Updated on Apr. 20, 2023
Looking for the best San Marzano tomatoes for your homemade spaghetti sauce or go-to Italian meal? Our culinary pros tested nine brands to find the most delicious.
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A well-stocked pantry should always contain the essentials: pasta, rice, oils, spices and canned goods. These basics ensure that you always have the building blocks for a homemade meal at the ready. One of our Test Kitchen’s favorite pantry basics is canned San Marzano tomatoes.
San Marzanos are different than other types of tomatoes. These plum tomatoes are grown in a certain part of Italy and are renowned for their sweet flavor and mild acidity. While only those grown in Italy get the name San Marzano, you’ll find plenty of excellent San Marzano-style tomatoes that taste just as delicious.
Because of their particular flavor, these tomatoes are beloved by chefs and foodies—our Test Kitchen included. But not all canned San Marzano (and San Marzano-adjacent) tomatoes are the same.
To find the best of the best canned tomatoes, our Test Kitchen experts sampled nine San Marzano tomato brands. The tomatoes were tasted blindly and our prep crew also sliced, diced and pureed these tomatoes to see how they were to work with. All the while our pros kept these criteria in mind:
After much slicing, dicing and tasting, our Test Kitchen team found four brands of canned tomatoes that really stood out. Here are the favorites and how to use each.
The biggest compliment our Test Kitchen can give to a packaged product is to call it almost homemade (our pros know the difference between purchased and from scratch). When it came to Hunt’s San Marzano Style Tomatoes, several testers remarked on how these tomatoes tasted almost like garden tomatoes that have been canned at home. It doesn’t get better than that—other than making your own canned tomatoes.
These tomatoes from Hunt’s (also one of our favorite ketchup brands), had a mild, sweet flavor much like plum tomatoes picked from the garden. There was no bitterness or tinny flavors like you might get from lesser quality tomatoes. The texture here was firm, meaning they would hold up well to dicing for recipes like bruschetta or certain soups.
In fact, the flavor of these tomatoes was so good, you could use them in any recipe where tomatoes are the star. These Hunt’s tomatoes will shine.
Tester after tester remarked that these Italian-style tomatoes from Cento tasted like a satisfying San Marzano tomato plus a little something extra. Of course, our Test Kitchen pros were right on the money: These tomatoes are real San Marzanos canned with a touch of salt and basil.
These tomatoes were exactly what our team wanted of San Marzano tomatoes: sweet without that bracing acidity. While canned, these tomatoes were still plump and juicy.
This addition of a single herb does a lot to boost the flavor of these tomatoes and inspire our team of cooks. Basil and tomato is a classic combination and had our team thinking of Italian favorites like satisfying red sauces, chicken cacciatore, chicken pamesan and homemade pizza. Simply put: These are a must for any Italian dish.
If you’re making chili, minestrone or other hearty soups, odds are the recipe will call for a can or two of tomatoes. While many recipes will suggest stewed or diced tomatoes, our Test Kitchen says substitute in a can of San Marzano tomatoes—particularly Mutti Pomodoro San Marzano. All you have to do is dice the tomatoes to the right size and consistency.
These tomatoes had a very rich red color—essential for homemade tomato soup. Flavor-wise, testers remarked on how Mutti tomatoes walked the line between acidic and savory, and that’s exactly the quality you’re looking for in the tomatoes in your soups and chilis. A touch of acid plays well with other veggies in soups like minestrone, while the savory notes are really what makes homemade chili so homey.
One of the best ways to make use of a can of San Marzano tomatoes is to make pasta sauce. San Marzano tomatoes are slightly sweet, not too acidic and lend themselves well to flavors like basil and oregano which you’ll find in this marinara recipe. And the best San Marzano tomatoes for your homemade sauces have to be Alessi Pomodoro San Marzano, according to our Test Kitchen.
These tomatoes came out of the can a vivid red color—exactly what you want for making marinara sauce or pizza sauce. The Alessi tomatoes were a bit softer than other options we tried, but for sauces where you really want the tomato to break down and melt into the mixture, that’s ideal. Additionally, these tomatoes weren’t oversweet—another great feature for cooked sauces.
