If you’ve been craving the bold, briny flavor of Buona’s discontinued sandwich, this buona beef tuna genovese copycat recipe brings it back to life in the best way. In just 15 minutes, you can recreate this zesty, herby, protein-packed favorite in your own kitchen using pantry staples and a little bit of love.
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Buona Beef Tuna Genovese Copycat Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
Description
A bold and bright sandwich packed with oil-packed tuna, lemon, capers, and herbs—this Buona Beef Tuna Genovese Copycat Recipe recreates the cult favorite with ease.
Ingredients
2 cans (5 oz each) oil-packed tuna
2 tsp capers
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup roasted red peppers (optional)
4 slices ciabatta or crusty bread
1 cup arugula or baby greens (optional)
Instructions
1. In a bowl, flake tuna and mix with garlic, capers, parsley, lemon juice, and olive oil.
2. Stir gently to combine.
3. Toast ciabatta or bread slices until golden.
4. Layer tuna mixture onto bread.
5. Add roasted red peppers and greens, if using.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
You can prepare the tuna mixture a day ahead and store in the fridge.
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a touch of chili paste.
Serve with kettle chips or a simple green salad for a full meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: No-Cook, Assemble
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Table of Contents
Why This Buona Beef Tuna Genovese Copycat Recipe Matters
There are sandwiches you eat and forget… and then there’s this one. The buona beef tuna genovese recipe has all the elements that make a dish unforgettable—creamy, herby tuna balanced with lemon, garlic, and olive oil, piled onto crisp bread. When I first tasted it, I was surprised. It was everything a tuna sandwich never was growing up in St. Francisville. My grandmother’s tuna was comforting, yes, but this—this was flavor with purpose.
Years later, after Buona took it off the menu, I missed it enough to recreate it at home. One afternoon, I opened the pantry, pulled out the jarred tuna and capers, and went to work. One bite in, and it all came rushing back. This sandwich had to stay.
What Makes It So Good
It’s not complicated. It’s just good. With ingredients like quality tuna, capers, lemon juice, and parsley, this buona beef tuna genovese copycat recipe skips the mayo and goes full Mediterranean. Add a layer of roasted peppers and maybe some peppery arugula, and you’ve got lunch—or dinner—that feels like it came straight from a café in Genoa.
For a simple side that pairs perfectly with this tuna creation, I highly recommend this spinach dip recipe. It’s creamy, fast, and always vanishes before anything else.
How to Make This Buona Beef Tuna Genovese Copycat Recipe at Home
What You’ll Need in Your Kitchen
The buona beef tuna genovese is beautifully simple. You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours of prep—just quality pantry staples and a few minutes. The real magic happens when everything comes together: the briny capers, citrusy punch of lemon, and the rich oil-packed tuna.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Oil-packed tuna | 2 cans (5 oz each) |
| Capers | 2 tsp |
| Garlic, minced | 1 clove |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 2 tbsp |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Roasted red peppers (optional) | ¼ cup |
| Ciabatta or crusty bread | 4 rolls or slices |
| Arugula or baby greens | 1 cup (optional) |
Simple Steps for Big Flavor
Making this buona beef tuna genovese copycat recipe is easier than you think. Here’s how to do it:
- In a bowl, flake the oil-packed tuna and mix with minced garlic, capers, parsley, lemon juice, and olive oil.
- Stir gently to combine, allowing flavors to marry.
- Toast your ciabatta or bread slices until golden.
- Layer tuna mixture onto bread.
- Top with roasted red peppers and greens if using.
- Serve warm or at room temperature—either way, it’s amazing.
Want something creamy on the side? I love this Neiman Marcus chicken casserole recipe—it’s rich, comforting, and complements this light, herby sandwich beautifully.
Whether you’re recreating a favorite or just curious about the buona beef tuna genovese copycat recipe, this version is easy, memorable, and filled with bold, coastal flavors.
Why This Sandwich Works and How to Make It Your Own
Balanced, Bright, and Bold
The beauty of the buona beef tuna genovese copycat recipe is in its balance. The richness of the tuna gets lifted by lemon and capers, while garlic adds depth and parsley brings freshness. The oil ties it all together, creating a silky texture without the need for heavy mayo. That’s why this isn’t just another sandwich—it’s a layered flavor experience.
I love that this recipe doesn’t pretend to be fancy, yet it tastes like it came from a high-end deli. That kind of magic happens when simple things are done right. And let’s be honest—when lunch feels that good, you know you’ve got something worth sharing.
