Try one of these tomato paste recipes that call for 1/4 cup (or less).
32 Recipes to Make with Just a Little Bit of Tomato Paste
Updated on Oct. 11, 2023
1/31
Italian Joes on Texas Toast
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This 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
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 353 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 626mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 1/4 cup
2/31
Easy Slow-Cooker Chicken Ropa Vieja
Total Time
5 hours 20 min
Servings
6 Servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When 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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 387 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 1428mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 2 Tbsp.
3/31
Slow-Cooker Pizza Dip
Total Time
2 hours 15 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I 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
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup dip: 68 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 198mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 2 Tbsp.
4/31
Tomato-Basil Pull-Apart Rolls
Total Time
50 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My 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
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 204 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 284mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 1/4 cup
Don’t have as much as you thought? Find a substitute for tomato paste.
5/31
Chicken Butternut Chili
Total Time
55 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
At 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
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 201 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 591mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 2 Tbsp.
6/31
West African Shrimp
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My 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
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups (calculated without rice): 373 calories, 26g fat (19g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 763mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 2 Tbsp.
7/31
Mushroom Hunter's Sauce
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Hunter sauce is a rich brown sauce with an accent of tomato. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 330 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 427mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 11g protein.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 3 Tbsp.
8/31
Tomato-Garlic Lentil Bowls
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
An Ethiopian recipe inspired this feel-good dinner that's tangy, creamy and packed with hearty comfort. —Rachael Cushing, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 294 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 419mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 8g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 3 Tbsp.
9/31
Tomato-Orange Soup
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Who 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
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 160 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 419mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 2 Tbsp.
10/31
Smoky Quinoa with Mushrooms
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Add quinoa cooked with smoked paprika to your list of top sides. To warm the spinach leaves, quickly saute if desired. —Ellen Kanner, Miami, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup quinoa mixture with 1 cup spinach: 217 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 337mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 3 Tbsp.
11/31
Coney Island Sauce
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Camping and hot dogs go hand in hand. Roast some up over the fire, then top with this irresistible one-pot sauce. —Loriann Cargill Bustos, Phoenix, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 103 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 355mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 2 Tbsp.
12/31
Pasta Fagioli al Forno
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The 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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 440 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 1029mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 22g protein.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 2 Tbsp.
13/31
Beef Vegetable Soup
Total Time
9 hours 20 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This nicely seasoned soup tastes so good. It's convenient, too, since it simmers all day in the slow cooker. —Jean Hutzell, Dubuque, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 217 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 536mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 starch.
14/31
Moroccan Pot Roast
Total Time
7 hours 25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My 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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 435 calories, 21g fat (7g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 766mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 6g fiber), 38g protein.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 2 Tbsp.
15/31
Slow Cooker Sweet & Spicy Pulled Pork
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
While 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
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 648 calories, 21g fat (8g saturated fat), 126mg cholesterol, 797mg sodium, 78g carbohydrate (56g sugars, 3g fiber), 35g protein.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 1/4 cup
16/31
Butternut Squash Chili
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Add butternut squash to chili for a tasty, filling, energy-packed dish your whole family will love. Mine does! —Jeanne Larson, Mission Viejo, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 261 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 704mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 8g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 3 Tbsp.
17/31
Corn Okra Creole
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This 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
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 147 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 19mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 1 Tbsp.
18/31
Pasta with Sausage and Peas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With a tomato-y meat sauce and tangy goat cheese, this weeknight wonder is my version of comfort food. You want to have bowl after bowl. —Lizzie Munro, Brooklyn, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 563 calories, 28g fat (12g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 802mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 7g fiber), 23g protein.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 1/4 cup
19/31
Roasted Eggplant Spread
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Black 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.
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup spread: 84 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 153mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 1 Tbsp.
20/31
Tilapia Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I shared this recipe with my bunco group and now one of my friends makes it all the time. I think that's the perfect testament to just how good this dish is. —Nancy Shively, Shorewood, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1/2 cup sauce (calculated without pasta): 254 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 740mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 1/4 cup
21/31
Zucchini Pico de Gallo Salsa
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I 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
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 10 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 68mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges: free food.
22/31
Sweet & Sour Pork Ribs
Total Time
8 hours 30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For 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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 468 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 363mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (54g sugars, 0 fiber), 27g protein.
23/31
Slow-Cooked Chicken Enchilada Soup
Total Time
6 hours 25 min
Servings
8 servings (3-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This soup delivers a big bowl of fresh comfort—just ask my husband. Toppings like avocado, sour cream and tortilla strips are a must. —Heather Sewell, Harrisonville, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups (calculated without optional toppings): 125 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 1102mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 2 Tbsp.
24/31
Blush Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I reworked this recipe from an original that called for vodka and heavy whipping cream. My friends and family had a hard time believing a sauce this rich, flavorful and creamy could be light. —Margaret Wilson, Hemet, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 335 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 431mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 1 Tbsp.
25/31
Hungarian Goulash
Total Time
7 hours 20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Talk about your heirloom recipes! My grandmother made this Hungarian goulash recipe for my mother when she was a child, and then Mom made it for us to enjoy. Paprika and caraway add wonderful flavor, and sour cream gives it a creamy richness. It’s simply scrumptious! —Marcia Doyle, Pompano, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup goulash with 1 cup noodles: 388 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 285mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 2 Tbsp.
26/31
Slow-Cooked Moroccan Chicken
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Herbs and spices really work their magic on plain chicken in this dish, and the dried fruit adds an exotic touch. —Kathy Morgan, Ridgefield, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 435 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 755mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 6g fiber), 42g protein.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 1/4 cup
27/31
Southwestern Chicken & Lima Bean Stew
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I 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
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 312 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 614mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 8g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 1/4 cup
28/31
Slow-Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork
Total Time
6 hours 30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chinese food is a big temptation for us, so I lightened up a favorite takeout dish. As the pork cooks, the aroma is beyond mouthwatering. —Elyse Ellis, Layton, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups (calculated without rice): 531 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 705mg sodium, 75g carbohydrate (63g sugars, 2g fiber), 35g protein.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 3 Tbsp.
29/31
Lasagna Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings (about 2-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
All the traditional flavors of lasagna come together in this heartwarming bowl of comfort. —Sheryl Olenick, Demarest, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 280 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 572mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 1/4 cup
30/31
Chicken Pasta Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This 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
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 579 calories, 28g fat (12g saturated fat), 128mg cholesterol, 1357mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 47g protein.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 3 Tbsp.
31/31
Slow-Cooker Short Ribs
Total Time
6 hours 45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These slow-cooker short ribs are an easy alternative to traditionally braised short ribs—you don't need to pay any attention to them once you get them in the slow cooker. (That makes it my favorite beef short ribs recipe!) —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 251 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 402mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 1 Tbsp.
