Crushed Tomato Substitute

Diced Tomatoes

Use the same amount as the crushed tomato you are replacing

Best for chili

Close match

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.

Compare all 4 tomato substitutes

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

Other crushed tomato substitutes

Ranked, with the exact amount to use

2Tomato Sauce
Different texture
Use the same amount
Smooth tomato sauce works well when you need similar flavor but don't require the chunky texture.
What changes
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.
3Tomato Puree
Different texture
Use the same amount
Smooth, thick tomato puree provides concentrated tomato flavor and works well in most recipes that call for crushed tomatoes.
What changes
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.
4Tomato Paste + Water
1:2 (1 part paste to 2 parts water)
Concentrated tomato paste diluted with water creates a thick, flavorful substitute.
What changes
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
Taste
enhanced, intense
Texture
different
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.
5Fresh Tomatoes
Use the same amount
Fresh tomatoes can be crushed or diced to replace canned crushed tomatoes.
What changes
Choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes for best results.
Best for
fresh preparations, when you have fresh tomatoes available, summer cooking, garden-to-table recipes
Taste
fresh, bright
Texture
similar
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.

Cooking 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 crushed 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

Frequently asked questions

Can 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.

Crushed Tomato Substitute

Other crushed tomato substitutes

2Tomato Sauce

3Tomato Puree

4Tomato Paste + Water

5Fresh Tomatoes