Tuna fish recipes are ideal for a budget meal plan because canned tuna is inexpensive, but tastes great. At the same time, it’s loaded with protein, iron and other nutrients that support good health. Buy tuna packed in water instead of oil to keep fat and calorie intake down. Try these tuna fish recipes and you’ll be surprised at how delicious affordable cooking can be.
1 Cheesy Tuna Melts
This is one of those tuna fish recipes that you’ll wonder why you waited so long to try. This makes a cheap and delicious alternative for burgers when your grocery budget is tight. It’s also healthier than the traditional ground beef burger, so you really can’t go wrong.
Ingredients:
4 English muffins, split and toasted 1 6-ounce can tuna, drained 1/3 cup chopped celery 2 tablespoons mayonnaise Pinch of salt 8 slices ripe tomato 8 slices Cheddar cheese
Directions:
Preheat the oven to broil. In a small bowl, combine the tuna, mayonnaise, celery and salt. Divide the tuna mixture evenly on the English muffin halves and with a tomato and a slice of cheese. Place the muffins on a baking sheet and broil for about 5 minute, or until the cheese melts.
I love crab cakes and this is a tasty alternative when I can’t afford to stock up on crab. It’s easy to make and comes together quickly so you can eat something yummy in just a few minutes. Make enough to share and you’ll be everyone’s favorite person.
Ingredients:
1 7-ounce pouch albacore tuna, drained and shredded 2 green onions, chopped fine 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 2 large eggs, beaten 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice ½ teaspoon kosher salt ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs, divided Olive oil
Directions:
Combine the tuna, onions, mustard, eggs, lemon juice, salt, pepper and a ¼ cup breadcrumbs in a bowl. Divide into 8 patties and set aside to rest for 15 minutes. Place the remaining breadcrumbs on a plate and dredge each tuna cake in them. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the croquettes for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Cool slightly before serving.
Talk about a great Italian inspired dinner that you can also eat for lunch the next day! This recipe is super easy to make and tastes good no matter when you eat it.
Ingredients:
8 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon minced garlic 2 anchovies, minced (optional) ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper, or to taste 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes 1 6-ounce can chunk light tuna, drained and flaked 2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil
Directions:
Boil the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the garlic for about 1 minute. Add the anchovies, if desired, and the crushed red pepper and cook for an additional 30 minutes. Add the tomatoes and reduce the heat. Simmer the mixture for about 8 minutes, stir in the tuna and cook for 2 more minutes. Ladle the sauce over the pasta, garnish with basil and serve.
If you’ve never considered mixing tuna and bacon, you’re about to change your mind. This delicious sandwich is perfect for dinner or lunch in the backyard. You’re going to love it!
Who doesn’t love a bowl of creamy mac and cheese? Add tuna and tomatoes and you have a hearty main dish you can enjoy for dinner. Plus, the two ingredients make your favorite pasta dish a bit more healthy by adding vitamins and minerals.
Ingredients:
8 ounces (about 3 cups) whole-wheat rotini pasta 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 cup nonfat milk, divided ½ cup grated extra-sharp Cheddar cheese ½ cup grated pepper Jack cheese ¼ teaspoon ground ancho chili powder ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper 1 ½ cups reduced-fat cottage cheese, preferably low-sodium 1 5- to 6-ounce can chunk light tuna, drained and flaked 1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chilis, drained ¼ cup crumbled tortilla chips, preferably blue corn
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Cook the pasta according to package directions, drain and set aside. Whisk the flour and 2 tablespoons of the milk in a bowl. Heat the rest of the milk in an ovenproof skillet until steaming. Whisk a few tablespoons of the hot milk into the flour mixture, then pour the combination back into the skillet. Stir and cook about 1 minute, or until the sauce is smooth. Remove from the heat and add the cheeses, ancho powder, salt and pepper. Puree the cottage cheese until very smooth and stir into the sauce. Add the tuna and pasta and toss to coat. Top with the tomatoes and bake about 20 to 25 minutes, until bubbly. Serve with tortilla chips scattered on top.
Salad makes such a great meal, so it really pays to have a bunch of recipes to keep it from getting boring. This one tastes like a trip to the Mediterranean.
Ingredients:
1/2 seedless cucumber, chopped 2 vine-ripe tomatoes, chopped 1 medium red onion, chopped 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped 1 can quartered artichoke hearts in water, drained 1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves, coarsely chopped Coarse salt and black pepper 1/2 lemon, juiced 1 small shallot, minced 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 cans imported tuna in oil, drained 12 pepperoncini hot peppers 1 cup pitted kalamata olives
Directions:
Place the cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, pepper, artichoke hearts and parsley on a platter. Squeeze lemon juice over the vegetables. Season with salt and pepper. In a bowl, combine the shallots, vinegar and oregano and let stand for 5 minutes. Slowly whisk in the olive oil and pour over the salad. Top with tuna, peppers and olives.
If you’re not a pasta fan, this is the perfect alternative. It’s got loads of nutrition, but is super satisfying too. Give this a try for a healthy weeknight dinner that won’t take too much time.
Ingredients:
2 cups long grain white rice 4 cups water 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped 1 large carrot, grated 1 7-ounce can albacore tuna in water, drained and flaked 3 tablespoons olive oil 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Directions:
Put the rice and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed. In a bowl, combine the lettuce, carrot and tuna. Add the olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper and toss to coat. Toss cooled rice with the salad and serve right away.
Do you cook with canned tuna? It’s such a great way to save money, but still get all the health benefits that fish has to offer. Which one are you going to try first?
This is one of those tuna fish recipes that you’ll wonder why you waited so long to try. This makes a cheap and delicious alternative for burgers when your grocery budget is tight. It’s also healthier than the traditional ground beef burger, so you really can’t go wrong.
I love crab cakes and this is a tasty alternative when I can’t afford to stock up on crab. It’s easy to make and comes together quickly so you can eat something yummy in just a few minutes. Make enough to share and you’ll be everyone’s favorite person.
Talk about a great Italian inspired dinner that you can also eat for lunch the next day! This recipe is super easy to make and tastes good no matter when you eat it.
If you’ve never considered mixing tuna and bacon, you’re about to change your mind. This delicious sandwich is perfect for dinner or lunch in the backyard. You’re going to love it!
Who doesn’t love a bowl of creamy mac and cheese? Add tuna and tomatoes and you have a hearty main dish you can enjoy for dinner. Plus, the two ingredients make your favorite pasta dish a bit more healthy by adding vitamins and minerals.
Salad makes such a great meal, so it really pays to have a bunch of recipes to keep it from getting boring. This one tastes like a trip to the Mediterranean.
If you’re not a pasta fan, this is the perfect alternative. It’s got loads of nutrition, but is super satisfying too. Give this a try for a healthy weeknight dinner that won’t take too much time.