Tomato Paste Substitutes (14 Easy Swaps + Ratios)

Ran out of tomato paste right when dinner's on the line? Don't worry... you've got options! This guide shows you the best tomato paste substitutes for soups, stews, sauces, chili, casseroles, and pasta dishes.

We've all been ready to make a favorite dish like Lasagna with Jarred Sauce, Quick Shrimp Spaghetti, or a Classic Southern Meatloaf, only to realize at the last minute... we're out of tomato paste.

What Can I Use Instead of Tomato Paste

I've put together a simple guide to help you with your substitute selections. This table includes the amount and ratio needed for each tablespoon of tomato paste you would normally use.

Best Quick Tomato Paste Alternatives

If you're in a hurry, these are the easiest swaps:

• Tomato sauce (cook down)
• Ketchup (same amount)
• Tomato purée (2:1)

Why are Ingredient Substitutions Important?

As mentioned above, there are many reasons why you might be in need of an easy ingredient substitution. It is important that you are able to find the right substitution that maintains the taste and presentation of your recipe as well as meeting any dietary requirements.

Whether you are looking for a substitute for beef broth for your soup, or a cream cheese substitute for your dessert, you've come to the right place!

Best Tomato Paste Substitutes (how to use each one)

⏱️ Tomato Sauce

Tomato sauce is thinner than tomato paste but still provides a strong tomato flavor.

• 🍝 Works In: Pasta sauces, casseroles, soups, and chili. Works nicely for this Easy Stuffed Spaghetii Squash.
• 🔄 Swap Tip: Simmer the sauce a bit longer to thicken and intensify the tomato flavor.
• ⚖️ Substitution Ratio: 2-3 tablespoons tomato sauce = 1 tablespoon tomato paste

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⏱️ Ketchup

Ketchup is made from concentrated tomatoes with added sugar and vinegar.

• 🍝 Works In: BBQ sauces, meatloaf, sloppy joes, and savory sauces that benefit from a hint of sweetness. Works especially well for this Mac and Cheese with Meat.
• 🔄 Swap Tip: Reduce other sweet ingredients in the recipe if needed since ketchup is already sweet.
• ⚖️ Substitution Ratio: 1 tablespoon ketchup = 1 tablespoon tomato paste

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⏱️ Fresh Tomatoes

Fresh tomatoes can be cooked down to create a concentrated tomato flavor similar to tomato paste.

• 🍝 Works In: Soups, sauces, chili, and stews
• 🔄 Swap Tip: Peel and remove seeds, then simmer the tomatoes until they reduce and thicken.
• ⚖️ Substitution Ratio: 1 large tomato = 1 tablespoon tomato paste

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⏱️ Diced Tomatoes (Canned)

Diced tomatoes are chopped tomatoes packed in their juices and can be reduced for a stronger tomato flavor.

• 🍝 Works In: Soups, stews, chili, and slow-cooked sauces
• 🔄 Swap Tip: Drain excess liquid and simmer until the mixture thickens and the flavor concentrates.
• ⚖️ Substitution Ratio: About ½ cup diced tomatoes = 1 tablespoon tomato paste (after cooking down)

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⏱️ Stewed Tomatoes

Stewed tomatoes are tomatoes cooked with seasonings and vegetables, giving them a slightly sweeter, seasoned flavor.

• 🍝 Works In: Casseroles, soups, stews, and rustic tomato dishes
• 🔄 Swap Tip: Blend and cook down to remove excess liquid and create a smoother texture.
• ⚖️ Substitution Ratio: About ½ cup stewed tomatoes = 1 tablespoon tomato paste (after reducing)

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⏱️ Tomato Purée

Tomato purée has a smooth consistency and concentrated tomato flavor similar to tomato paste.

• 🍝 Works In: Pasta sauces, soups, stews, and braised dishes
• 🔄 Swap Tip: Simmer briefly to thicken if needed and deepen the tomato flavor.
• ⚖️ Substitution Ratio: 2 tablespoons tomato purée = 1 tablespoon tomato paste

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⏱️ Crushed Tomatoes

Crushed tomatoes are partially puréed tomatoes with a slightly chunky texture.

• 🍝 Works In: Pasta sauces, soups, chili, and casseroles
• 🔄 Swap Tip: Drain excess liquid and simmer until thickened for a more concentrated flavor.
• ⚖️ Substitution Ratio: About ¼-½ cup crushed tomatoes = 1 tablespoon tomato paste (after reducing)

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⏱️ Marinara Sauce

Marinara is a seasoned tomato sauce made with garlic, onion, olive oil, and herbs.

• 🍝 Works In: Pasta dishes, casseroles, and Italian-style sauces. It's a great swap in my grandmother's Beefy Spanish Rice recipe.
• 🔄 Swap Tip: Works best in recipes where the extra herbs and seasonings complement the dish.
• ⚖️ Substitution Ratio: 2 tablespoons marinara sauce = 1 tablespoon tomato paste

⏱️ Tomato Passata

Tomato passata is uncooked puréed tomatoes often used to thicken tomato-based sauces.

