There’s something iconic about the Buona Beef Tuna Genovese. It’s not your average tuna sandwich this one’s briny, bright, and layered with bold Italian flavors. Whether you grew up near Chicago or just crave a sandwich that goes way beyond mayo and celery, this buona beef tuna genovese copycat recipe is here to deliver. In this guide, I’ll show you how to recreate the flavors of the original at home simple, quick, and full of real-life flavor. We’ll cover everything from ingredients to meal pairings so your version nails it every single time.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
The Chicago Tuna Sandwich That Stole My Heart
Why I Needed This Buona Beef Tuna Genovese Copycat Recipe
Hi, I’m Mae a mom of two with a soft spot for regional sandwiches and anything that feels like comfort food with a twist. My first Buona Beef Tuna Genovese sandwich happened on a spring trip to Chicago. It wasn’t even planned we popped into a Buona location because the kids were starving and I didn’t want another burger. I almost didn’t order the tuna sandwich. But the server recommended it. “It’s cold, herb-packed, and legit Italian,” he said. Sold.
The first bite? Unforgettable. Think silky tuna marinated in olive oil and herbs, tucked inside a chewy roll, layered with roasted red peppers, hard-boiled egg slices, and that zippy vinaigrette soaking into everything. It was simple, but deeply flavorful like something Nonna would hand you in a brown paper bag.
I knew I had to recreate it. Back home near Nashville, no local spot offered anything close. I couldn’t stop thinking about that sandwich. So I experimented. And failed. And tried again. Eventually, I landed on a version that my husband now calls “the good tuna.” It’s our go-to when we want something cold, satisfying, and dinner-party-worthy.
How a Busy Mom Found Time to Recreate It at Home
Honestly? I made this buona beef tuna genovese copycat recipe work because I had to. Weeknight dinners around here need to be flexible and forgiving. Between homework, soccer cleats that disappear, and laundry that never ends, I can’t spend hours prepping anything.
This sandwich works for the chaos. The tuna mix can be made up to two days ahead it gets better as it sits. I usually marinate the tuna in the morning, then just assemble when it’s go-time. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add a simple side like these banana and protein pancakes (yes, they’re not just for breakfast), or even serve it with watermelon sorbet as a cool, unexpected finish.
More than once, I’ve packed this sandwich for picnics, road trips, or just wrapped it up for a front-porch dinner when the kitchen’s too hot to cook in. It’s versatile, delicious, and doesn’t require a culinary degree to make it perfect.
How to Make Buona Beef Tuna Genovese Copycat Recipe at Home
How to Make Buona Beef Tuna Genovese Copycat Recipe at HomeWhat Makes Genovese Tuna So Unique?
Genovese tuna is all about simplicity and ingredient-driven flavor. It’s usually packed in olive oil, sometimes seasoned with garlic, parsley, or lemon zest, and allowed to marinate. The result? Tuna that’s tender, savory, and infused with bold flavor no mayonnaise needed.
This style comes from Genoa, Italy, where fresh fish, preserved vegetables, and crusty bread have long been the staples of workday meals. The Buona version takes those Mediterranean roots and gives it a Chicago-style twist: robust rolls, sweet roasted red peppers, sliced egg, and even a touch of Giardiniera if you’re lucky.
When recreating this buona beef tuna genovese copycat recipe at home, always choose oil-packed tuna, preferably Italian or Spanish brands. Drain it lightly but keep some of that infused oil for the vinaigrette. Add capers, red wine vinegar, and finely chopped herbs like basil or flat-leaf parsley. You want the tuna to taste like something you’d serve at an Italian picnic.
Want more Mediterranean-meets-American ideas? You’ll love this garlic parmesan chicken meatloaf, another fusion comfort dish.
Core Ingredients That Define the Flavor
Here’s what really sets this sandwich apart:
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Oil-packed tuna | Rich, bold flavor base |
| Roasted red peppers | Sweet, smoky contrast |
| Hard-boiled egg | Creamy texture & richness |
| Italian roll | Holds ingredients without falling apart |
| Capers | Adds briny bite (optional) |
Need a lighter pairing? Try serving it with tortellini with summer veggies for a fresh, seasonal side.
How to Make Buona Beef Tuna Genovese Copycat Recipe at Home
Recreating the Buona Beef Tuna Genovese Copycat Recipe at home is way easier than it sounds. The sandwich looks gourmet, but the steps are straightforward and even forgiving. I’ve streamlined this version so you can pull it together with pantry staples and about 15 minutes of prep. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or want to impress with a nostalgic Chicago bite, this guide will walk you through it step-by-step.
