Some days, lunch sneaks up on you. You open the fridge and spot a bowl of mashed potatoes from last night.

Now you need lunch that does not get side-eyed. That is where cheap tuna potato patties save the day.

This recipe costs about $0.90 per serving when you use leftovers. It takes around 20 minutes from fridge to table. The patties are crispy outside, soft inside, and mild enough for kids.

In this post, you’ll find the full recipe, money-saving tips, easy swaps, storage advice, and simple sides.

Why You’ll Love These Cheap Tuna Potato Patties

Ready in about 20 minutes, so it works for lunch or an easy weeknight dinner.
Uses cheap ingredients you can find at Walmart, Aldi, or Kroger.
Turns leftover mashed potatoes into a second meal instead of food waste.
Crispy coating makes them kid-friendly, even for picky eaters.
Costs under $5 for a family of 4 if you already have mashed potatoes.

What You’ll Need

Price check: I used current Walmart store-brand prices where possible.

Walmart lists 5-ounce Great Value tuna at $0.96. The panko is $2.08, large eggs are $1.47 per dozen, and a red onion is about $0.86.

Prices vary by store and ZIP code.

Leftover mashed potatoes — 2 cups — approx. $0.00 new cost
Canned tuna, drained — 2 cans, 5 ounces each — approx. $1.92
Red onion, finely diced — ⅓ onion — approx. $0.29
Fresh parsley, chopped — 2 tablespoons — approx. $0.25
Egg — 1 large — approx. $0.13
Plain breadcrumbs or panko — 1 cup — approx. $0.52
Cooking oil — 2–3 tablespoons — approx. $0.25
Salt — ½ teaspoon, plus more after cooking — pantry staple
Dipping sauce — ketchup, ranch, tartar sauce, or mayo — approx. $0.25

Estimated total cost: $3.61 for a family of 4
Cost per serving: approximately $0.90

Budget tip: Buy store-brand tuna and breadcrumbs. If parsley feels too pricey, skip it or use dried parsley. These cheap tuna potato patties still taste great without fresh herbs.

How to Make Tuna Potato Patties

Drain the tuna well. Press out extra liquid with a fork so the patties do not turn mushy.
Dice the red onion very small. Tiny pieces blend better and cook faster.
Chop the parsley until fine. This adds fresh flavor without overpowering the tuna.
Add mashed potatoes, tuna, onion, parsley, egg, and salt to a large bowl.
Stir gently with a fork until everything is mixed. Do not mash too hard, or the patties can become heavy.
Shape the mixture into 8 small patties. Make them about ½ inch thick so they cook evenly.
Coat each patty in breadcrumbs. Press lightly so the crumbs stick to both sides.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes. The oil should shimmer but not smoke.
Cook the patties for 3–4 minutes on the first side, until golden and crisp.
Flip them gently with a thin spatula. Cook the second side for another 3–4 minutes.
Transfer the patties to a paper towel-lined plate. Sprinkle with a little salt while warm.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Chef’s tip: Chill the shaped patties for 10 minutes before frying if your mashed potatoes are very soft. They hold together better and flip with less drama.

Tips, Swaps & Variations

Make it cheaper:

Use one can of tuna and add ½ cup cooked rice or corn to stretch the filling.
Replace fresh parsley with dried parsley, garlic powder, or onion powder.
Save bread ends in the freezer and pulse them into homemade breadcrumbs.

Make it faster:

Use pre-chopped frozen onion instead of fresh onion.
Shape the patties in the morning, then cook them at lunch or dinner.
Use an air fryer at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes, flipping once.

Dietary swaps:

For gluten-free patties, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

For dairy-free patties, make sure your mashed potatoes were made without milk or butter. You can also use mashed potatoes made with olive oil or dairy-free milk.

How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerator: Store cooked patties in an airtight container for 3–4 days. The USDA recommends wrapping or sealing leftovers well and keeping them refrigerated for 3–4 days.

Freezer: Yes, you can freeze them. Place cooked patties on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then move them to a freezer bag with parchment between layers. Frozen leftovers are best used within 3–4 months for quality.

What to Serve With Tuna Potato Patties

Steamed frozen peas — approx. $1.00 to add. They cook fast and keep the plate simple.
Buttered rice — approx. $0.75 to add. It makes the meal more filling for hungry kids.
Bagged coleslaw mix — approx. $1.75 to add. Toss it with mayo or ranch for crunch.
Apple slices — approx. $1.00 to add. They add something fresh and sweet on the side.

FAQs

Can I make tuna potato patties ahead of time?

Yes. Shape the patties and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Add the breadcrumb coating right before frying so it stays crisp.

Can I freeze tuna potato patties?

Yes. Cook them first, let them cool, then freeze in a single layer. Once frozen, move them to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer or oven.

What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?

Crushed crackers, crushed cornflakes, panko, or homemade bread crumbs all work. For a cheaper option, save stale bread and toast it before blending.

How do I keep the patties from falling apart?

Drain the tuna well and use cold mashed potatoes. If the mixture feels too soft, stir in 2–3 tablespoons of breadcrumbs before shaping.

Flip gently and wait until the first side is golden before turning.

These cheap tuna potato patties are one of my favorite ways to rescue leftovers and still feel like I made a real meal.

They are crispy, filling, budget-friendly, and easy enough for a busy school night. Plus, the dipping sauce makes them fun for kids (yes, even the picky ones).

Love this recipe? Save it to your dinner ideas board on Pinterest so you can find it later!

Cheap Tuna Potato Patties Recipe (Under $5 for 4!)