🥬 Vegetables & Aromatics

Crushed Tomato Substitute: Complete Guide with Ratios & Tips

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.

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Quick Answer

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.

Best Substitutes

Diced Tomatoes

1:1

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:

chilipasta saucessoupsstewswhen you want chunky textureslow-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

1:1

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 saucessoupspizza saucewhen you want smooth consistencyquick 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

1:1

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:

saucessoupsstewswhen you want smooth consistencythickening 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

1:2 (1 part paste to 2 parts water)

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:

saucessoupsstewswhen you want intense flavoremergency 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

1:1

Fresh tomatoes can be crushed or diced to replace canned crushed tomatoes. Choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes for best results.

Best for:

fresh preparationswhen you have fresh tomatoes availablesummer cookinggarden-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.

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

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.

Summary

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