What is the Buona Beef Tuna Genovese recipe?

The Buona Beef Tuna Genovese recipe is a savory Italian-American dish made with tuna packed in olive oil, slow-cooked onions, dry white wine, and simple seasonings. It’s inspired by the traditional Neapolitan Genovese sauce, which usually features beef, but in this twist, tender tuna takes the spotlight. The dish is rich, flavorful, and served over pasta, bread, or on its own.

Is the Buona Beef Tuna Genovese recipe authentic to Italian cuisine?

Yes, it’s authentic in spirit and technique. While the original Genovese sauce from Naples uses beef, this version swaps in tuna—often due to availability or preference. This type of adaptation is common in Italian immigrant cooking. Just like our Popeyes Gravy Recipe takes inspiration from Southern cooking and reimagines it at home, this dish follows the same path with Italian roots.

Can I find the Buona Beef Tuna Genovese recipe in the USA?

You won’t find it on every menu, but some Buona locations and longtime family kitchens in the Chicago area still serve or recreate this beloved recipe. Thankfully, it’s simple to make at home, which is why this post is designed to guide you through every step of cooking your own Buona Beef Tuna Genovese recipe from scratch.

What ingredients are essential in the Buona Beef Tuna Genovese recipe?

The must-haves are high-quality tuna in olive oil, yellow onions, extra-virgin olive oil, dry white wine, salt, black pepper, and a little dried oregano. These ingredients work together to create a sauce that’s rich, silky, and full of depth—just like our Blackstone Tortellini shows how a few good ingredients can turn into something special.

Buona Beef Tuna Genovese Recipe – 1 Bold Italian Classic

Name: Buona Beef Tuna Genovese Recipe: A Unique Chicago-Italian Favorite
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

This Buona Beef Tuna Genovese recipe is a flavorful Italian-American classic made with tuna in olive oil, caramelized onions, and white wine for a savory, comforting meal.

Ingredients

2 cans tuna in olive oil

4–5 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 cup dry white wine

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp dried oregano

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Instructions

1. In a heavy pan, heat olive oil over medium-low heat.

2. Add onions and cook slowly for 45 minutes, stirring often.

3. Deglaze with white wine and reduce slightly.

4. Add drained tuna and stir gently.

5. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano.

6. Simmer for another 15–20 minutes.

7. Serve over pasta, rice, or warm bread.

Notes

Use Italian-style tuna in olive oil for best flavor.

Do not rush the onion cooking—this builds depth.

Pairs well with rigatoni or crusty bread.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 390
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 570mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 30mg