One Pot Tuna Stew: Easiest & Tastiest Recipe EVER

January 8, 2026

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One pot tuna stew. It’s a phrase that conjures up images of simple, comforting meals shared with loved ones. For me, it takes me back to my college days, surviving on a shoestring budget but always finding a way to create something delicious and nourishing. This one pot tuna stew recipe is a modern update on that classic, using quality ingredients and clever techniques to maximize flavor and minimize cleanup. This one pot tuna stew will warm you from the inside out!

Cooking doesn’t need to be stressful. With this recipe, you can make a complete meal in one pot, saving you time and effort.

Why You Will Love This one pot tuna stew Recipe

This recipe is the ultimate in comfort food. Imagine a creamy, flavorful stew packed with tender tuna, hearty vegetables, and fragrant herbs. It’s quick, it’s easy, it’s delicious!

What makes this recipe special? It’s the combination of high quality canned tuna, the richness of the broth, and the freshness of the vegetables. It is so versatile; you can adapt it to use whatever leftover vegetables you have on hand.

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It really is the perfect weeknight meal. Ready in under 30 minutes! If you love one pot meals, why not try my One Pot Turkey Stew or even One Pot Shrimp Tacos?

Ingredients Needed for This one pot tuna stew Recipe

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 (5 ounce) cans tuna, packed in water or oil, drained
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make This one pot tuna stew Recipe

  1. 1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. 2. Add the garlic, thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
  3. 3. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a simmer.
  4. 4. Add the potatoes and cook until tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. The potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork.
  5. 5. Gently stir in the drained tuna and frozen peas. Cook until heated through, about 2 to 3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the tuna, or it will become dry.
  6. 6. Stir in the fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. 7. Serve hot.

How to Serve This one pot tuna stew Recipe

Ladle the one pot tuna stew into bowls and garnish with extra parsley if desired. Consider serving it with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful broth.

For a heartier meal, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese also adds a nice touch.

How to Store This one pot tuna stew Recipe

Allow the one pot tuna stew to cool completely before storing it. Transfer it to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Do not freeze, as potatoes don’t freeze well.

To reheat, gently warm the one pot tuna stew in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.

Tips to Make This one pot tuna stew Recipe

  • For a creamier stew, stir in a tablespoon of butter or a splash of heavy cream at the end.
  • Feel free to substitute other vegetables, such as corn, green beans, or spinach.
  • If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot with a spoon.
  • Use good quality tuna for the best flavor. I like to use tuna packed in olive oil.
  • Don’t overcook the tuna. It should be just heated through.

Helpful Notes for This one pot tuna stew Recipe

  • Canned tuna: I recommend using solid white albacore tuna in water or olive oil. Drain well before using.
  • Chicken broth: You can use low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth.
  • Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are my favorite for this stew because they hold their shape well and have a creamy texture. You can also use red potatoes or russet potatoes.
  • Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add acidity and brightness to the stew.

Variation of This one pot tuna stew Recipe

  • Spicy one pot tuna stew: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the stew for a spicy kick.
  • Mediterranean one pot tuna stew: Add chopped Kalamata olives, sun dried tomatoes, and a squeeze of lemon juice to the stew for a Mediterranean flavor.
  • Add a can of cannellini beans or garbanzo beans for extra protein and fiber. One Pot Shrimp Pasta is another quick and easy meal for when you want something different.

What are the main ingredients in one pot tuna stew?

The main ingredients usually include canned tuna, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, broth (vegetable or chicken), and seasonings. Variations may add ingredients like peas, corn, or tomatoes.

How long does it take to cook one pot tuna stew?

One pot tuna stew typically takes about 30-45 minutes to cook from start to finish. This includes chopping the vegetables and simmering until they are tender.

Can I freeze one pot tuna stew?

Yes, you can freeze one pot tuna stew. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

What can I serve with one pot tuna stew?

One pot tuna stew is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with crusty bread, a side salad, or cornbread. These additions will complement the stew’s flavors and textures making it a hearty meal.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy this simple and satisfying one pot tuna stew as much as my family does. It’s a comforting reminder that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated. Let me know what you think in the comments below! What variations did you try?

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One Pot Tuna Stew: Easiest & Tastiest Recipe EVER


  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A quick and easy one pot tuna stew recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. This comforting stew is packed with tender tuna, hearty vegetables, and flavorful herbs.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 (5 ounce) cans tuna, packed in water or oil, drained
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the garlic, thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Add the potatoes and cook until tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. The potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork.
  5. Gently stir in the drained tuna and frozen peas. Cook until heated through, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  6. Stir in the fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve hot.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: tuna, one pot, stew, easy, quick, weeknight

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