Ran out of tomato paste right when dinner’s almost ready? No problem — there are plenty of pantry-friendly swaps. This guide explains the best tomato paste substitutes for soups, stews, sauces, chili, casseroles, and pasta dishes, and how to use them so your meal still turns out flavorful and well-textured.
We’ve all started a favorite dish — lasagna, quick shrimp spaghetti, classic meatloaf — and discovered we’re out of tomato paste. Instead of a last-minute grocery run, try one of these practical alternatives and adjust cooking times or seasonings as noted.
Quick Look: Tomato Paste Substitutes
- ⏱️ Total Substitutes: 14 practical options
- 🍽️ Works In: Soups, stews, sauces, chili, casseroles, and pasta dishes
- 🔄 Swap Tip: Most alternatives are less concentrated, so use larger volumes or reduce them to intensify flavor
- 💧 Why It Matters: Tomato paste adds concentrated tomato flavor, richness, color, and thickness
- ⭐ Bottom Line: Pick a substitute based on how much tomato flavor and body the recipe needs
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What Can I Use Instead of Tomato Paste
This guide lists easy swaps and the amounts to use per tablespoon of tomato paste called for in a recipe. Some substitutes are ready to use, while others benefit from simmering to reduce liquid and concentrate flavor.
Best Quick Tomato Paste Alternatives
If you need a fast fix, try one of these straightforward swaps:
- Tomato sauce (reduce by simmering to thicken)
- Ketchup (equal amount; note the sweetness and vinegar)
- Tomato purée (use more, then simmer if necessary)
Why Ingredient Substitutions Matter
Substitutions let you maintain flavor, texture, and presentation while accommodating what’s available or meeting dietary needs. Whether replacing beef broth, cream cheese, or tomato paste, choose an option that preserves the character of the dish and adjust seasoning and texture as needed.
Best Tomato Paste Substitutes (how to use each)
⏱️ Tomato Sauce
Tomato sauce is thinner but has a true tomato flavor. Simmering it longer reduces water and concentrates taste.
- 🍝 Works in: Pasta sauces, casseroles, soups, chili
- 🔄 Swap tip: Simmer to thicken and deepen flavor
- ⚖️ Ratio: 2–3 tablespoons tomato sauce = 1 tablespoon tomato paste
⏱️ Ketchup
Ketchup is concentrated tomato with added sugar and vinegar, so it works well where a touch of sweetness is welcome.
- 🍝 Works in: BBQ sauces, meatloaf, sloppy joes, savory sauces
- 🔄 Swap tip: Cut other sweeteners if using ketchup
- ⚖️ Ratio: 1 tablespoon ketchup = 1 tablespoon tomato paste
⏱️ Fresh Tomatoes
Cook down peeled, seeded tomatoes until reduced to a thick, paste-like consistency. This produces a fresh-tasting substitute.
- 🍝 Works in: Soups, sauces, chili, stews
- 🔄 Swap tip: Peel and seed, then simmer until thick
- ⚖️ Ratio: 1 large tomato = 1 tablespoon tomato paste (after reduction)
⏱️ Diced Tomatoes (Canned)
Drain and simmer canned diced tomatoes to concentrate flavor and remove excess liquid.
- 🍝 Works in: Soups, stews, chili, slow-cooked sauces
- 🔄 Swap tip: Drain then simmer until thick
- ⚖️ Ratio: About ½ cup diced (cooked down) = 1 tablespoon paste
⏱️ Stewed Tomatoes
Stewed tomatoes are seasoned and slightly sweeter; blend and reduce to smooth and thicken.
- 🍝 Works in: Casseroles, soups, stews
- 🔄 Swap tip: Blend, then cook down to remove excess liquid
- ⚖️ Ratio: About ½ cup (reduced) = 1 tablespoon paste
⏱️ Tomato Purée
Tomato purée is smooth and more concentrated than sauce but still thinner than paste; simmer briefly if you need more body.
- 🍝 Works in: Pasta sauces, soups, stews, braises
- 🔄 Swap tip: Simmer to thicken and deepen flavor
- ⚖️ Ratio: 2 tablespoons purée = 1 tablespoon paste
⏱️ Crushed Tomatoes
Crushed tomatoes are partially puréed with some texture; reduce to concentrate flavor and reduce liquid.
- 🍝 Works in: Pasta sauces, soups, chili, casseroles
- 🔄 Swap tip: Drain excess liquid and simmer until thick
- ⚖️ Ratio: About ¼–½ cup (reduced) = 1 tablespoon paste
⏱️ Marinara Sauce
Marinara is a seasoned tomato sauce with garlic, onion, and herbs; it adds flavor complexity and works well in Italian dishes.
