Tuna is such a great staple to have on hand and can lend itself to so many different recipes using canned tuna.
I know, I know, you might be thinking canned tuna…I’ve literally only ever used that for bland tuna sandwiches. But trust me, it can be used for so much more than that! From a simple casserole to (cheap and easy) gourmet and gluten-free fishcakes.
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Cheap and Easy Recipes Using Canned Tuna
Here are 25 meals that you can make tonight with that canned tuna that has been sitting in your pantry forever.
Tuna Sandwiches & Patties
Plain tuna sandwiches can get pretty boring. I remember dreading eating soggy tuna fish sandwiches every day for lunch in elementary school. My mother was not very creative with her brown bag lunches.
These tuna "sandwiches" are flavorful, crunchy, and won't leave you hungry for more. There are also some delicious tuna patty recipes that you can enjoy by themselves or stick them on a bun and enjoy as a sandwich.
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These quick and easy spicy tuna quesadillas are a fun twist on a classic. While not technically a "sandwich" they are crispy, cheesy, and have a hint of spicy goodness.
Top them off with a drizzle or dollop of blue cheese dressing.
These Tuna Cakes are just like crab cakes … but without the hefty price tag. Made from canned tuna and topped with baked vegetables, they’re sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
You can also enjoy these with a side or rice or make some keto cauliflower mash.
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This is not the bland tuna melts you remember as a kid. A new take on an old favorite that pairs Mexican flavors with healthy broccoli slaw, two kinds of melted cheese and canned tuna.
These two cheese tuna mexi melts are crunchy, flavorful, and easy enough to throw together on a busy weeknight.
Elevated fishcakes with a zesty twist! Chili Lime Tuna Fishcakes that are gluten-free, egg-free, dairy-free, & soy-free, without the oil and baked in the oven.
With a secret nutty ingredient for a super flavor-packed & healthy recipe, your family will love for dinner or lunch!
While technically not a sandwich...this Stuffed Tomato Tuna Melt recipe is low carb and gluten-free. It makes a great quick lunch or dinner!
If you want a healthy and fun side to add, try out these crispy kale chips!
A quick, easy, and budget-friendly recipe for tuna patties that are crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside and bursting with tons of flavor from simple ingredients like onion, mustard, spices, and fresh lemon.
Pair with some fragrant rice and some steamed veggies.
An easy tuna patty recipe made without breadcrumbs. Healthy and made with mashed potatoes and veggies, these patties can be eaten either hot or cold.
This easy Cheesy Tuna Panini is the perfect quick dinner or quick lunch to make! Pair up with a soup for a warm cozy meal that feels you up!
This is such a simple recipe to make, even my 10-year-old son can make this on his own for a quick lunch.
This spicy tuna melt calzone recipe will be a hit among all ages! Perfectly filled and warmed calzones featuring a cheesy tuna center is the perfect year-round.
This is also a great recipe to make ahead and freeze.
I would have never thought to put tuna on a pizza, but why not?!
An easy and delicious pizza recipe with canned tuna! Made with a unique lemon dill aioli sauce that will make your taste buds sing!
Tuna Casseroles & Rice Dishes
Tuna casseroles are great because you can make them in so many different ways and incorporate so many different ingredients.
Tuna and rice also pair well together in these frugal and delicious dishes.
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A classic recipe for a tuna noodle casserole, topped with cheese and French fried onions.
I highly suggest using fresh or frozen peas to give this amazing recipe even more flavor and texture.
This frugal tuna pasta bake recipe is sure to be a family favorite. Made with fresh ingredients like bell peppers and cherry tomatoes adds an extra level of flavor!
This is also another great recipe to make ahead when you meal plan and freeze for later.
A stunning tuna Thai red curry made in just a few minutes for a light and easy meal.
Gluten-free and paleo, this tuna Thai red curry is lightened up and served over simple coconut cauliflower rice to bring it all together!
When it comes to easy dinner recipes for the family, nothing beats a casserole. This better-for-you tuna pasta casserole swaps out a few of the classic ingredients for healthier ones, for a casserole that is both delicious and guilt-free!
Instead of breadcrumbs, this tuna casserole is topped with whole wheat crackers, yum!
Not your classic tuna noodle casserole — this is a healthy and easy tuna casserole recipe with broccoli, cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing. Only six ingredients, low carb, and keto-friendly.
My kids love that is has that classic ranch flavor, I love that it's mostly broccoli!
This quick and simple tuna casserole is the perfect dish to make when on a budget! It also freezes extremely well, so it’s great to double and save half as a make-ahead meal.
This is one recipe that is almost always on my meal plan for when I am keeping the budget tight.
A simple canned tuna turned in an incredible Tuna Pie. It’s made with the addition of green beans and lots of cheese.
And the best part...it’s low carb and gluten-free.
This Easy Tuna Casserole is perfect to whip together for a busy weeknight!
With not much prep work just throw everything in the pan and bake!
A fun twist on the traditional Italian bolognese, this super simple dish only takes 15 minutes to make.
This tuna bolognese will quickly become a family favorite for busy weeknights.
Tuna Rice and Tuna Salad Recipes
Now I am not going to give you some boring old recipe for a soggy tuna salad sandwich. These tuna salad and tuna and rice recipes are packed with flavor and will have you going back for seconds.
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Apples and pickles give this basic, healthy tuna salad recipe a sweet and sour crunch. I’ll show two you different ways to take this simple recipe and make a healthy tuna salad wrap.
The perfect on the go meal or for a quick lunch at work.
A healthy meal prep recipe in a pinch! These Cuban-Style Tuna Meal Prep Bowls are gluten-free, paleo, and perfect for a well-rounded lunch!
With plantain chips, fresh veggies, jalapeno tuna, and a zesty dairy-free yogurt, you’ll be powering through that midday slump!
This Avocado Tuna Salad Recipe is quick and easy to make and full of flavor and texture.
Perfect for a quick lunch or a simple low carb meal packed with protein and healthy fats.
An EASY tuna egg salad recipe! See how to make this tuna salad with eggs in just 10 minutes.
Plus, tuna and egg salad is healthy and perfect to make ahead to pack for a quick lunch.
You’ll love this Tuna & White Bean Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette dressing! It’s a really healthy, low-calorie lunch or dinner option, and is ready to eat in less than 5 minutes!
This budget-friendly tuna rice salad is amazingly delicious. Quick, and easy, perfect filling meal or side dish for busy moms.
Wow! I didn’t imagine that I can make delicious recipes from canned tuna. I can’t wait to try these recipes! Thanks for sharing!