Best Tomato Sauce Substitutes
What Can I Use Instead of Tomato Sauce in a Recipe?
Use 133% of the called-for amount (slightly more than the original). Same base, less processed. Use about 1⅓ cups; slightly chunkier texture; may need simmering to reduce and concentrate.
Ran out of Tomato Sauce mid-recipe? Don't panic — you have options. This guide covers 5 tested Tomato Sauce substitutes that actually work in cooking, complete with exact ratios so you don't have to guess. Whether you need to save money at the store, there's a swap here for you. The top pick is Canned crushed tomatoes — it's the closest match for most recipes. Use 133% of the amount. Same base, less processed. Use about 1⅓ cups; slightly chunkier texture; may need simmering to reduce and concentrate.
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Get ratios for Tomato Sauce →All Tomato Sauce Substitutes (5 options)
Same base, less processed. Use about 1⅓ cups; slightly chunkier texture; may need simmering to reduce and concentrate.
Diced tomatoes are less concentrated than sauce, so use about 1⅓ cups and simmer longer to reduce liquid and intensify flavor. Strain excess liquid if thicker consistency needed.
Blend canned whole tomatoes with liquid; use about 1⅓ cups. Fresh-tasting alternative; texture varies by blending duration.
Ketchup is sweeter and more concentrated than tomato sauce. Use about ¾ cup and reduce added sugar in the recipe; works best where sweetness is acceptable.
Mix ⅓ cup tomato paste with ⅔ cup water and season. More concentrated flavor; easier to control seasoning and consistency.
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Tips for Substituting Tomato Sauce
For most recipes, Canned crushed tomatoes is the best starting point. Same base, less processed. Use about 1⅓ cups; slightly chunkier texture; may need simmering to reduce and concentrate. Watching your grocery budget? Ketchup is the most wallet-friendly swap and does a solid job in most uses. If you're unsure which Tomato Sauce substitute to use, think about why the original is in the recipe: flavor, texture, moisture, or binding? Choose the substitute that best matches that function.
Common Questions About Tomato Sauce Substitutes
The best substitute for Tomato Sauce is Canned crushed tomatoes. Use about 133% of the amount called for. Same base, less processed. Use about 1⅓ cups; slightly chunkier texture; may need simmering to reduce and concentrate.
This guide lists 5 Tomato Sauce alternatives. The best one depends on your recipe, dietary needs, and what you have on hand — check the substitution cards above for details on each.
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