You know by now that a can of tomatoes is a great start to many Italian-inspired dishes, particularly pasta sauces. But you don’t need to stop there.
Use canned San Marzano tomatoes in soups, chilis and all sorts of homey dishes where you want to add freshness and a hint of acidity. One of the tastiest ways to use a can of tomatoes is in beef osso bucco—decadent and delicious. But we’ve got more inspiration where this comes from:
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Bacon Cheeseburger Slider Bake
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Breakfast CasseroleThis easy overnight breakfast casserole will become your new go-to recipe any time you have company in town.
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Beef Osso BucoLooking for a great way to cook a tough beef shank? This beef osso buco recipe with gremolata leans on the slow cooker to make a comforting, saucy meal.
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Hearty Vegetable SoupThis hearty vegetable soup is packed with flavorful veggies and garbanzo beans in a tomato-based broth. This crowd-pleaser is easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Turkey ChiliWhen you're craving down-home comfort food—but not all of the fat—turn to this turkey chili recipe. Ground turkey recipes like this one are packed with tons of flavor. Here's how to make it at home.
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Slow-Cooker Pork PozoleI make this heartwarming stew with pork ribs and hominy often. It's a filling recipe of lightly spiced comfort. —Genie Gunn, Asheville, North Carolina
Nacho TotsThese totchos use a number of ingredients, but they're quite easy to prepare. They're a colorful, fun and flavorful way to switch up your snack routine.
Curry Chicken and RiceFlavorful, light and nutritious, and happily simple to prepare, this Indian curry chicken and rice recipe is one to bookmark for weeknight meals.
Turkey Sausage with PastaIf you're looking for recipes with turkey sausage, stop here. This has the perfect blend of meaty, veggie and cheesy goodness. You'll be craving what's good for you when this pasta dish is on the menu. —Mary Tallman, Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin
Zucchini BoatsStuffed zucchini boats are quick, easy and low-carb, making them the perfect vessel (literally) for your garden's summer bounty.
Nacho CasseroleHearty and filling, this nacho casserole is both easy to make and easy to make your own: It welcomes customizations, substitutions and twists aplenty.
Italian Spaghetti SquashThis is a unique and easy way to cook spaghetti squash. Be sure the squash is on the small or medium side so that it fits into the slow cooker after being cut in half. —Melissa Brooks, Sparta, Wisconsin
Shredded Beef TacosA slow cooker full of tender, tomato and chili-braised shredded beef for tacos or burritos is a cheat code to making a meal that will satisfy a crowd with very little effort.
Sausage Broccoli SimmerA dinner that comes together in one skillet is always a winner. This one's filled with easy-to-find ingredients and is done before you know it. Dig in! —Lisa Montgomery, Elmira, Ontario
Grandma’s Cajun Chicken & SpaghettiI’m originally from Louisiana, where my grandma spoke Cajun French as she taught me her spicy chicken spaghetti. —Brenda Melancon, McComb, Mississippi
Slow-Cooker Caribbean Moo Shu ChickenA tropical twist on a takeout favorite, this slow-cooker creation is simple, satisfying and destined to become a new family favorite! —Shannon Kohn, Simpsonville, South Carolina
Smoky Peanut Butter ChiliI eliminated beans from my standard chili recipe and added peanut butter and peanuts just for fun. Wow, was it amazing! I tried it on my family and everyone loved it. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Slow-Cooker Chipotle Pork ChopsI love the tender texture of pork chops made in the slow cooker! The flavor of this sauce is similar to barbecue but with a little extra kick. The crispy onions on top add a delectable crunch. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Pressure-Cooker Eggs in PurgatoryTomatoes and red pepper flakes add spicy zing to these saucy eggs. Serve them with toasted bread or sauteed polenta rounds for an unforgettable morning meal. —Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Hungarian Stuffed CabbageEuropean immigrants brought their favorite stuffed cabbage recipes to the New World in the late 19th century. This Hungarian cabbage rolls recipe is one of my favorites.—Katherine Stefanovich, Desert Hot Springs, California
Whole Wheat Veggie PizzaA wonderful crust layered with herbed tomato sauce and toppings encourages my family of six to dig right in to this low-fat main course. —Denise Warner, Red Lodge, Montana
Mediterranean Turkey SkilletOur one-pot Mediterranean turkey skillet recipe, filled with lean ground turkey, a rainbow of vegetables and savory black beans, is a weeknight winner.
