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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    14 Easy Dinners That Turn Canned Tuna Into a Star

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated December 11, 2025 · Published December 27, 2025 · Leave a Comment

    Canned tuna is often seen as a quick and easy meal option that's maybe not all that exciting, but it can be so much more than that. With a few simple ingredients and creative ideas, you can turn this pantry staple into a delicious centerpiece for your dinner. From salads to casseroles, there are plenty of ways to showcase canned tuna and impress your family or guests.

    Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake

    Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake.
    Photo credit: Rich and Delish.

    A tuna pasta bake is a simple dish that combines canned tuna, mozzarella cheese, and everyday ingredients. It's creamy, full of flavor, and sure to fill you up.

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    Tuna Croquettes

    Tuna Cakes.
    Photo credit: Cheerful Cook.

    Canned tuna can be turned into a tasty meal with these crispy tuna croquettes that are loaded full of flavor. They're a simple and satisfying option for lunch or dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad

    Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe.
    Photo credit: The Gracious Pantry.

    This tuna and pasta dish is great for a filling family meal. Just grab a bowl and dig in!

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    Tuna Sushi Bake

    Tuna Sushi Bake on a white dish.
    Photo Credit: Piper Cooks.

    This sushi bake combines rice, canned tuna, slivered nori, and a spicy mayo drizzle for a simple yet tasty dish. It's great for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or serving at gatherings.

    Get the recipe

    Tuna Fried Rice

    One Pan Tuna Fried Rice
    Photo Credit: Pure and Simple Nourishment.

    Canned tuna, white rice, eggs, and veggies come together in this easy dish with a flavorful fried rice sauce. It's a simple meal that you can whip up in just 25 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Tuna Patties

    AIR FRYER TUNA PATTIES.
    Photo credit: 2 Cookin Mamas.

    Air Fryer Tuna Patties are a simple and delicious meal that you can whip up in no time. With just a few ingredients like canned tuna, onion, and bell pepper, you can have a tasty dish ready in about 20 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Tuna Casserole

    Instant Pot Tuna Casserole
    Photo Credit: Mae's Menu.

    Canned tuna can be turned into a cozy meal with this simple Instant Pot Tuna Casserole. It's creamy and savory, making it a great option for a family dinner in just 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Tuna Melts

    Tuna Melts.
    Photo credit: Cooking With Carlee.

    Tuna melts are quick and easy to prepare. These sandwiches combine tuna salad, melted cheese, and fresh tomato for a satisfying blend of warm and fresh flavors.

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    Tuna Niçoise Salad

    Tuna Niçoise Salad.
    Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    Canned tuna can be turned into a tasty Tuna Niçoise Salad with a tangy red wine dressing, fresh green beans, tender potatoes, flavorful olives, and chunks of tuna. This dish is simple to make and brings a bit of French flair to your meal.

    Get the recipe

    Tuna Wraps

    Easy Tuna Wraps.
    Photo credit: The Gracious Pantry.

    A tuna wrap is an easy meal that you can whip up with canned tuna and a few simple ingredients. It's a quick and tasty option for lunch or dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Tuna Rice Bowls 4 Ways

    CANNED TUNA OVER RICE.
    Photo credit: The Nessy Kitchen.

    Canned tuna and rice come together for a quick and satisfying meal. With just a few simple ingredients and four different flavor options, this dish is perfect for busy nights and can be varied in multiple ways.

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    Tuna Tostadas

    Tuna tostadas.
    Photo credit: Midwexican.

    These tasty tuna tostadas are easy to make and full of flavor. They're a great option for a quick and satisfying meal.

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    Tuna Kimchi Fried Rice

    Tuna Kimchi Fried Rice with sunny side up egg.
    Photo Credit: Plates by Nat.

    This dish is packed with flavor and has a nice kick to it. It's great when topped with a perfectly cooked sunny side-up egg.

    Get the recipe

    Tuna Pickle Pasta Salad

    Tuna pasta salad on a bowl.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This pasta salad combines all the favorite flavors of classic tuna salad, like pickles, onions, celery, and dill, but swaps out the bread for noodles. It's a tasty and filling dish that's perfect for a quick meal.

    Get the recipe

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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