I’d like to think I have a pretty well-stocked pantry. I keep all my staple foods in large plastic containers and the shelves are lined with homemade canned goods. On any given day, I can whip up a tasty dinner without too much thought—but the one ingredient I have a hard time keeping in stock is tomato paste. And I bet I’m not the only one. I’ve had to learn (the hard way) how to come up with the best tomato paste substitute.
The cure for running out of this pesky ingredient? Pick up a resealable tube of tomato paste, which will stay good in the refrigerator for months. Because when was the last time you actually used an entire can? (I’ll go first: almost never.) If you’re not on the tomato-paste-in-a-tube train yet, read on to find some stellar substitutes.
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What Can I Substitute for Tomato Paste?
Tomato sauce or tomato puree
These canned products are the easiest tomato paste substitutes when you want to add tomato flavor to your dish without needing to thicken the recipe. Tomato sauce is slightly thinner than tomato puree, but either one will work. Because these products are less concentrated than tomato paste, you’ll need at least twice as much to get the same amount of tomato flavor when using them as a tomato paste substitute.
How much to use: Use 2 to 3 tablespoons of tomato sauce for every tablespoon of tomato paste. In recipes that call for large quantities of paste, simmer the sauce to reduce it by half before adding it to the mix.
When to use it: Use this swap in recipes that have a touch of tomato flavor, like Easy Slow-Cooker Chicken Ropa Vieja or Slow-Cooked Moroccan Chicken.
Canned tomatoes
A can of diced or stewed tomatoes works well as a tomato paste substitute when you want tomato flavor with a touch of thickening power. Because these products are typically packed in a lot of liquid, you’ll want to strain out the juice and only use the solids. Like tomato sauce, canned tomatoes aren’t as concentrated as the paste, so you’ll need to double the amount to get the flavor right.
How much to use: Use 2 tablespoons of strained canned tomatoes for every tablespoon of tomato paste.
When to use it: Use this swap when you don’t mind adding texture to your dish, like in Roasted Eggplant Spread or Southwestern Chicken & Lima Bean Stew.
Fresh tomatoes
Using fresh tomatoes as a tomato paste substitute is a bit tricky. Tomato paste is cooked down to concentrate its flavor, and even canned tomato products have the skins and seeds removed. To use fresh tomatoes as a substitution, you’ll need to do a little work. You can peel tomatoes three easy ways, but we found the easiest way to get rid of the seeds is with a food mill. Then, you’ll want to simmer the tomatoes until they reduce by half to remove the excess liquid.
How much to use: Use one large tomato for every tablespoon of tomato paste.
When to use it: Use this swap when you want a burst of tomato flavor, like in Corn Okra Creole or Smoky Quinoa with Mushrooms.
Ketchup
This is my least favorite of the substitutions, but it works in a pinch! It’s not quite as thick as tomato paste, but it’s much thicker than sauce or fresh tomatoes. Keep in mind that ketchup contains vinegar, sugar, and spices, so adding ketchup to your favorite recipes will certainly change their flavor profile.
How much to use: Use one tablespoon of ketchup for every tablespoon of tomato paste.
When to use it: Use this swap in recipes that might already be sweet and tangy, like Slow Cooker Sweet & Spicy Pulled Pork or Sweet ‘n’ Sour Ribs.
Tomato soup
I don’t love using tomato soup instead of tomato paste. It does have a similar flavor to tomato paste, but it’s sweeter and contains significantly more liquid. That can cause your recipe to turn out runny. If it’s your only option, go for it, but you’ll need to reduce the other liquid ingredients in the recipe.
How much to use: Add one 10.75-ounce can of tomato soup to your recipe, reducing the other liquid ingredients by 1/4 to 1/2 cup.
When to use it: Use this swap for recipes that are already made with a lot of wet ingredients, like Garden Vegetable Beef Soup or Mushroom Hunter’s Sauce.
How Do I Make My Own Tomato Paste?
For recipes that require the thickening power of tomato paste, the other substitutions on this list might not do. Luckily, it’s super easy to make your own!
You’ll Need:
- 1 pound fresh paste tomatoes, or 1 can (14.5-ounce) of crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
Yield: About 10 tablespoons (6 ounces)
Step 1: Remove seeds and skins from the fresh tomatoes
If you’re using canned tomatoes, move onto the next step. Otherwise, peel the tomatoes and run them through a food mill to remove the seeds.
Step 2: Blend until smooth
Place your tomatoes in a high-powered blender and puree until the mixture is super smooth.
Step 3: Simmer
From here, it’s all about removing the excess liquid. Place the blended tomatoes in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a light simmer, stirring frequently. As the water starts to evaporate, reduce the heat to low and continue stirring to keep the mixture from burning. Reduce the tomatoes until they’re a third of the original volume, about 2/3 cup.
