Ran out of tomato paste right when dinner's on the line? Don't worry! You may already have a substitute sitting in your pantry. Tomato sauce, tomato purée, and even ketchup can work in a pinch. I'll show you the best tomato paste substitutes, how much to use, and which ones work best in your recipe.
Whether you're making my Lasagna with Jarred Sauce, Quick Shrimp Spaghetti, or a Classic Southern Meatloaf, the right substitute can help you get dinner on the table without another trip to the grocery store.
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Quick Reference: Tomato Paste Substitutes
| Substitute | Amount for 1 Tbsp. Tomato Paste | Best Used In |
|---|---|---|
| Tomato Passata | 3 Tbsp | Pasta sauces, stews |
| Fresh Tomatoes | 1 medium, pureed and reduced | Soups, stews, sauces |
| Tomato Sauce | 3 Tbsp | Soups, chili, pasta sauces |
| Diced Tomatoes | ¼ cup, pureed and reduced | Soups, stews, chili |
| Stewed Tomatoes | ¼ cup, pureed and reduced if needed | Soups, stews, casseroles |
| Tomato Purée | 3 Tbsp | Sauces, soups, stews |
| Crushed Tomatoes | ¼ cup, reduced | Pasta sauces, chili |
| Ketchup | 1 Tbsp | BBQ sauce, meatloaf, sloppy joes |
| Marinara Sauce | ~3 Tbsp | Italian style dishes |
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Best Tomato Paste Substitutes
Tomato Sauce
Tomato sauce is thinner than tomato paste, but it works well in pasta sauces, casseroles, soups, and chili. Use 3 tablespoons of tomato sauce for every 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. Try it in my Easy Stuffed Spaghetti Squash.
Ketchup
Ketchup works well as a tomato paste substitute in BBQ sauces, meatloaf, sloppy joes, and other recipes where a little sweetness is welcome. Use 1 tablespoon of ketchup for every 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. Since ketchup contains added sugar and vinegar, adjust other sweet ingredients if needed. It's also a handy substitute in my Mac and Cheese with Meat.
Fresh Tomatoes
Fresh tomatoes can replace tomato paste in soups, sauces, chili, and stews. Start with 1 medium tomato for every tablespoon of tomato paste. Purée the tomato and simmer until thickened to concentrate the flavor. The amount needed will vary depending on how juicy the tomato is.
Diced Tomatoes (Canned)
Canned diced tomatoes work well in soups, stews, chili, and slow-cooked sauces. Start with ¼ cup of diced tomatoes for every tablespoon of tomato paste. Purée and simmer until thickened to remove excess moisture and concentrate the flavor.
Stewed Tomatoes
Stewed tomatoes are a good substitute in casseroles, soups, and stews. Since they're often cooked with onions, peppers, and seasonings, they may change the flavor of your recipe. Purée and simmer until thickened, adding more as needed to get the tomato flavor you're looking for.
Tomato Purée
Tomato purée has a smooth texture but is thinner and less concentrated than tomato paste. It works well in pasta sauces, soups, stews, and braised dishes. Use about 3 tablespoons of tomato purée for every tablespoon of tomato paste. Adjust the liquid in your recipe if needed.
Crushed Tomatoes
Crushed tomatoes work well in pasta sauces, soups, chili, and casseroles. Start with ¼ cup for every tablespoon of tomato paste. Simmer until thickened to concentrate the tomato flavor. For a smoother consistency, purée before reducing.
Marinara Sauce
Marinara sauce is a convenient substitute for tomato paste in pasta dishes, casseroles, and other savory recipes. Use about 3 tablespoons for every tablespoon of tomato paste, and simmer to thicken if needed. Keep in mind that marinara already contains herbs and seasonings, so you may need to adjust your recipe. You can also use it in my grandmother's Beefy Spanish Rice recipe.
Tomato Passata
Tomato passata is smooth, strained tomatoes without the concentrated thickness of tomato paste. It works well in pasta sauces, soups, stews, and other tomato-based dishes. Use about 3 tablespoons of passata for every tablespoon of tomato paste.
Best Non-Tomato Substitutes for Tomato Paste
Need a tomato-free substitute? These alternatives can add flavor, color, or thickness to your recipe, although they won't taste exactly like tomato paste.
Roasted Red Pepper Purée: Blend jarred roasted red peppers until smooth. Start with 2 tablespoons for every tablespoon of tomato paste. This works well in soups, sauces, and casseroles, adding a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
Miso Paste: Adds rich, savory flavor to soups, stews, and sauces. Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust to taste. Miso is salty and won't provide tomato flavor or color, so it's best when you need extra depth of flavor.
Harissa: This spicy chili paste adds bold flavor to soups, stews, and savory sauces. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste, since harissa can be much hotter than tomato paste. Check the ingredients if you're avoiding tomatoes, as some varieties contain them.
Notmato Paste: Made with vegetables such as carrots, beets, and pumpkin, this is a good option for tomato-free and nightshade-free cooking. Try this homemade: Notmato Paste recipe from Savory Nature.
Tomato-Free Ketchup: A convenient alternative for meatloaf, sauces, and other recipes where a little sweetness works well. You can find tomato-free ketchup on Amazon. Check the ingredients to make sure it's suitable for your dietary needs.
More Ingredient Substitutions
Missing another ingredient? Browse my easy ingredient substitutions to find simple swaps that work for your recipes.
Whether you need a substitute for beef broth or a cream cheese substitute, I've got you covered!
If you're adjusting flavors or sweetness in your recipe, you might also find these helpful honey substitutes to balance everything just right.
My Favorite Tomato Paste
When I do have tomato paste on hand, I prefer Tuscanini tomato paste in a tube. It's easy to squeeze out just what I need and refrigerate the rest for another recipe. I especially like using it in my Shrimp Spaghetti, giving it a robust tomato flavor.
Tomato Paste Substitutes FAQs
The amount depends on which substitute you're using. For every tablespoon of tomato paste, you can use about 3 tablespoons of tomato sauce, tomato purée, or passata. Ketchup can be substituted in equal amounts. See the substitution table above for more options and recommended amounts.
Transfer leftover canned tomato paste to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5-7 days. For longer storage, freeze it in 1-tablespoon portions for up to 3 months. This makes it easy to grab just what you need for your next recipe.
I prefer to use BPA-free glass containers with locking lids. Check out this 18-piece set of glass food storage containers with locking lids from Bayco, available now on Amazon.
Yes, you can skip tomato paste in some recipes, especially soups and stews. However, your dish may have a less concentrated tomato flavor and a thinner consistency. For the best results, use a substitute like tomato sauce or tomato purée, or adjust the seasonings and simmer the dish longer if needed.
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