Making healthy, budget-friendly dinners is so much easier than you think! These Tuna and Sweet Potato Patties use simple pantry staples, come together with minimal fuss, and do not require any fancy equipment – but they deliver delicious, golden-crisp results every time!

I started making these patties during a time when I needed lunch to be fast but comforting. When I first tried them, I wanted something that felt homemade and filling, and I loved how simple they were. By the time they hit the pan, I knew I had found a winner.

I used to assume tuna was just for sandwiches and salads… It was not until I paired it with sweet potato that I discovered how perfectly balanced a meal it could be!

Making patties from scratch is often seen as messy or time-consuming – but actually it’s much simpler than most people think. (Hey, if you can mash a potato, you can make these!)

I’ll admit shaping them takes a minute of patience… but these Tuna and Sweet Potato Patties involve very little actual effort and are most definitely a clever, relaxed way to get a healthy dinner on the table!

Ingredients in Tuna and Sweet Potato Patties

This ingredient setup stays approachable and pantry friendly, which makes the recipe easy to return to anytime.

How to Make Tuna and Sweet Potato Patties

This recipe flows easily and stays calm from prep to pan.

1. Cook the sweet potatoes

Place sweet potato chunks in a pot of salted water. Cook until tender when pierced with a fork. Drain well and mash until smooth.

2. Prepare the tuna

Drain the tuna thoroughly and flake it into a large mixing bowl. Break it apart so it mixes evenly later.

3. Build the mixture

Add mashed sweet potatoes, green onions, white onion, breadcrumbs, eggs, mayonnaise, garlic powder, chili pepper, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.

4. Shape the patties

Scoop the mixture and form small round patties using your hands. Keep them compact so they hold together while cooking.

5. Heat the pan

Warm a nonstick skillet over medium heat and coat lightly with olive oil cooking spray.

6. Cook the patties

Place patties in the pan and cook until golden on the first side. Flip carefully and cook until the second side browns and heats through.

7. Rest briefly

Transfer patties to a plate and let them rest for a minute so they firm up slightly.

8. Finish with lemon

Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side.

How to Serve Tuna and Sweet Potato Patties

These patties fit easily into many meals. A simple salad adds freshness and crunch. Steamed vegetables work nicely when you want something light and clean.

They also hold up well for leftovers. I enjoy them cold the next day tucked into a wrap or warmed gently in a pan for a quick lunch.

Recipe Tips

Drain the tuna very well to avoid a wet mixture.
Mash sweet potatoes smoothly for even texture.
Keep patties small so flipping stays easy.
Cook over medium heat for steady browning.
Let patties rest briefly before serving for best shape.