Tips & Variations to Make Buona Beef Tuna Genovese Copycat Recipe
Feel like getting creative? Here are a few ways to personalize this sandwich:
- Swap the greens: Try baby spinach, watercress, or even thinly sliced fennel for a little crunch.
- Add cheese: A thin slice of provolone or fontina melts beautifully under a quick broil.
- Go spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a thin layer of Calabrian chili paste turns up the heat.
And here’s a trick I love: If you’re serving guests, make mini versions on toasted baguette slices. It becomes the kind of appetizer people remember—and ask for again.
After a lunch like this, something sweet is a must. I often follow it up with one of my favorites: Mildred Ricke Cookies. They’re nostalgic, soft, and just the right kind of indulgent.
So if you’ve been looking for a copycat that lives up to the original, this buona beef tuna genovese copycat recipe brings all the flavor—and a little extra heart.
How to Serve, Store, and Enjoy This Copycat Recipe Anytime
How to Serve It Just Right
This isn’t just a sandwich—it’s a moment. When you’re serving this buona beef tuna genovese copycat recipe, go for toasted bread fresh out of the oven or air fryer. A warm, crusty ciabatta gives that contrast of crisp and soft that makes every bite satisfying.
Serve it open-faced for a more café-style experience, or press it panini-style for a crispy, melty finish. Pair it with a handful of kettle chips, a light arugula salad, or my personal favorite: a slice of this spicy-sweet Cornbread Topped Chilli Pie Chile Madness Recipe for a totally bold lunch.
If you’re prepping for guests, slice the sandwiches into halves or thirds, secure with cocktail picks, and arrange on a board with olives, cherry tomatoes, and roasted nuts. It’s an easy lunch board with huge flavor payoff.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Have leftovers? The tuna mixture keeps beautifully for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before using again.
You can also prep the mixture a day ahead if you’re serving guests or planning lunch for the next couple of days. I’ve even packed it into a mason jar for road trips—it makes a surprisingly elegant picnic sandwich!
If you’re in a meal-prep mood, pair it with other make-ahead favorites like hard-boiled eggs, cut veggies, or crackers. This buona beef tuna genovese copycat recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s flexible, fast, and fits your week any way you need it to.
This is the kind of meal that makes lunch exciting again. And when something this easy feels this fresh, there’s no reason not to make it a regular in your rotation.
FAQs About Buona Beef Tuna Genovese Copycat Recipe
What is the best cut of beef for Genovese?
For traditional Neapolitan Genovese sauce, cuts like chuck roast or beef shank are preferred because they break down beautifully over slow cooking. However, this recipe focuses on tuna, not beef, for a lighter twist.
Can you mix tuna with beef?
While it’s uncommon to combine tuna and beef in most home kitchens, creative chefs have done it—especially in fusion dishes. In this case, though, tuna stands strong on its own in a sandwich modeled after an Italian classic.
Is Genovese pork or beef?
Traditional Genovese sauce uses beef. But the buona beef tuna genovese copycat recipe is a unique spin that replaces beef with oil-packed tuna, keeping the richness while adding brightness and convenience. It’s not traditional, but it works—and it’s downright crave-worthy.
What is Genovese tuna?
Genovese tuna refers to a Mediterranean-style tuna preparation that typically includes olive oil, capers, garlic, lemon, and herbs like parsley or basil. It’s bright, savory, and often served in sandwiches or over greens, inspired by the flavors of Genoa, Italy.
Conclusion
Some recipes leave a lasting impression—and this buona beef tuna genovese copycat recipe is one of those rare few. With just the right blend of rich tuna, citrus, herbs, and briny capers, it delivers the kind of bold, balanced flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
This isn’t just about copying a sandwich—it’s about reclaiming a favorite that disappeared too soon. Whether you’re making it for the first time or the fifth, it’s one of those meals that’s both familiar and exciting, every single time.
Want to dive deeper into the roots of this flavor? Take a look at the original inspiration behind Genovese-style dishes with this authentic Rigatoni alla Genovese recipe from AllRecipes. You’ll see how the traditional slow-cooked sauce inspired something bold and completely new in this tuna twist.
No matter how you serve it—classic, open-faced, or mini-style—this buona beef tuna genovese copycat recipe is one worth keeping in your rotation.
Bring it to your table, and let the flavor tell the story.
