Out of Tomato, one case
Crushed tomato substitute
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Diced tomatoes
Same amount as the tomato
The best crushed tomato substitutes are diced tomatoes (1:1), tomato sauce (1:1), tomato puree (1:1), or tomato paste with water (1:2 ratio). For chunky texture, use diced tomatoes. For smooth consistency, use tomato sauce or puree. For intense flavor, use diluted tomato paste.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- chili
One casethe full tomato card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of tomato | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Diced tomatoeschili | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Tomato saucepasta sauces | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Tomato pureesauces | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Tomato paste + watersauces | 1 part paste to 2 parts water | No verdict on record |
| 5 | Fresh tomatoesfresh preparations | Same amount | No verdict on record |
Diced tomatoes
identical taste and texture
Fresh or canned diced tomatoes provide the closest texture and flavor to crushed tomatoes. They offer the same chunky consistency and natural tomato flavor.
- Best for
- chili, pasta sauces, soups, stews, when you want chunky texture, slow-cooked dishes
Diced tomatoes are the closest substitute in terms of texture. If you need them more crushed, simply break them up with a spoon or fork while cooking.
Tomato sauce
similar taste, different texture
Smooth tomato sauce works well when you need similar flavor but don't require the chunky texture. It's made from pureed tomatoes and often includes seasonings.
- Best for
- pasta sauces, soups, pizza sauce, when you want smooth consistency, quick cooking
Tomato sauce is thinner than crushed tomatoes, so it works best in recipes where texture isn't critical. May need to reduce cooking time or add thickener.
Tomato puree
similar taste, different texture
Smooth, thick tomato puree provides concentrated tomato flavor and works well in most recipes that call for crushed tomatoes. It's made from cooked and strained tomatoes.
- Best for
- sauces, soups, stews, when you want smooth consistency, thickening dishes
Tomato puree is thicker than crushed tomatoes, so it may need to be thinned with a little water or broth. It provides excellent tomato flavor.
Tomato paste + water
enhanced, intense · different texture
Concentrated tomato paste diluted with water creates a thick, flavorful substitute. This method provides intense tomato flavor and can be adjusted to desired consistency.
- Best for
- sauces, soups, stews, when you want intense flavor, emergency substitute
Mix 1 tablespoon tomato paste with 2 tablespoons water to equal about 3 tablespoons crushed tomatoes. Adjust water amount based on desired consistency and recipe needs.
Fresh tomatoes
fresh, bright · similar texture
Fresh tomatoes can be crushed or diced to replace canned crushed tomatoes. Choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes for best results.
- Best for
- fresh preparations, when you have fresh tomatoes available, summer cooking, garden-to-table recipes
Peel and seed fresh tomatoes before crushing. You may need to add a pinch of salt and sugar to match the flavor of canned crushed tomatoes.
How it behaves in this recipe
- Chili
- For chili, diced tomatoes work best as they provide the chunky texture that's characteristic of good chili. You can also use tomato sauce for a smoother consistency.
- Pasta
- For pasta sauces, tomato sauce or puree work well as substitutes since they provide smooth consistency. If you want chunky texture, use diced tomatoes.
- Soup
- For soups, any tomato substitute works well depending on your preference. Tomato sauce or puree for smooth soups, diced tomatoes for chunky soups.
- Pizza
- For pizza sauce, tomato puree or tomato sauce work best as they provide smooth consistency. Crushed tomatoes would be too chunky for pizza sauce.
Tips for substituting tomato
8 tips- Crushed tomatoes work best in slow-cooked dishes where they have time to break down and develop flavor
- If using tomato sauce as a substitute, consider adding a pinch of sugar to balance acidity
- For chunky texture, use diced tomatoes and break them up slightly while cooking
- Tomato paste diluted with water works well for emergency substitutions
- Fresh tomatoes should be peeled and seeded before crushing for best results
- Canned crushed tomatoes often have better flavor than fresh, especially in winter months
- Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to enhance the flavor of tomato substitutes
- For Italian dishes, look for San Marzano tomatoes for authentic flavor
Notes on tomato
- Use whole peeled tomatoes and crush them yourself for the most authentic texture
- Combine tomato sauce with diced tomatoes for a hybrid texture
- Add a splash of tomato juice to thin out thick substitutes
- Use fire-roasted tomatoes for added smoky flavor
- Mix in a small amount of tomato paste to intensify flavor
Questions
6 questionsCan I substitute tomato sauce for crushed tomatoes?
Yes, you can substitute tomato sauce for crushed tomatoes in a 1:1 ratio. Tomato sauce is smoother and thinner, so it works best in recipes where texture isn't critical, like pasta sauces or soups.
Can I substitute tomato puree for crushed tomatoes?
Yes, tomato puree can substitute for crushed tomatoes in a 1:1 ratio. Puree is thicker and smoother, so you may need to thin it slightly with water or broth depending on your recipe.
Can I substitute crushed tomatoes for tomato sauce?
Yes, crushed tomatoes can substitute for tomato sauce, but you may need to puree them first for smooth consistency. Crushed tomatoes are chunkier and may need longer cooking time to break down.
What's the best substitute for crushed tomatoes in chili?
Diced tomatoes are the best substitute for crushed tomatoes in chili because they provide similar chunky texture. You can also use tomato sauce if you prefer a smoother consistency.
Can I use tomato paste instead of crushed tomatoes?
Yes, but you'll need to dilute tomato paste with water. Use a 1:2 ratio (1 part paste to 2 parts water) to achieve similar consistency. This creates an intense tomato flavor.
Are crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes the same?
No, crushed tomatoes are more broken down and have a chunkier, more rustic texture, while diced tomatoes are cut into uniform pieces. However, diced tomatoes are the closest substitute for crushed tomatoes.