- 🍝 Works in: Pasta dishes, casseroles, Italian-style sauces
- 🔄 Swap tip: Best in recipes where extra herbs complement the dish
- ⚖️ Ratio: 2 tablespoons marinara = 1 tablespoon tomato paste
⏱️ Tomato Passata
Passata is uncooked puréed tomatoes; simmering reduces water and concentrates flavor, making it a good paste substitute.
- 🍝 Works in: Pasta sauces, soups, stews, slow-simmered dishes
- 🔄 Swap tip: Simmer to cook off liquid and thicken
- ⚖️ Ratio: 3 tablespoons passata = 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Canned Tomato Paste vs. Tube Tomato Paste
Canned and tubed tomato paste both deliver concentrated tomato flavor. Tubes are often more convenient because they’re easy to reseal and store, letting you squeeze out small amounts without waste. If you use tomato paste infrequently, freezing measured portions or storing in an airtight container helps preserve it.
Tomato Paste vs Tomato Sauce vs Tomato Purée
The main difference is consistency and concentration:
Tomato paste: Thickest and most concentrated, used to add depth, color, and body.
Tomato sauce: Thinner, ready-to-use for pasta and simmered dishes; often requires reduction if you want paste-like thickness.
Tomato purée: Midway between sauce and paste in texture and flavor; versatile for sauces and pizza.
How to Make Your Own Tomato Paste
You can make a simple tomato paste at home using tomato sauce, fresh tomatoes, or canned tomatoes by reducing them on the stove until thick and concentrated. Key steps:
- From tomato sauce: Simmer and stir until it reaches a paste consistency.
- From fresh tomatoes: Peel and seed, then simmer and reduce while stirring; use meaty varieties like heirlooms for better flavor.
- From canned tomatoes: Blend smooth, then boil and reduce until reduced by about two-thirds to reach paste thickness.
Best Non-Tomato Substitutes for Tomato Paste
If you need a tomato-free option, try one of these alternatives. They won’t taste exactly like tomato paste but can provide color, body, or umami:
Roasted Red Peppers (purée)
Blend jarred roasted red peppers until smooth. Swap about 2:1 for tomato paste. Mild, slightly sweet, and similar in texture.
Miso Paste
Fermented soybean paste adds deep savory umami. Start with 1 tablespoon miso mixed with 1 tablespoon water and adjust. Great in broths and some sauces.
Harissa
A chili paste that matches paste-like thickness. Use 1:1 but add cautiously for heat and spice.
Vegetable “Notmato” Paste
Blends of beets, carrots, or pumpkin can work as tomato-free bases for sauces; adjust seasonings to balance sweetness and acidity.
Quick Reference: Tomato Paste Alternatives
| Substitute | Substitution Ratio | Best Used In |
|---|---|---|
| Tomato Passata | 3 tbsp passata = 1 tbsp paste | Pasta sauces, soups, stews |
| Fresh Tomatoes | 1 large tomato (reduced) = 1 tbsp paste | Soups, sauces, chili |
| Tomato Sauce | 2–3 tbsp sauce = 1 tbsp paste | Pasta sauces, casseroles |
| Diced Tomatoes | ~½ cup (cooked down) = 1 tbsp paste | Soups, stews, chili |
| Stewed Tomatoes | ~½ cup (reduced) = 1 tbsp paste | Casseroles, soups |
| Tomato Purée | 2 tbsp purée = 1 tbsp paste | Sauces, soups |
| Crushed Tomatoes | ¼–½ cup (reduced) = 1 tbsp paste | Pasta sauces, chili |
| Ketchup | 1 tbsp ketchup = 1 tbsp paste | BBQ sauce, meatloaf, sloppy joes |
| Marinara Sauce | 2 tbsp marinara = 1 tbsp paste | Pasta dishes, Italian recipes |
Tomato Paste Alternatives FAQs
Most recipes call for 1–2 tablespoons of tomato paste. If using a substitute, follow the ratios above and remember many replacements need to be used in larger quantities or reduced by simmering to reach the same intensity. Typical guidance is to start with 2–3 tablespoons of a less-concentrated substitute and adjust to taste.
Transfer leftover paste to an airtight container and refrigerate for 5–7 days. You can also freeze portions (1–2 tablespoons) in ice-cube trays or small bags for up to three months. Tubes are convenient for squeezing out small amounts and resealing.
Yes, you can skip it, but the dish may lose some richness, color, and thickness. If you skip it entirely, simmer the dish longer and adjust seasoning, or use one of the suggested substitutes to restore depth and body.
Fast Easy Dinner Ideas
- One-Pot Chicken Creole and Rice
- Beefy Mac and Cheese
- Old Fashioned Salmon Patties
- Easy Rotel Chicken Spaghetti
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