22 Delicious Tomato Paste Recipes For Your Kitchen (2024)

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Have you ever opened a can of tomato paste to use a tablespoon or two, and then you're left with a mostly-full can of tomato paste - wondering, "what can I make with tomato paste?" If so, this post is for you.

This post is a collection of recipes to give you some ideas on uses for your leftover tomato paste.

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Some recipes in the collection use a little tomato paste, and some use a lot.

We've got soups and stews, sauces, main dishes, and even a drink category!

I love using tomato paste in recipes because it's a one-ingredient canned food that has is just tomatoes. It's concentrated and you get a really rich flavor when you use it in recipes.

Pro Tip (not on the list): If you ever have leftover tomato paste and you're not sure what to do with it, you can ALWAYS freeze it in one tablespoon scoops in an ice cube tray for later. This way you'll be able to easily grab it when you need it and add it to any recipe you think needs a little extra tomato flavor.

Soups and Stews that use tomato paste

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Sauces that use tomato paste

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5 Minute Pizza Sauce from Scratch to Basics - This pizza sauce recipe uses tomato paste as a base and is seasoned with simple ingredients for an extremely flavorful red sauce that requires no cooking, just dump and mix. Tomato paste used: 12 oz

Easy Spaghetti Sauce from Holmes Cooks - Classic Spaghetti sauce, as easy as it is delicious! Tomato paste used: 12 oz

Easy Red Enchilada Sauce from Scratch to Basics - Make this homemade enchilada sauce in minutes, with simple ingredients from your pantry. This easy enchilada sauce recipe is made with tomato paste and always gets “Mmmmmms” when we make it for friends or family. Tomato paste used: 12 oz (2 x 6oz cans)

Keto Marinara Pasta Sauce from Low Carb Yum - Whipping up your own Marinara Sauce is a cinch to make, even when tomatoes are not in season. Canned tomatoes and tomato paste plus garlic and basil would create a rich and creamy pasta sauce in just 35 minutes of cook time. Tomato paste used: 1 Tbsp

No Cook Honey Barbecue Sauce from Scratch to Basics - This sauce is a perfectly balanced combination of tangy and sweet. And, it only takes 5 minutes to make! Tomato paste used: 6 oz can

Main Dishes that use tomato paste

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Ground Beef and Cabbage from The Yummy Bowl - This Ground Beef and Cabbage is an easy budget friendly one-pot ground beef cabbage recipe that is loaded with flavor. It is a quick dinner that is gluten-free and also dairy-free. From start to finish, you can have this healthy quick and easy meal ready in under 30 minutes! Tomato paste used: 3 Tbsp

Keto Tikka Masala from Cassidys Craveable Creations - This Keto Tikka Masala recipe is a simple one-pan meal that has perfectly tender chicken covered in a creamy, flavor-packed sauce that rivals the restaurant variety. Plus, it's easy to make and can even be made dairy-free & paleo! Tomato paste used: 4 Tbsp

Instant Pot Peanut Butter Chicken from Recipes from a Pantry - Dump and Start Instant Pot African Cinnamon Peanut Butter Chicken is a warm, fragrant and oh-so-comforting dish. If you like peanuts and chicken, you will absolutely love the traditional African flavor combinations in this quick and easy recipe. Tomato paste used: 1 Tbsp

Instant Pot Ontario Pulled Pork from Maritime Glutton - A delicious, simple and unique on pulled pork made famous by Ontario Pork! New and improved to be made in the slow cooker in under an hour. Tomato paste used: ¼ Cup

Turkey and Spinach in Marinara from Food Love - A deceptively healthy alternative to traditional spaghetti and meatballs; savory, comforting, and packed with veggies. Tomato paste used: 6 oz can

Taco Lettuce Wraps from Kathryn's Kitchen - These healthy Taco Lettuce Wraps make a delicious dinner on any night! Made with taco seasoned ground turkey meat and all of the classic taco toppings! These wraps are also keto-friendly and low-carb! Tomato paste used: ½ Tbsp

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta from Always Use Butter - Done in just 20 minutes this is an addictive flavor combo of crème fraîche, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, paprika & oregano - achieved with pantry staple dried herbs & minimal prep. Tomato paste used: 2 Tbsp

A drink recipe

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Homemade Bloody Mary Mix from The Art of Food and Wine - Our Homemade Bloody Mary Mix is easy to make and so much healthier than the store bought version. The taste is rich due to using tomato paste and spices. Tomato paste used: 6 oz can

A few tips

Here are a few tips I've learned from creating recipes for the last five years.

Tomato paste adds "umami" flavor

When you're cooking and something just isn't tasting quite right, consider adding a bit of tomato paste. The depth and richness of the flavor of tomato paste can make a world of difference.

Anytime a recipe calls for tomato sauce, you can swap tomato paste + water

This tip is part of my larger scheme to get you more confident in the kitchen, and willing to go "off-recipe" (kind of like off-roading in your jeep) to explore and have fun creating dishes of your own in the kitchen. When you have a recipe (pizza sauce, or tomato soup, for example) and the recipe calls for tomato sauce...you can ALWAYS swap out the sauce for tomato paste. Just add a little water and salt.

