5 Tomato Paste Substitutes That Still Add Richness

Truc Tran (Kris)By Truc Tran (Kris) Updated on

Tomato paste is a concentrated ingredient that adds depth, richness, and vibrant color to sauces, soups, and stews.

When tomato paste runs out, canned tomato sauce, tomato puree, or even a thickened marinara can step in as effective substitutes.

Adjusting quantities and cooking times helps mimic tomato paste’s intense flavor and thick consistency.

Some alternatives may require simmering to reduce excess liquid and intensify taste.

These replacements maintain the heartiness and umami that tomato paste brings to dishes.

Knowing how to adapt your recipe preserves the balance and richness of your culinary creations.

Explore practical tomato paste substitutes to keep your sauces full-bodied and flavorful.

Rich and Tangy Tomato Paste Replacements

Tomato paste alternatives offer rich, tangy depth that enhances sauces, stews, and soups. Various concentrated tomato products bring unique flavor notes. Explore the best replacements for your recipes.

Canned Tomatoes

Canned tomato juice serves as an excellent substitute for tomato sauce in recipes when you're in a pinch.

The thin juice from diced, crushed, or whole canned tomatoes works perfectly, needing only a bit of reduction to match the right consistency.

Three tablespoons of this juice can replace each tablespoon of tomato paste required in your dish.

Constant stirring while the juice thickens ensures the best results and prevents burning.

This simple swap delivers the same rich tomato flavor profile that makes pasta dishes and stews so satisfying.

Fresh Tomatoes

Substituting fresh tomato for tomato paste creates a simple solution when you're in the middle of cooking and realize your pantry is missing an ingredient.

The process starts with pureeing fresh tomatoes until they become completely liquefied, making them easier to incorporate into your recipe.

For proper measurement, use three tablespoons of this fresh tomato juice for every tablespoon of tomato paste called for in your recipe.

Adding a pinch of salt enhances the flavor profile and helps match the concentrated taste of traditional paste.

Constant stirring while the liquid reduces and thickens ensures your substitute develops the right consistency for your dish.

Ketchup

Ketchup on your shelf can actually replace tomato paste when you run out during cooking.

The substitution works in equal amounts, though ketchup contains more sugar and a tangier flavor profile than standard tomato paste.

Many people don't realize they should adjust their recipes by reducing any sugar or vinegar called for, since ketchup already contributes these elements.

This simple swap has saved countless meals from disaster when pantry supplies were limited.

The taste difference is barely noticeable in hearty dishes like chili, stews, or pasta sauces where other flavors help balance the ketchup's extra sweetness.

Tomato Sauce

Tomato sauce comes to the rescue when your recipe calls for tomato paste but your pantry has other ideas.

This common kitchen swap works because both share that rich umami flavor profile that enhances so many dishes.

Simply use three tablespoons of sauce for every tablespoon of paste needed, then simmer while stirring until the extra liquid cooks down.

The thickness might differ slightly from original paste, but the concentrated tomato flavor remains intact in your final dish.

For even better results, try choosing a plain sauce without added herbs or spices unless those flavors complement your recipe.

Tomato Puree

Tomato puree stands out as the best substitute for tomato paste, delivering that same deep and savory flavor in your favorite recipes.

In place of each tablespoon of paste, simply use three tablespoons of puree and cook it down until it reaches the right thickness.

The swap works well in pasta sauces, soups, and stews where that rich tomato taste is essential.

Home cooks appreciate this option because most pantries already contain puree when paste runs out unexpectedly.

While the consistency differs slightly, the end result tastes nearly identical once incorporated into your dish.

Which Substitute Works Best for Tomato Paste in Chili or Pasta Sauce?

When you’re out of tomato paste, several substitutes can work well in chili or pasta sauce, depending on the desired flavor intensity and texture:

  • Tomato Sauce or Puree (Reduced): Simmer tomato sauce or puree to reduce and thicken it, concentrating the flavor closer to tomato paste. Use about three times the amount of sauce as tomato paste called for, then cook down to desired thickness.
  • Tomato Concentrate: If available, use tomato concentrate as a direct substitute, matching the quantity of tomato paste.
  • Ketchup: Ketchup can be a quick fix, adding sweetness and acidity, but use it sparingly due to its added sugar and spices.
  • Sundried Tomato Paste or Purée: These provide a rich, intense flavor; dilute slightly if needed to match tomato paste consistency.
  • Fresh Tomatoes (Cooked Down): Blend fresh tomatoes and cook them slowly to thicken, though this requires more time and may be less intense.

For the richest flavor and thickest texture, reducing tomato sauce or puree is usually the best substitute in chili or pasta sauces.

Homemade Tomato Paste from Fresh Tomatoes

This homemade tomato paste is rich, flavorful, and made entirely from fresh tomatoes. It’s perfect for adding depth to sauces, soups, and stews:

Ingredients

  • 5 pounds fresh ripe tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for storing)

Instructions

  • Step 1: Wash the tomatoes and cut them into quarters. Remove seeds if you prefer a smoother paste.
  • Step 2: Place the tomatoes in a large pot and cook over medium heat until they soften, about 10–15 minutes. Stir occasionally.
  • Step 3: Pass the cooked tomatoes through a food mill or sieve to remove skins and any remaining seeds.
  • Step 4: Return the tomato pulp to the pot. Add salt and olive oil.
  • Step 5: Cook over low heat, stirring often, until it reduces into a thick paste. This can take 2–3 hours.
  • Step 6: Let the paste cool completely.
  • Step 7: Spoon into clean jars and cover the top with a thin layer of olive oil. Seal and store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks or freeze for longer storage.

Low-Sodium Tomato Paste Alternatives

Sometimes tomato paste has too much salt. If you’re cutting back on sodium, there are plenty of tasty swaps you can try instead:

  • Unsalted tomato purée: Smooth and rich, just without the extra salt.
  • Fresh tomatoes: Blend or cook them down for a natural flavor boost.
  • Low-sodium canned tomatoes: Crush or puree them to use in place of paste.
  • Roasted red peppers: Add sweetness and depth without salt.
  • Homemade tomato paste: Simmer fresh tomatoes yourself so you control the seasoning.