• 🍝 Works In: Pasta sauces, soups, stews, and slow-simmered tomato dishes
• 🔄 Swap Tip: Simmer it first to cook off some liquid and concentrate the flavor.
• ⚖️ Substitution Ratio: 1 tablespoon tomato paste = 3 tablespoons passata

If you're adjusting flavors or sweetness in your recipe, you might also find these helpful honey substitutes to balance everything just right.

Canned Tomato Paste vs. Tube Tomato Paste

Both canned and tubed tomato paste give you that robust tomato flavor. But if you're looking for a taste that's just a tad bit better, you should go with the tube.

I love Tuscanini tomato paste in the tube. It should be available at your grocery store and it's always available on Amazon. I use it for my Stuffed Spaghetti Squash with Meaty Tomato Sauce.

Tomato paste in a tube wins simply because of the ease of re-using it. Once you open a tube of tomato paste, squeeze out the amount you need, then store it in the refrigerator, and forget about it until next time. It lasts a long time but if you're like me, you may forget it's in there. Ooops! If it's too old, that's ok, because now we have a ton of substitutes to try!

Tomato Paste vs Tomato Sauce and Tomato Puree

This is another question I've asked myself a few times. Now after learning the difference between the three, the answer is - mainly it's the consistency. Let's look at the differences between them:

Tomato paste: The thickest of the three comes from condensing different types of tomatoes into a thick paste. Its flavor profile makes you think of sun-dried tomatoes, rich and packed with tomato flavor. Used mainly as a thickening agent in recipes.

Tomato sauce: The thinnest of the three when it comes to its consistency. It's made up of diced tomatoes that have been simmered down to release instant tomato flavor and are customarily used for a pasta sauce that needs flavor.

Tomato puree: Puree is right in the middle when it comes to consistency while still having the same flavor. Think fresh, yes, ready to use. It's great, made from both cooked and raw tomatoes, depending on the flavor profile you're looking for in your dish. Commonly used for our favorite thing here in America -- you guessed it, PIZZA!

How to Make Your Own Tomato Paste

If you have any of these ingredients at home, you could make your tomato paste at home. Here are three easy variations you can try.

Tomato Sauce: When making tomato paste from tomato sauce, you simply simmer until you've reduced it to paste consistency. You'll have to keep stirring while reducing it down to get it to a paste.

Fresh Tomatoes:  When making tomato paste from fresh tomatoes, you'll need to peel the skin off and remove the seeds. Next, season and stir continually while reducing it down. Pro Tip: heirloom cutting tomatoes are a great choice for homemade tomato paste.

Canned Tomatoes: Can be thrown into a blender to get them to a smoother texture for your paste. You then place the tomato mixture into a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Continue cooking, constantly stirring until thickened and reduced by about two-thirds.

Want more?  Visit The Spruce Eats for 3 Easy Ways to Make Homemade Tomato Paste!

Best Non-Tomato Substitutes for Tomato Paste

Need a tomato-free option? These substitutes work well when you want to avoid tomatoes altogether.

Roasted Red Peppers (Purée)
Blend jarred roasted red peppers until smooth.
Swap: Use about 2:1 for tomato paste.
👉 Mild, slightly sweet, and closest in texture.

Miso Paste
A fermented soybean paste that adds deep, savory flavor.
Swap: Start with 1 tablespoon miso + 1 tablespoon water.
👉 Great for adding umami to soups and sauces.

Harissa
A spicy chili paste with a similar thickness to tomato paste.
Swap: Use 1:1, but start small and adjust to taste.
👉 Adds heat and bold flavor.

Notmato Paste
A blend of vegetables like beets, carrots, and pumpkin.
👉 A good homemade option for tomato-free cooking (see recipe from Savory Nature).

Tomato-Free "Ketchup"
A store-bought option made without tomatoes. Here's one on Amazon, tomato-free ketchup.
👉 Easy swap for those with allergies; flavor will be slightly sweeter.

Quick Reference: Tomato Paste Alternatives

Substitute	Substitution Ratio	Best Used In
Tomato Passata	1 tablespoon paste = 3 tablespoon passata	Pasta sauces, soups, stews
Fresh Tomatoes	1 large tomato = 1 tablespoon paste	Soups, sauces, chili
Tomato Sauce	1 tablespoon paste = 2-3 tablespoon sauce	Pasta sauces, casseroles
Diced Tomatoes	~½ cup (cooked down) = 1 tablespoon paste	Soups, stews, chili
Stewed Tomatoes	~½ cup (cooked down) = 1 tablespoon paste	Casseroles, soups
Tomato Purée	2 tablespoon purée = 1 tablespoon paste	Sauces, soups
Crushed Tomatoes	¼-½ cup (reduced) = 1 tablespoon paste	Pasta sauces, chili
Ketchup	1 tablespoon ketchup = 1 tablespoon paste	BBQ sauce, meatloaf, sloppy joes
Marinara Sauce	2 tablespoon marinara = 1 tablespoon paste	Pasta dishes, Italian recipes