Step 4: Store
Homemade tomato paste can last up to three to four weeks in the refrigerator. After the paste has cooled, place it into clean jars, cover the top with 1/8 inch olive oil and close the lid tightly. For longer storage, you can can and process the tomato paste in a water bath, or freeze tablespoon-sized portions in an ice cube tray.
Now that you’re a tomato paste expert, learn this tomato paste technique to pull the most flavor from that tiny little can.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought Tomato Paste
Making your own tomato paste might take time, but it’s totally worth it—especially if you can get your hands on farm-fresh tomatoes at the farmers market. Getting to choose the tomatoes makes a huge difference in the flavor profile of the tomato paste, as those flavors get concentrated as the paste cooks down.
For best results, look for meaty tomatoes like roma or San Marzano. Heirloom tomatoes contain more water, and while they create a delicious paste, they won’t yield as much final product.
How to Thicken Sauce Without Tomato Paste
Tomato paste adds a rich flavor and bright color to soups, sauces and stews, but it also helps to thicken the dish. Because it has a naturally thick consistency, it adds tomato flavor without increasing the liquid content. Of course, there are other ways to thicken sauce, including using a flour-based roux, adding a cornstarch slurry or reducing the sauce and letting the excess moisture evaporate. They won’t add tomato flavor, though, so you’ll want to keep that in mind when substituting other methods for tomato paste.
Recipes That Start with a Little Tomato Paste
Italian Joes on Texas ToastThis is toasty-good for a weeknight on the go. If you double the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, meat and wine, you'll have enough sauce to freeze. —Ashley Armstrong, Kingsland, Georgia
Amount of tomato paste needed: 1/4 cup
Easy Slow-Cooker Chicken Ropa ViejaWhen discussing various methods of cooking ropas, a friend of mine told me her sister adds apple juice. I thought a Granny Smith apple might give the dish an extra kick—and it does. The ropas may also be served with
hominy or tortillas, but I think the plantains add a special touch. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Amount of tomato paste needed: 2 Tbsp.
Slow-Cooker Pizza DipI created this dip for my daughter's pizza-themed birthday party. It was an instant hit and I've continued to take it along to other gatherings. Everyone loves it! —Stephanie Gates, Waterloo, Iowa
Amount of tomato paste needed: 2 Tbsp.
Tomato-Basil Pull-Apart RollsMy nephew helped me create these soft and colorful rolls. He named them “wheelies” because the spiral shapes reminded him of his toy trucks. —Dianna Wara, Washington, Illinois
Amount of tomato paste needed: 1/4 cup
Don't have as much as you thought? Find a
substitute for tomato paste.
Chicken Butternut ChiliAt our house, we just love a good comforting, hearty, tomato-based chili with bold flavors! This unique chili is loaded with veggies and flavor. You can also prepare the recipe in the slow cooker. Just add ingredients to the crock and cook over high heat for about 4 hours. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Amount of tomato paste needed: 2 Tbsp.
West African ShrimpMy girls have always loved seafood, so I invented a shrimp dish with coconut milk and ginger. They raved; I was delighted. It's great with jasmine rice. —Sharon Scaletta, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Amount of tomato paste needed: 2 Tbsp.
Mushroom Hunter's SauceHunter sauce is a rich brown sauce with an accent of tomato. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Amount of tomato paste needed: 3 Tbsp.
Tomato-Garlic Lentil BowlsAn Ethiopian recipe inspired this feel-good dinner that's tangy, creamy and packed with hearty comfort. —Rachael Cushing, Portland, Oregon
Amount of tomato paste needed: 3 Tbsp.
Tomato-Orange SoupWho knew orange and tomato were such a good pair? Whenever I serve this, I keep the recipe handy for requests. —Barbara Wood, St. John’s, Newfoundland
Amount of tomato paste needed: 2 Tbsp.
Smoky Quinoa with MushroomsAdd quinoa cooked with smoked paprika to your list of top sides. To warm the spinach leaves, quickly saute if desired. —Ellen Kanner, Miami, Florida
Amount of tomato paste needed: 3 Tbsp.
Coney Island SauceA Coney Island sauce recipe is something every home cook should know—and it’s not just to top hot dogs!
Amount of tomato paste needed: 2 Tbsp.
Pasta Fagioli al FornoThe name of this Italian-inspired dish means "baked pasta with beans." But my busy family translates it as "super satisfying dinner." —Cindy Preller, Grayslake, Illinois
Amount of tomato paste needed: 2 Tbsp.
