly 1,500 5-star ratings. It perfectly recreates a childhood classic, ensuring comfort in every bite.
- Can I substitute ingredients in the Chile-Sesame Tuna Salad?
- Absolutely! While the original recipe includes ingredients like ginger, sesame oil, and soy sauce, feel free to adjust based on what you have. It pairs well with lettuce wraps or soft Japanese-style bread.
- How can I make the Teriyaki Tuna Patties more appealing to those who don’t like tuna?
- The tangy teriyaki and soy sauce flavor in these patties, combined with a crispy cornmeal crust, make them a delightful choice even for those who usually avoid tuna.
- What are some tips for enhancing the Salad Niçoise?
- To elevate the flavors, consider marinating the green beans and potatoes in a bit of vinaigrette before serving. This adds an extra herbaceous tang that’s sure to impress.
- How can I switch up the Tuna Lime Tostadas for different tastes?
- You can easily customize the spice level by using your favorite salsa and hot sauce. The dish is quick to prepare and can be adjusted to your preferred flavor profile.
Tips
- For casseroles, consider adding a crunchy breadcrumb topping or mixing in extra vegetables for added texture and flavor. This can elevate the dish while helping to clean out your refrigerator of any leftover veggies.
- When making Spaghetti al Tonno, try using tuna packed in oil for a richer flavor. If necessary, water-packed tuna can be substituted, adding a dash of olive oil to make up for the missing richness.
- For a tuna salad with an unexpected twist, incorporate ingredients like ginger, sesame oil, and dried cranberries. Consider serving it in lettuce wraps or on Japanese-style milk bread for a delightful presentation.
- If you’re making tuna patties or fish cakes and find yourself out of breadcrumbs, crushed saltines or buttery crackers make for a great alternative, providing the same crispy texture.
Equipment
- Food Processor – Useful for blending ingredients smoothly, especially for making patties or fish cakes.
- Mandoline Slicer – Helpful for thinly slicing vegetables, which can be used in salads or as toppings.
- Spiralizer – If any of the recipes call for spiralized vegetables as a substitute or side.
- Immersion Blender – Useful for making sauces or dressings directly in the bowl.
- Cast Iron Skillet – Ideal for pan-frying patties or achieving a crispy crust on casseroles.
- Baking Dish – If preparing multiple casseroles, a large or specialized baking dish might be needed.
- Pasta Maker – For those who prefer making fresh pasta for recipes like Spaghetti with Tuna.
- Mandoline Slicer – For evenly slicing vegetables for salads or garnish.
