Substitutes for Tomato Sauce (In Recipes)
Canned or bottled plain tomato sauce used as a base in soups, stews, chili, pasta dishes, and casseroles.
The Short Answer
The best substitute for tomato sauce (in recipes) is Tomato Paste + Water. Slightly more concentrated flavor. Whisk well to combine. The most reliable substitute using pantry staples.
Best Substitutes
Tomato Paste + Water 👨🔬 Professor's Pick
Ratio: 1/4 cup tomato paste + 3/4 cup water = 1 cup tomato sauce
Works for: soups, stews, chili, casseroles, pasta sauce base
Flavor impact: Slightly more concentrated flavor. Whisk well to combine. The most reliable substitute using pantry staples.
Crushed Tomatoes (Blended)
Ratio: Blend 1 cup crushed tomatoes until smooth = 1 cup tomato sauce
Works for: pasta, soups, stews, pizza sauce
Avoid for: recipes needing a perfectly smooth sauce
Flavor impact: Slightly chunkier texture even when blended, but the flavor is excellent. May have seeds depending on the brand.
Fresh Tomatoes (Blended and Strained)
Ratio: 3-4 medium tomatoes, blended and strained = about 1 cup sauce
Works for: fresh sauces, soups, stews
Avoid for: recipes needing thick sauce without reduction
Flavor impact: Fresh, bright tomato flavor. Thinner than canned sauce, so you may need to simmer longer to reduce. Best in summer when tomatoes are in season.
Tomato paste plus water is the most universally available substitute and works in nearly every recipe. Keep a tube of tomato paste in your fridge. It lasts for months and can stand in for tomato sauce, add depth to stews, and boost sauces any time you need concentrated tomato flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
In an emergency, yes, but adjust for the sugar and vinegar in ketchup. Use about 3/4 cup ketchup plus 1/4 cup water for 1 cup tomato sauce. The result will be slightly sweeter and tangier.
Tomato sauce is thin and pourable. Tomato paste is thick and concentrated, with about 3-4 times the tomato intensity. Dilute paste with water to approximate sauce; reduce sauce by simmering to approximate paste.
Marinara is tomato sauce with added seasonings (garlic, herbs, onion). You can use it, but the existing seasonings may clash with your recipe. Plain tomato sauce gives you more control over the final flavor.
The Bottom Line
When you need a substitute for tomato sauce (in recipes), your best bet is Tomato Paste + Water. The right choice depends on your recipe and dietary needs. Start with the Professor's Pick and adjust from there.