Beef Vegetable SoupHearty and flavorful, this Beef Vegetable Soup combines lean ground beef with fresh vegetables simmered in a rich tomato broth. Perfect for chilly days, it’s an easy, comforting meal that can be made on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.
Moroccan Pot RoastMy husband loves meat and I love veggies, so we're both happy with this spicy twist on beefy pot roast. With garbanzo beans, eggplant, honey and mint, it's like something you'd eat at a Marrakesh bazaar. —Catherine Dempsey, Clifton Park, New York
Amount of tomato paste needed: 2 Tbsp.
Slow Cooker Sweet & Spicy Pulled PorkWhile I don't enjoy drinking beer, I love cooking with it. This quick recipe also goes great on plain hamburger buns with a side of slaw. —Renee Herrington, Plano, Texas
Amount of tomato paste needed: 1/4 cup
Butternut Squash ChiliOur contest-winning butternut squash chili adds nutrient-rich squash to a classic beef-and-bean chili for an impressive flavor combination that will warm up even the coldest days. Who knew chili could be even more delicious and nutritious?
Amount of tomato paste needed: 3 Tbsp.
Corn Okra CreoleThis dish is representative of my area of the country, and particularly the Texas-Louisiana border. The okra, corn and Creole seasonings are all popular here. —Ruth Aubey, San Antonio, Texas
Amount of tomato paste needed: 1 Tbsp.
Pasta with Sausage and PeasThis rustic pasta with sausage and peas is a simple, comforting meal that's perfect any night of the week. With a creamy tomato sauce, bright-tasting cheese and pleasant pops of green, rigatoni is the perfect vessel.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 1/4 cup
Roasted Eggplant SpreadBlack pepper and garlic perk up this out-of-the-ordinary spread that hits the spot on a crisp cracker or toasted bread slice. —Barbara McCalley, Allison Park, Pennsylvania.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 1 Tbsp.
Tilapia PastaEasy to make and even easier to enjoy, especially when served with pasta, this savory tomato-braised tilapia pasta will surely make its way into your family's rotation.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 1/4 cup
Zucchini Pico de Gallo SalsaI love veggies and fresh ingredients this time of year. I make big bowls of this salsa, which we eat with pretty much everything in the summer when tomatoes are bountiful. My kids love it, though I leave out the jalapeno when making it for them. —Amy Gattuso, Madison Heights, Michigan
Sweet & Sour Pork RibsFor years I wondered why people raved about ribs. I didn't have the patience or energy to bother with them, until I made this recipe. Now I'm a believer, too.—Merle Dyck, Elkford, British Columbia
Slow-Cooked Chicken Enchilada SoupThis crockpot chicken enchilada soup is inspired by the Mexican dish and loaded with southwestern flavors from poblano peppers and enchilada sauce to juicy shredded chicken.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 2 Tbsp.
Blush SauceTangy tomatoes are tempered with white wine and smooth cream for a lovely pink blush sauce that will elevate humble pasta with its elegant color and flavor.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 1 Tbsp.
Hungarian GoulashThis Hungarian goulash recipe features tender chunks of beef and a rich sauce infused with paprika and caraway seeds. It's a warm and comforting slow-cooker meal that is best served over egg noodles.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 2 Tbsp.
Slow-Cooked Moroccan ChickenHerbs and spices really work their magic on plain chicken in this dish, and the dried fruit adds an exotic touch. —Kathy Morgan, Ridgefield, Washington
Amount of tomato paste needed: 1/4 cup
Southwestern Chicken & Lima Bean StewI love to have my daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren over for this supper. They make me so happy with their compliments or just by going to fill up their bowls again. It's a good-for-you hit. —Pam Corder, Monroe, Louisiana
Amount of tomato paste needed: 1/4 cup
Slow-Cooker Sweet and Sour PorkThere's no need to visit a restaurant for a tasty sweet and sour dish. It's also great for meal planning, as the dish can be prepped and frozen, thawed and popped into the slow cooker when the mood hits.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 3 Tbsp.
Lasagna SoupThis lasagna soup tastes just like your favorite lasagna without all the layering. It’s fast, easy and comfort food at its best.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 1/4 cup
Chicken Pasta CasseroleThis is my family’s favorite every week or two and we never tire of it. I like that I can put it together and relax while it bakes. —Carmen Vanosch, Vernon, British Columbia
Amount of tomato paste needed: 3 Tbsp.
Slow-Cooker Short RibsIt is easy to learn how to cook short ribs in a slow cooker. The slow-cooker short ribs become so tender that you can cut the meat with a fork! The beef short ribs cook in a rich braising liquid that doubles as a gravy when it comes time to serve.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 1 Tbsp.