Out of Tomato sauce, one case
Tomato sauce substitutes, in depth
9 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Tomato paste + water
1 part paste to 3 parts water
The best tomato sauce substitutes are tomato paste diluted with water (1:3 ratio), crushed tomatoes (1:1), diced tomatoes (1:1), or tomato puree (1:1). For quick substitutes, use marinara sauce or ketchup (1:1). Each works differently depending on your recipe needs.
- Best for —
- sauces
One casethe full tomato sauce card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of tomato sauce | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tomato paste + watersauces | 1 part paste to 3 parts water | No verdict on record |
| 2 | Crushed tomatoeschili | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Diced tomatoeschili | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Tomato pureesauces | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Marinara saucepasta sauces | Same amount | No verdict on record |
| 6 | Ketchupsauces | Same amount | No verdict on record |
| 7 | Fresh tomatoeswhen you want fresh flavor | 2 cups fresh tomatoes per 1 cup sauce | No verdict on record |
| 8 | Stewed tomatoessoups | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 9 | Tomato juicesoups | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Tomato paste + water
enhanced, intense · similar texture
Concentrated tomato paste diluted with water to achieve similar consistency. Provides intense tomato flavor and can be adjusted to desired thickness.
- Best for
- sauces, soups, stews, when you want intense flavor, emergency substitute
Mix 1 tablespoon tomato paste with 3 tablespoons water to equal about ¼ cup tomato sauce. Adjust water amount based on desired consistency.
Crushed tomatoes
similar taste, different texture
Chunky tomato product that provides similar flavor with more texture. Made from crushed tomatoes, often with added seasonings. Good for recipes where texture isn't critical.
- Best for
- chili, soups, stews, when you want chunky texture, pasta sauces
Crushed tomatoes have more texture than sauce. May need to puree or cook longer to achieve smooth consistency. Often more affordable than sauce.
Diced tomatoes
similar taste, different texture
Chunky tomato product that provides similar flavor with more texture. Made from diced tomatoes, often with added seasonings. Good for recipes where texture isn't critical.
- Best for
- chili, soups, stews, when you want chunky texture, casseroles
Diced tomatoes have more texture than sauce. May need to puree or cook longer to achieve smooth consistency. Often more affordable than sauce.
Tomato puree
similar taste and texture
Smooth, thick tomato product that's closer to sauce in consistency. Made from pureed tomatoes without added seasonings. Provides similar flavor and texture.
- Best for
- sauces, soups, stews, when you want smooth consistency, most cooking applications
Tomato puree is thicker than sauce. May need to thin with water or broth if recipe calls for thinner consistency.
Marinara sauce
enhanced with herbs · similar texture
Seasoned tomato sauce that provides similar flavor with added herbs and spices. Often contains basil, oregano, and garlic. Good for Italian-style dishes.
- Best for
- pasta sauces, Italian dishes, when you want seasoned flavor, pizza sauce
Marinara sauce contains added seasonings. Adjust other herbs and spices in recipe accordingly. Often more flavorful than plain tomato sauce.
Ketchup
enhanced with sweetness · similar texture
Sweetened tomato condiment that provides tomato flavor with added sweetness and tang. Contains vinegar, sugar, and spices that can enhance or change the flavor profile.
- Best for
- sauces, marinades, when you want sweetness, quick recipes, emergency substitute
Ketchup adds sweetness and tang to dishes. Reduce sugar in recipe if using ketchup. Works well in barbecue sauces and sweet-sour dishes.
Fresh tomatoes
enhanced, fresh · different texture
Fresh tomatoes that provide the most authentic flavor. Best choice when you have access to good quality fresh tomatoes. Requires more preparation.
- Best for
- when you want fresh flavor, summer cooking, when you have good fresh tomatoes, all recipes
Use ripe, firm tomatoes. Peel, seed, and puree before using. May need to reduce to achieve sauce-like consistency. Provides the most authentic flavor.
Stewed tomatoes
enhanced taste, different texture
Canned tomatoes that have been cooked with seasonings. Similar to tomato sauce but often with added herbs and spices. May need to drain excess liquid.
- Best for
- soups, stews, casseroles, when you want seasoned tomatoes
Stewed tomatoes often contain added seasonings like basil and oregano. Drain excess liquid before using. May need to adjust other seasonings in recipe.
Tomato juice
similar taste, different texture
Liquid tomato product that provides similar flavor but thinner consistency. Made from pureed tomatoes. Good for when you need liquid consistency.