Step-by-Step Instructions You’ll Actually Follow
You don’t need fancy tools, just solid ingredients and a few bowls. Here’s my go-to process for a sandwich that tastes just like Buona’s:
- Marinate the Tuna:
In a medium bowl, add 2 cans of high-quality oil-packed tuna. Gently flake with a fork. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon capers, a pinch of salt, and fresh chopped parsley. Let sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to 24 hours). - Prepare the Extras:
While the tuna marinates, hard-boil 2 eggs and slice them. Drain jarred roasted red peppers and slice them into strips. Toast your Italian rolls until lightly golden. - Assemble:
On each roll, layer roasted peppers, marinated tuna, egg slices, and a drizzle of the leftover vinaigrette from the tuna bowl. Add optional extras like lettuce, thin onion slices, or a little Giardiniera if you want heat. - Serve with Style:
Wrap in parchment paper for the full deli vibe. This sandwich holds up beautifully for meal prep or lunchboxes too.
Need a cozy pairing idea? Try it with these slow cooker ribeye steaks for a surf-and-turf moment or keep it snacky with garlic butter steak bites.
My Favorite Ingredient Swaps for Busy Weeknights
Life doesn’t always give us time (or fresh parsley). These substitutions help when things get hectic:
| Original Ingredient | Quick Swap | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Oil-packed tuna | Canned chunk light in water + extra olive oil | Adds richness |
| Roasted red peppers | Sun-dried tomatoes in oil | Intense, savory flavor |
| Fresh parsley | Dried Italian seasoning | Easy pantry fix |
| Hard-boiled egg | Sliced cheese (provolone or mozzarella) | Still creamy, kid-approved |
| Italian roll | Hoagie bun or ciabatta | Holds moisture well |
No time to prep? Marinate the tuna the night before and store it sealed in the fridge. It actually improves overnight. Then you can just assemble, wrap, and go.
This buona beef tuna genovese copycat recipe also makes a killer picnic item. When I don’t want to cook at all, I just pack this up with lemonade and some cottage cheese banana bread for a no-fuss meal under the sun.
Serve Your Buona Beef Tuna Genovese Copycat Recipe Like a Pro
Once your sandwich is assembled, the only thing left is deciding how to enjoy it. Whether you’re hosting a backyard lunch, packing it for the office, or throwing it in a picnic basket, this Buona Beef Tuna Genovese copycat recipe deserves a supporting cast. In this section, I’ll help you elevate the meal with smart pairings, prep tips, and creative ways to use leftovers so nothing goes to waste.
What to Serve With a Tuna Genovese Sandwich
This sandwich is full of texture creamy egg, chewy bread, zesty vinaigrette so you want sides that balance it out without overwhelming it.
Try these quick pairing ideas:
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Kettle-cooked chips or rosemary crisps | Adds crunch |
| Cucumber-tomato salad | Keeps it light and fresh |
| Caprese skewers | Brings out the Italian vibes |
| Fruit-based dessert | Contrast the briny tuna with natural sweetness |
If you’re feeding kids or want something cooling for summer, serve it with brownie in a mug microwave swiss miss for dessert. It’s rich, fast, and doesn’t heat up your kitchen. You can also whip up a refreshing drink like lemon-cucumber water or chilled iced tea with fresh herbs.
Want to go hearty? Turn it into a full Italian-style lunch with garlic parmesan chicken meatloaf as a protein-packed second course.
Leftover Ideas & Meal Prep Hacks
Tuna salad leftovers are gold. If you have extra from this buona beef tuna genovese copycat recipe, here’s how to repurpose it creatively:
- Wrap it up in a spinach tortilla with baby arugula and goat cheese
- Spoon over greens for a high-protein salad with white beans
- Stuff into mini pitas for quick Mediterranean-style snacks
- Toss with pasta and a little lemon juice for a cold tuna pasta lunch
Store leftover marinated tuna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavor will deepen, making it even better the next day. The assembled sandwich is best eaten within 4–6 hours, especially if the vinaigrette starts to soak the roll.
If you’re thinking ahead, keep your tuna mix and bread separate until serving just like Buona does so your sandwich stays perfect in texture.
FAQs About Buona Beef Tuna Genovese Copycat Recipe
What is Genovese tuna?
