What is the Buona Beef Tuna Genovese copycat recipe?

The Buona Beef Tuna Genovese copycat recipe is a homemade version of the Chicago-style sandwich that combines tuna with a slow-cooked onion sauce on Italian bread. It captures the comforting, hearty taste of the original Buona favorite but can be recreated in your own kitchen with everyday ingredients.

How close is the Buona Beef Tuna Genovese copycat recipe to the original?

When you caramelize the onions properly and use tuna packed in olive oil, the flavor comes strikingly close to the sandwich you’d order at Buona Beef. While nothing fully replaces the restaurant experience, this recipe delivers a taste that most fans agree is nearly identical.

What ingredients do I need for the Buona Beef Tuna Genovese copycat recipe?

To make this copycat dish, you’ll need yellow onions, olive oil, garlic, tuna in olive oil, tomato paste, white wine, parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian rolls. These ingredients come together to create the signature Genovese-style sauce and savory tuna filling.

Can I make the Buona Beef Tuna Genovese copycat recipe at home easily?

Yes, this recipe is straightforward. The only real effort lies in giving the onions time to slowly caramelize, which develops their sweet, deep flavor. Once that step is done, the rest comes together quickly, making it an easy dish to prepare in your own kitchen.

Buona Beef Tuna Genovese Copycat Recipe – 5 Steps to Ultimate Flavor

Description

A homemade Buona Beef Tuna Genovese copycat recipe with caramelized onions, tuna, and Italian rolls for authentic Chicago flavor.

Ingredients

4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

3 tbsp olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cans tuna in olive oil (5 oz each)

2 tbsp tomato paste

½ cup white wine

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and black pepper to taste

4 Italian rolls, split

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Instructions

1. Caramelize onions in olive oil for 25 minutes until golden.

2. Add garlic and cook briefly.

3. Stir in tomato paste and cook to deepen flavor.

4. Deglaze with white wine and reduce.

5. Mix in tuna gently, season with salt and pepper.

6. Serve warm on toasted Italian rolls with parsley garnish.

Notes

Serve with pickled vegetables or salad for balance.

Store filling separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat slowly to preserve flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Sandwich
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 420
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 28mg