Buona Beef Tuna Genovese Recipe: A Delicious Italian-American Fusion

If you love Italian-American cuisine, you’ve probably heard of Buona Beef, a famous Chicago-based chain known for its juicy Italian beef sandwiches. But have you ever tried their Tuna Genovese? This lesser-known yet delicious dish combines the rich flavors of Italian tuna salad with the classic Genovese profile—think basil, olive oil, and a touch of garlic.

In this article, we’ll break down how to recreate Buona Beef Tuna Genovese Recipe at home, exploring its origins, key ingredients, and step-by-step instructions. Whether you’re a fan of Italian deli classics or just looking for a fresh, flavorful tuna salad recipe, this guide has you covered.

What Is Tuna Genovese?

Before diving into the recipe, let’s clarify what makes a Genovese-style tuna salad different from the usual mayo-heavy version.

• Origins: The term Genovese refers to Genoa, Italy, where basil, olive oil, and garlic are staple ingredients (hello, pesto!).
• Key Flavors: Instead of relying on mayonnaise, a true Genovese tuna salad uses high-quality olive oil, fresh basil, and sometimes pesto for a brighter, herbaceous taste.
• Texture: It often includes capers, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes for a briny, umami kick.

Buona Beef’s version likely takes inspiration from this tradition while adding their own twist—perhaps a creamier texture or a hint of spice.

The Origins of Buona Beef Tuna Genovese Recipe

Buona Beef’s Tuna Genovese recipe blends Italian tradition with Chicago-style deli flair. Originating from Genoa, Italy, where olive oil-packed tuna with basil, garlic, and capers is classic, the dish evolved in American delis with creamy mayo and crunchy veggies. Buona Beef—known for Italian beef sandwiches—likely added this as a lighter option, mixing premium tuna, fresh basil, sun-dried tomatoes, and a mayo-olive oil blend for richness. While not a menu staple everywhere, it reflects Italian-American innovation: taking Old World flavors and adapting them for heartier U.S. tastes. Perfect on crusty bread, it’s a delicious fusion of Mediterranean freshness and deli satisfaction.

How to Make Buona Beef-Style Tuna Genovese at Home

For the Genovese Beef:

To make a Buona Beef-inspired Tuna Genovese, you’ll need the following ingredients (quantities adjusted for 2-4 servings):

• 2 lbs beef chuck roast (or pre-cooked Italian beef for shortcuts)
• 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 carrots, finely diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup dry white wine (optional)
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt & black pepper to taste

For the Tuna Salad:

• 1 (5 oz) can high-quality tuna in olive oil, drained
• 1 tbsp capers, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, minced
• ½ lemon, juiced
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise (optional for creaminess)

For Assembly:

• 4 crusty Italian rolls or ciabatta
• 4 slices provolone cheese (optional)
• Giardiniera (spicy or mild pickled vegetables)
• Fresh arugula (optional for freshness)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Slow-Cook the Genovese Beef & Onions

1. Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat before searing the beef. After adding salt and pepper to the meat, sear it for four to five minutes on each side, or until it is browned on both sides.  Remove and set aside.
2. Add the celery, carrots, and onions to the same pot and caramelize them. Cook on low heat for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized.
3. Deglaze & simmer: Add garlic, then pour in white wine (if using) to scrape up browned bits. Put the beef back in the pot, add the bay leaf and beef broth, cover, and simmer on low for two and a half to three hours, or until the steak shreds easily.
4. Shred the beef: Take the steak out and use forks to shred it, then add it back to the onion sauce. Simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes to thicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Tuna Salad

In a bowl, combine:

• Drained tuna
• Chopped capers
• Minced parsley
• Lemon juice
• Garlic
• Mayonnaise (if using)

Stir thoroughly, then chill until you’re ready to use it.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich

1. Toast the bread: Slice rolls and lightly toast them for crunch.
2. Layer the beef: Cover the bottom half with a thick layer of onion sauce and shredded beef.
3. Add the tuna mixture: Top the steak with a dollop of tuna salad.
4. Melt the cheese (optional): Add provolone and broil for 1-2 minutes until bubbly.
5. Top with giardiniera & greens: Finish with pickled veggies and arugula for freshness.

Tips for the Best Tuna Genovese

• Use high-quality tuna – Oil-packed tuna has better flavor than water-packed.
• Toast the nuts – Lightly toasting pine nuts or walnuts before blending enhances their flavor.
• Modify the consistency by adding more pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
• Try fresh tuna – For a restaurant-quality upgrade, sear fresh tuna steaks and flake them into the pasta.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

You’ll love Buona Beef’s Tuna Genovese for its perfect balance of fresh and hearty flavors. The premium tuna, tossed with fragrant basil, briny capers, and sun-dried tomatoes, delivers a vibrant Mediterranean taste. A touch of mayo (while staying true to Genovese roots with olive oil) adds just enough creaminess without heaviness. Served on crusty Italian bread, it’s satisfying yet light—ideal for lunch or a quick, protein-packed meal. Whether you crave authentic Italian flavors or a deli-style upgrade from basic tuna salad, this recipe hits all the right notes. Simple, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable—it’s a sandwich you’ll crave again and again!

Final Thoughts

While Buona Beef keeps its Buona Beef Tuna Genovese Recipe under wraps, this homemade version captures the essence of what makes it so delicious—creamy pesto, tender tuna, and perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you’re recreating a Buona favorite or just exploring new Italian-inspired dishes, this recipe is a must-try.

Buona Beef Tuna Genovese Recipe: FAQ