A Mediterranean twist on classic meatballs, these tender and flavorful tuna meatballs are simmered in a rich, garlicky Spanish-style tomato sauce. Packed with smoky spices and fresh herbs, this dish is perfect for serving with crusty bread, rice, or even pasta for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy and high in protein – A nutritious seafood alternative to traditional meatballs.
- Full of bold Mediterranean flavors – Smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic create a deeply savory taste.
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 40 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Versatile – Serve with rice, pasta, or as tapas with crusty bread.
- Budget-friendly – Uses canned tuna, making it an affordable and accessible dish.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Tuna Meatballs:
- 2 cans (6 oz each) tuna, drained and flaked
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
For the Spanish Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup white wine (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the meatballs – In a bowl, mix flaked tuna, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, parsley, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Form into small balls.
- Fry the meatballs – Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Lightly fry the tuna meatballs until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Make the sauce – In the same pan, add olive oil and sauté the onion until soft. Stir in garlic, paprika, cumin, and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute.
- Simmer the sauce – Pour in crushed tomatoes, white wine (if using), sugar, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook the meatballs – Return the tuna meatballs to the sauce and cook for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve – Garnish with fresh chives and serve warm with bread or rice.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 280 kcal per serving
Variations
- Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Spicy Kick – Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Dairy-Free – Omit any cheese-based garnishes and ensure the breadcrumbs are dairy-free.
- Herb Swap – Try fresh basil or oregano instead of parsley for a different Mediterranean flavor.
- Lighter Version – Bake the tuna meatballs at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes instead of frying.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the meatballs (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the sauce before serving.
- Reheating: Warm in a pan over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Yes! Cook and flake fresh tuna before mixing it into the meatballs.
2. What can I serve with tuna meatballs?
They pair well with rice, pasta, polenta, or crusty bread for dipping.
3. Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?
Yes, bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden.
4. How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?
Ensure the mixture is well combined and chill for 10 minutes before shaping.
5. Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Yes! Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms make great additions.
6. Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes! Reduce the spices slightly for a milder version.
7. Can I substitute the wine in the sauce?
Yes, replace it with vegetable broth or water for a non-alcoholic version.
8. What other seafood can I use?
Salmon or mackerel can be used in place of tuna.
9. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
10. What’s the best way to get a thicker sauce?
Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes or add a tablespoon of tomato paste.
Conclusion
These Tuna Meatballs in Spanish Tomato Sauce are a flavorful and unique twist on traditional meatballs, bringing Mediterranean warmth to your table. Whether served with bread, pasta, or rice, this dish is an easy, budget-friendly, and delicious meal. Try it today and enjoy a new way to savor tuna!
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Tuna Meatballs in Spanish Tomato Sauce
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A Mediterranean twist on classic meatballs, these tender and flavorful tuna meatballs are simmered in a rich, garlicky Spanish-style tomato sauce. Perfect for serving with crusty bread or over rice.
Ingredients
For the Tuna Meatballs:
- 2 cans (6 oz each) tuna, drained and flaked
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
For the Spanish Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the meatballs: In a bowl, mix flaked tuna, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, parsley, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Form into small balls.
- Fry the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Lightly fry the tuna meatballs until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same pan, add olive oil and sauté the onion until soft. Add garlic, paprika, cumin, and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute.
- Simmer the sauce: Pour in crushed tomatoes, white wine (if using), sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook the meatballs: Return the tuna meatballs to the sauce and cook for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Garnish & serve: Sprinkle with fresh chives and serve warm with bread or rice.
Notes
- Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour for a low-carb version.
- For a deeper flavor, let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for an extra 5 minutes.
- Pairs well with roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Spanish, Mediterranean