Genovese tuna is a Mediterranean-style tuna preparation that features tuna marinated in olive oil, fresh herbs, lemon juice, and capers. It skips the mayo completely, focusing on bright, bold flavors that shine on their own. In this buona beef tuna genovese copycat recipe, that Genovese-style base is what brings the sandwich to life savory, tangy, and rich in Italian character.
What is an Italian tuna sandwich?
An Italian tuna sandwich is a mayo-free creation that layers oil-packed tuna, roasted red peppers, hard-boiled eggs, and often Giardiniera or fresh herbs. It’s usually served cold on a crusty roll or baguette. The buona beef tuna genovese copycat recipe follows this exact profile, combining Genovese flavors with the sandwich-building tradition of Chicago Italian delis.
What is the most unhealthy tuna?
The unhealthiest tuna varieties are typically albacore or yellowfin when consumed in large quantities, due to their higher mercury levels. In some cases, heavily processed tuna salads with excessive mayo or sodium-packed flavors also rank lower in nutrition. That’s why the buona beef tuna genovese copycat recipe uses light tuna in olive oil clean, simple, and far healthier without sacrificing taste.
What tuna does Matthew McConaughey use?
While Matthew McConaughey hasn’t named a favorite canned tuna brand officially, he’s linked to clean-eating habits and high-protein foods. Most likely, he’d approve of the tuna used in this buona beef tuna genovese copycat recipe oil-packed, minimally processed, and rich in omega-3s.
Who makes the best canned tuna?
For top-tier flavor and texture, brands like Ortiz, Callipo, and Tonnino are excellent choices. They produce sustainably caught, olive oil–packed tuna perfect for any authentic sandwich like this buona beef tuna genovese copycat recipe. For something easier to find in grocery stores, Genova is a great-tasting, affordable option.
What is in the Jennifer Aniston salad?
Jennifer Aniston’s go-to salad includes bulgur, chickpeas, red onion, cucumber, feta, and lemon juice bright and light ingredients that could complement your buona beef tuna genovese copycat recipe as a fresh side dish. It has that same clean, herb-driven vibe, just without the tuna.
Can dogs eat tuna?
Dogs can eat plain tuna in small amounts especially canned tuna in water. But avoid giving them anything from your buona beef tuna genovese copycat recipe, since ingredients like onions, garlic, and vinaigrettes can be toxic to pets. When in doubt, keep the tuna sandwich for the humans and offer your pup a dog-safe treat instead.
Buona Beef Tuna Genovese Copycat Recipe (Tastes Just Like the Original!)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
Description
This Buona Beef Tuna Genovese Copycat Recipe recreates Chicago’s iconic cold Italian tuna sandwich with simple ingredients and bold flavor.
Ingredients
2 cans oil-packed tuna
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp capers (optional)
1 tbsp chopped parsley
2 roasted red peppers (sliced)
2 hard-boiled eggs (sliced)
2 Italian rolls or crusty hoagie buns
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Drain and lightly flake the tuna into a bowl.
2. Add olive oil, vinegar, capers, parsley, salt and pepper. Mix and marinate for 15–30 minutes.
3. Slice roasted red peppers and hard-boiled eggs.
4. Toast the rolls lightly.
5. Layer peppers, marinated tuna, and eggs onto each roll.
6. Drizzle with extra vinaigrette if desired.
7. Wrap in parchment and serve immediately or chill.
Notes
You can prep the tuna mix up to 2 days in advance.
Substitute roasted red peppers with sun-dried tomatoes for a twist.
Add lettuce or Giardiniera for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Assemble
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Final Thoughts on This Buona Beef Tuna Genovese Copycat Recipe
If there’s one sandwich that’s worth recreating again and again, it’s the Buona Beef Tuna Genovese copycat recipe. It’s bold, briny, satisfying, and feels like a little slice of Chicago in every bite. Whether you’re packing lunch, serving friends, or treating yourself after a long day, this sandwich hits all the marks easy to prep, packed with flavor, and totally customizable.
I’ve made this recipe dozens of times now, and every time I take that first bite, I’m back in that little Buona restaurant, sitting with my kids and savoring something unexpectedly special. I hope it becomes a staple in your kitchen, too.
If you try it out, I’d love to see your version! Share it with me on Facebook or tag me on Pinterest. There’s nothing better than seeing these recipes come to life in your homes.
From my busy, messy kitchen just outside Nashville to yours happy cooking!