Chicken Curry SoupThis cozy, comforting chicken curry soup packs in warm spices and hearty vegetables.
Sausage and Kraut BunsThis recipe has become a regular at our church potlucks. Let's just say I'm in trouble if I show up at a get-together and they don't appear! For a fun dinner spin, try these sausage and kraut sandwiches over mashed potatoes. —Patsy Unruh, Perryton, Texas
Slow-Cooker Chickpea TagineWhile traveling through Morocco, my wife and I fell in love with the complex flavors of the many tagines we tried. Resist the urge to stir it—doing so will break down the veggies. Add shredded cooked chicken in the last 10 minutes, or serve with grilled fish. —Raymond Wyatt, West St. Paul, Minnesota
Chicken Hashbrown CasseroleChicken hashbrown casserole is a true comfort food favorite. Even better, this recipe is as easy as combining the ingredients and setting them to bake.
Turkey-Thyme Stuffed PeppersChloe, my 3-year-old, is a big fan of these healthy peppers, which have a wonderful thyme flavor. She likes to help mix the ingredients and make meals with me. —Jennifer Kent, Media, Pennsylvania
Swiss SteakThis saucy Swiss steak yields tender meat smothered in a creamy sauce that's dotted with mushrooms and bacon bits.
Pressure-Cooker Cajun Pork and RiceI created this recipe after returning home from a trip and finding little food in the house. I used ingredients already available in the refrigerator and pantry. My husband loves this pork dish because it's tasty, and I love it because it's easy. —Allison Gapinski, Cary, North Carolina
Pepperoni Pan PizzaI've spent years trying to come up with the perfect pizza crust and sauce, and they're paired up in this recipe. I fix this crispy, savory pizza for my family often, and it really satisfies my husband and sons. —Susan Lindahl, Alford, Florida
Indian Spiced Chickpea WrapsRaita, an Indian condiment made with yogurt, elevates this vegetarian dish to a satisfying gourmet wrap. If you're in the mood to experiment, try diced mango or cucumber for the pineapple and add fresh herbs like cilantro or mint. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia
Vietnamese Chicken Meatball Soup with Bok ChoyThroughout Vietnam there are many kinds of soups, “canh,” served all year long. I particularly love enjoying this warm, flavorful bowl of Vietnamese chicken soup on laid-back weekends, but it's also great packed in a Thermos for lunch. It's the perfect bok choy soup, too! —Brenda Watts, Gaffney, South Carolina
Nacho ChickenI have been serving this rich and zippy chicken casserole for years, and it's a favorite of my family and friends. It disappears quickly at bring-a-dish gatherings, too. —Thom Britton, Three Rivers, Michigan
Shrimp and Grits BakeThis savory, comforting shrimp and grits bake requires a little oven time for the creamy grits and a quick saute for the shrimp.
One-Pot Bacon Cheeseburger PastaWhen the weather's too chilly to grill, I whip up a big pot of this cheesy pasta. Believe it or not, it tastes just like a bacon cheeseburger, and it's much easier for my young children to enjoy. —Carly Terrell, Granbury Texas
Thai-Style Chicken ChiliI love this Asian take on the classic one-pot meal. This Thai chili recipe is quick, easy, nutritious and delicious. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
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 
Smoky Spanish ChickenAfter enjoying a similar dish at a Spanish tapas restaurant, my husband and I were eager to make our own version of this saucy chicken at home. If I want to make it extra healthy, I remove the skin from the chicken after browning. —Ryan Haley, San Diego, California
Walking TacosWhen sitting down to tacos isn't an option, walking tacos are the answer. These self-contained mini-meals are just the thing for eating on the go or around a campfire.
Cheeseburger PastaSwitch up your usual go-to cheeseburger dinner and make it in pasta form instead!
Chicken MoleIf you’re not familiar with chicken mole (pronounced mo-LAY), don’t be afraid of this versatile Mexican sauce. I love sharing this chicken mole recipe because it’s a great one to experiment with. —Darlene Morris, Franklinton, Louisiana
