One Pan Tuna Meatballs with Peppers & Beans
Golden, crispy-edged tuna meatballs simmered with sweet peppers, creamy cannellini beans and a rich tomato and herb sauce. A light, colourful and comforting dinner packed with sunshine flavours.
About This One Pan Tuna Meatballs Recipe
These golden tuna meatballs bring a fresh twist to a vibrant one-pan summer stew. They are cooked with sweet mixed peppers, creamy cannellini beans and a rich tomato, garlic and herb base. Light, colourful and full of flavour, this fuss-free dinner comes together in about 30 minutes and is perfect for a relaxed weeknight meal.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Everything comes together in one pan and is ready in around 30 minutes.
Tuna, tomato, garlic, herbs and sweet peppers create a rich and satisfying combination.
The meatballs and vegetable stew are prepared in the same skillet for easy cleanup.
The finished dish can be frozen for up to three months and reheated when needed.
Ingredients
Ingredient Notes
Use drained tuna chunks. Tuna packed in oil works particularly well for tender and flavourful meatballs.
Soaking the breadcrumbs briefly in milk helps keep the tuna meatballs soft and tender.
Creamy cannellini beans add texture and make the tomato stew more filling and satisfying.
Fresh basil adds a bright finishing flavour. Reserve some leaves to scatter over the finished dish.
How to Make One Pan Tuna Meatballs
Make the Tuna Meatball Mixture
Put the panko breadcrumbs and whole milk in a bowl and mix together to soften the breadcrumbs. Add the drained tuna, half of the chopped basil and the beaten egg. Mix until everything holds together, then shape the mixture into approximately 12 meatballs.
Brown the Meatballs
Heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat with a little oil. Add the tuna meatballs and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, until golden and crispy around the edges. Transfer them to a plate and set aside.
Cook the Peppers
Add another little splash of oil to the same pan. Add the diced mixed peppers and cook for 2–3 minutes until they begin to soften.
Add the Tomato & Herb Base
Stir in the tomato, garlic and herb paste. Cook for about 1 minute, allowing the paste to coat the peppers and release its rich flavour.
Add Beans & Stock
Add one jar of cannellini beans with their liquid, then drain and add the second jar. Stir in the vegetable stock pot and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cook for around 5 minutes.
Return the Meatballs
Return the browned tuna meatballs to the pan and nestle them gently into the tomato and bean sauce. Simmer for another 5 minutes, until the meatballs are heated through and the flavours come together.
Garnish & Serve
Divide the stew between bowls and scatter the remaining fresh basil over the top. Serve immediately while hot.
What to Serve With Tuna Meatballs
Perfect for soaking up the rich tomato and bean sauce.
A crisp salad adds a fresh contrast to the warm stew.
Crispy roasted potatoes make this an even more satisfying dinner.
Serve over rice for an easy and filling weeknight meal.
Helpful Tips
Mix the ingredients until they hold together before shaping. Avoid making the meatballs too large.
Browning the meatballs first gives them delicious crispy edges and adds extra flavour to the final dish.
Give the peppers a few minutes in the pan so they soften slightly before adding the tomato paste.
Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer so the meatballs stay tender while the beans warm through.
Easy Variations
Add chilli flakes or a little hot sauce to the tomato base for extra heat.
Add courgette, spinach or cherry tomatoes for even more vegetables.
Try parsley, oregano or a little thyme instead of some of the basil.
For a richer stew, stir in a small spoonful of cream or soft cheese just before serving.
Can You Freeze This Recipe?
Yes. This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Allow the finished dish to cool completely before transferring it to a suitable airtight freezer container.
Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat gently in a covered saucepan until piping hot throughout before serving.
One Pan Tuna Meatballs
Crispy tuna meatballs with peppers, cannellini beans and tomato herb sauce.
Ingredients
- 50 g panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp whole milk
- 2 tins tuna, 160 g each, drained
- 25 g fresh basil, chopped
- 1 beaten egg
- 2 mixed peppers, diced
- 100 g tomato, garlic & herb paste
- 2 jars cannellini beans, 430 g each
- 1 vegetable stock pot
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Mix breadcrumbs and milk until softened.
- Add tuna, half the basil and beaten egg.
- Shape the mixture into approximately 12 meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs in a hot oiled pan for about 2 minutes per side.
- Remove the meatballs and cook the peppers for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato, garlic and herb paste.
- Add cannellini beans and vegetable stock.
- Simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Return the meatballs to the pan.
- Simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Divide between bowls.
- Finish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these tuna meatballs ahead of time?
Can I freeze the finished dish?
Can I use another type of bean?
What tuna should I use?
How many tuna meatballs does this recipe make?
What can I serve with tuna meatballs?
Can I make this recipe spicy?
How should I reheat the frozen dish?
Ready to Make Tuna Meatballs? 🐟
Grab one pan, some simple ingredients and make this colourful, comforting dinner tonight.
Final Thoughts
One Pan Tuna Meatballs with Peppers & Beans is an easy, colourful dinner that brings together crispy tuna meatballs, sweet peppers, creamy cannellini beans and a rich tomato herb sauce. Ready in around 30 minutes and made in one pan, it is a practical recipe for busy evenings when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it with crusty bread or your favourite side dish, finish with fresh basil and enjoy a simple meal packed with flavour.
One Last Thing...
Recipe at a Glance
10 minutes
20 minutes
30 minutes
4 servings
Best Side Dishes
Ideal for soaking up the tomato sauce.
A fresh and light side for the stew.
Crispy potatoes make the meal extra comforting.
Simple steamed rice works beautifully with the sauce.