- Best for
- soups, stews, when you want liquid consistency, drinks, quick recipes
Tomato juice is thinner than sauce. May need to reduce or add thickener to achieve sauce-like consistency. Often contains added salt.
How it behaves in this recipe
Tomato sauce serves as a base ingredient in many recipes, providing acidity, sweetness, and tomato flavor. The best substitutes work because they provide similar tomato flavor and can be adjusted to achieve the desired consistency. The choice of substitute depends on whether you need smooth consistency (tomato puree) or chunky texture (crushed tomatoes).
Tips for substituting tomato sauce
12 tips- For 8 oz cans of tomato sauce, use 1 cup of substitute (8 oz = 1 cup)
- For 15 oz cans, use 1.875 cups of substitute (15 oz = 1.875 cups)
- When using tomato paste as substitute, mix with water first: 1 tbsp paste + 3 tbsp water = ¼ cup sauce
- For concentrated flavor, use tomato paste diluted with water (1:3 ratio)
- Fresh tomatoes need to be peeled and seeded - blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds, then peel
- If using crushed or diced tomatoes, puree them first for smooth consistency
- For emergency situations, use ketchup (1:1 ratio) though this adds sweetness and tang
- When substituting with tomato puree, you may need to thin with water or broth
- For Italian-style dishes, marinara sauce works well and adds authentic flavor
- Tomato juice is much thinner - reduce by half or add thickener for sauce-like consistency
- Stewed tomatoes often contain added seasonings - taste before adding other herbs and spices
- For best results, taste and adjust seasonings after substituting
Notes on tomato sauce
- For a quick substitute, use 1 can of crushed tomatoes + 1 can of water for every 2 cans of tomato sauce
- Make your own tomato sauce by pureeing fresh tomatoes and reducing by half
- For emergency situations, use ketchup diluted with water (1:1 ratio) though this adds sweetness
- Consider using sun-dried tomatoes rehydrated in water for intense flavor in small amounts
- For a different approach, use tomato juice reduced by half for concentrated flavor
Questions
10 questionsWhat's the best substitute for tomato sauce in chili?
Crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes work best in chili. Use a 1:1 ratio. They provide the chunky texture that's good for chili while maintaining the tomato flavor needed for the dish.
Can I substitute tomato paste for tomato sauce?
Yes, but you'll need to dilute it. Mix 1 tablespoon tomato paste with 3 tablespoons water to equal about ¼ cup tomato sauce. This creates a similar consistency and flavor.
How much crushed tomatoes equals 8 oz tomato sauce?
8 oz of tomato sauce equals 1 cup. Use the same amount (1 cup) of crushed tomatoes as a substitute. The texture will be chunkier, so you may want to puree them first for smooth consistency.
What's the best substitute for tomato sauce in pasta?
Marinara sauce or tomato puree work best in pasta. Use a 1:1 ratio. Marinara sauce adds authentic Italian flavor with herbs, while tomato puree provides similar consistency to sauce.
Can I substitute ketchup for tomato sauce?
Yes, ketchup can substitute for tomato sauce in a 1:1 ratio. However, ketchup adds sweetness and tang, so reduce sugar in your recipe by 1-2 tablespoons. It works well in sauces and marinades.
What's the best substitute for tomato sauce in soup?
Tomato puree or crushed tomatoes work best in soup. Use a 1:1 ratio. Tomato puree provides smooth consistency, while crushed tomatoes add chunky texture. Both enhance the flavor of the soup.
Can I substitute diced tomatoes for tomato sauce?
Yes, diced tomatoes can substitute for tomato sauce in a 1:1 ratio. Puree them first for smooth consistency, or use as-is for chunky texture. They provide similar flavor and are often more affordable.
What's the best substitute for tomato sauce in meatloaf?
Ketchup or tomato puree work best in meatloaf. Use a 1:1 ratio. Ketchup adds sweetness that complements the dish, while tomato puree provides similar flavor without the sweetness.
Can I substitute tomato sauce for tomato paste?
Yes, but you'll need to reduce it. Simmer tomato sauce until it's reduced by half to achieve paste-like consistency. This creates a more concentrated flavor and thicker texture.
What's the best substitute for tomato sauce in pizza?
Marinara sauce or tomato puree work best for pizza. Use a 1:1 ratio. Marinara sauce adds authentic Italian flavor with herbs, while tomato puree provides similar consistency to sauce.