Consider making your own tomato powder

I haven't tried this yet, but I'm so excited to...turn the oven on low and spread your tomato paste across a cookie sheet. Bake it (dehydrate it) until all the moisture is gone. Then store it in your spice drawer to add a tomato flavor to any dish.

Decisions, Decisions...

Now that you've discovered a few (or more) new recipes to use up tomato paste...which one are you going to try first? Comment below and let me know!

Pin this post for later!

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22 Delicious Tomato Paste Recipes For Your Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

How do you make tomato paste more flavorful? ›

The lack of extraneous liquid makes tomato paste a natural addition to any tomato sauce. Consider browning it in the skillet, after the onions and along with such quick-cooking aromatics as garlic and red pepper flakes, for additional flavor development, such as in this Penne With Tomato Cream Sauce.

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What is the best way to use tomato paste? ›

Stirring some caramelized tomato paste into to chilis, sautéed vegetables, braised meats, soups, and sauces adds tons of savoriness, and ups the complexity factor in a big way. You can also add it to marinades for some color or mix some into your classic pizza sauce for a change of pace.

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How to make 1 cup of tomato sauce from tomato paste? ›

Mix together 1 part tomato paste and 1 part water until well blended. Then, season your "sauce" to taste. Tomato sauce is typically seasoned with herbs, garlic, and onion. You may even find the sauce benefits from a drizzle of olive oil or a pinch of sugar.

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How long does tomato paste last in the fridge? ›

Tomato paste lasts in the fridge for five to seven days in a covered glass or plastic container. When stored in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag, tomato paste will maintain its best quality for three to four months in the freezer and remain safe to consume after this time.

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What spices can you add to tomato paste? ›

Spice it up

If you're using a plain tomato (marinara) sauce, stir in seasonings to add extra flavor. Red pepper flakes, dehydrated or fresh garlic, dried oregano, parsley, or basil, or an Italian seasoning blend are all good options.

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Should you add sugar to tomato paste? ›

Most tomato sauce recipes are based on canned tomatoes, and canning companies carefully regulate the pH level of their products. So, the need to add sugar to tomato sauce is declining, but there may still be exceptions. It's best to make your sauce without sugar at first, then taste it and add a pinch if necessary.

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What cancels out tomato paste? ›

For every 1 tablespoon of tomato paste needed, use 3 tablespoons of tomato puree or sauce. Add the puree or sauce in place of the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, until the puree or sauce has reduced and thickened.

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What does tomato paste do to your body? ›

serving of tomato paste contains just 13 calories and no fat, meaning it is not likely to contribute to weight gain. It also provides 244 international units of vitamin A, which is important to eye sight health, reproduction and fetal development.

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Do you add water to tomato paste to make tomato sauce? ›

Because tomato paste is a concentrated form of tomato puree, you can dilute it to the consistency of tomato sauce without much fuss. Adding one cup of water to three-quarters of a cup of tomato paste will result in a tomato base with the same texture and thickness as tomato sauce (after some brisk stirring).

How to caramelize tomato paste? ›

First, caramelize it

When you're cooking with tomato paste, no matter what you're making, it's a good practice to sauté the tomato paste in oil or another type of fat for 30 seconds to a couple minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and scorching.

How many tomatoes does it take to make a 6 oz can of tomato paste? ›

Blend a can of tomatoes in a food processor or blender until smooth, pour the mixture into a saucepan, and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and reduced by about two-thirds. A 14.5-ounce can of tomatoes should yield about 2/3 cup (6 ounces) of tomato paste.

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Why is my tomato paste turning black? ›

However, it might not taste as good as a new paste. Color: If tomato puree is exposed to air, it will turn black. This indicates deteriorating components. Sticky: If the paste is sticky, the jar's seal was compromised, and the paste's constituents have deteriorated.

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How do you increase the shelf life of tomato paste? ›

Extending the Shelf Life

Once the package has been opened, fold it to eliminate any extra air and store it in the refrigerator to keep the paste airtight. This keeps the paste's quality high and lengthens its shelf life by several weeks. Keep in mind that it's crucial to keep your tomato paste cool and sealed.

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How do you store tomato paste for longer? ›

Start by sterilising an airtight jar and then let it dry completely - the idea is to avoid moisture as much as possible. Once the jar is ready, add the tomato paste, drizzle some olive oil, and refrigerate. Make sure you add the paste to the container once it cools down completely.

What brings out tomato flavour? ›

Well, if you really want to amp up the taste of your tomatoes, cream of tartar is your answer. Yes, there are other ways to make your tomatoes taste even better and increase the acidity. There is lemon, vinegar, or my personal favorite, balsamic.

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How do you take the bitterness out of tomato paste? ›

Add Some Baking Soda

If your tomato sauce is too acidic and verging on bitter, turn to baking soda, not sugar. Yes, sugar might make the sauce taste better, but good old baking soda is an alkaline that will help balance the excess acid. A little pinch should do the trick.

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What can I add to tomato paste for sauce? ›

Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the tomato paste, water, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf. Bring to a low boil, then lower the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.

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