🍯 Sauces & Condiments

Tomato Sauce Substitutes: Complete Guide

Find the best substitutes for tomato sauce including tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and more. Learn proper ratios, conversions, and when to use each substitute for perfect results.

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Quick Answer

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 Substitutes

Tomato Paste + Water

1:3 (1 part paste to 3 parts water)

Concentrated tomato paste diluted with water to achieve similar consistency. Provides intense tomato flavor and can be adjusted to desired thickness.

Best for:

saucessoupsstewswhen you want intense flavoremergency substitute

Mix 1 tablespoon tomato paste with 3 tablespoons water to equal about 1/4 cup tomato sauce. Adjust water amount based on desired consistency.

Crushed Tomatoes

1:1

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:

chilisoupsstewswhen you want chunky texturepasta 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

1:1

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:

chilisoupsstewswhen you want chunky texturecasseroles

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

1:1

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:

saucessoupsstewswhen you want smooth consistencymost cooking applications

Tomato puree is thicker than sauce. May need to thin with water or broth if recipe calls for thinner consistency.

Marinara Sauce

1:1

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 saucesItalian disheswhen you want seasoned flavorpizza sauce

Marinara sauce contains added seasonings. Adjust other herbs and spices in recipe accordingly. Often more flavorful than plain tomato sauce.

Ketchup

1:1

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:

saucesmarinadeswhen you want sweetnessquick recipesemergency 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

1:2 (1 cup sauce = 2 cups fresh tomatoes)

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 flavorsummer cookingwhen you have good fresh tomatoesall 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

1:1

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:

soupsstewscasseroleswhen 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

1:1

Liquid tomato product that provides similar flavor but thinner consistency. Made from pureed tomatoes. Good for when you need liquid consistency.

Best for:

soupsstewswhen you want liquid consistencydrinksquick recipes

Tomato juice is thinner than sauce. May need to reduce or add thickener to achieve sauce-like consistency. Often contains added salt.

Cooking 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 = 1/4 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What'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 perfect 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 1/4 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.

Summary

Find the best substitutes for tomato sauce including tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and more. Learn proper ratios, conversions, and when to use each substitute for perfect results.