32 Recipes to Make with Just a Little Bit of Tomato Paste (2024)

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32 Recipes to Make with Just a Little Bit of Tomato Paste (1)Katie BandurskiUpdated: Oct. 11, 2023

    Try one of these tomato paste recipes that call for 1/4 cup (or less).

    Italian Joes on Texas Toast

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    Taste of Home

    This is toasty-good for a weeknight on the go. If you double the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, meat and wine, you'll have enough sauce to freeze. —Ashley Armstrong, Kingsland, Georgia

    Amount of tomato paste needed:1/4 cup

    Easy Slow-Cooker Chicken Ropa Vieja

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    When discussing various methods of cooking ropas, a friend of mine told me her sister adds apple juice. I thought a Granny Smith apple might give the dish an extra kick—and it does. The ropas may also be served with hominy or tortillas, but I think the plantains add a special touch. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

    Amount of tomato paste needed:2 Tbsp.

    Slow-Cooker Pizza Dip

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    I created this dip for my daughter's pizza-themed birthday party. It was an instant hit and I've continued to take it along to other gatherings. Everyone loves it! —Stephanie Gates, Waterloo, Iowa

    Amount of tomato paste needed:2 Tbsp.

    Tomato-Basil Pull-Apart Rolls

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    My nephew helped me create these soft and colorful rolls. He named them “wheelies” because the spiral shapes reminded him of his toy trucks. —Dianna Wara, Washington, Illinois

    Amount of tomato paste needed:1/4 cup

    Don’t have as much as you thought? Find a substitute for tomato paste.

    Chicken Butternut Chili

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    At our house, we just love a good comforting, hearty, tomato-based chili with bold flavors! This unique chili is loaded with veggies and flavor. You can also prepare the recipe in the slow cooker. Just add ingredients to the crock and cook over high heat for about 4 hours. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

    Amount of tomato paste needed: 2 Tbsp.

    West African Shrimp

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    My girls have always loved seafood, so I invented a shrimp dish with coconut milk and ginger. They raved; I was delighted. It's great with jasmine rice. —Sharon Scaletta, Johnstown, Pennsylvania

    Amount of tomato paste needed:2 Tbsp.

    Mushroom Hunter's Sauce

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    Taste of Home

    Hunter sauce is a rich brown sauce with an accent of tomato. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

    Amount of tomato paste needed:3 Tbsp.

    Tomato-Garlic Lentil Bowls

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    An Ethiopian recipe inspired this feel-good dinner that's tangy, creamy and packed with hearty comfort. —Rachael Cushing, Portland, Oregon

    Amount of tomato paste needed:3 Tbsp.

    Amount of tomato paste needed:2 tsp.

    Tomato-Orange Soup

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    TMB studio

    Who knew orange and tomato were such a good pair? Whenever I serve this, I keep the recipe handy for requests. —Barbara Wood, St. John’s, Newfoundland

    Amount of tomato paste needed:2 Tbsp.

    Smoky Quinoa with Mushrooms

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    Add quinoa cooked with smoked paprika to your list of top sides. To warm the spinach leaves, quickly saute if desired. —Ellen Kanner, Miami, Florida

    Amount of tomato paste needed:3 Tbsp.

    Old-Fashioned Coney Hot Dog Sauce

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    Taste of Home

    Camping and hot dogs go hand in hand. Roast some up over the fire, then top with this irresistible one-pot sauce. —Loriann Cargill Bustos, Phoenix, Arizona

    Amount of tomato paste needed:2 Tbsp.

    Pasta fa*gioli al Forno

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    The name of this Italian-inspired dish means "baked pasta with beans." But my busy family translates it as "super satisfying dinner." —Cindy Preller, Grayslake, Illinois

    Amount of tomato paste needed:2 Tbsp.

    Garden Vegetable Beef Soup

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    This soup is my go-to healthy lunch option. It's a great way to eat my vegetables, and it's so comforting during the cold winter months. —Dawn Donald, Herron, Michigan

    Amount of tomato paste needed:1/4 cup

    Moroccan Pot Roast

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    My husband loves meat and I love veggies, so we're both happy with this spicy twist on beefy pot roast. With garbanzo beans, eggplant, honey and mint, it's like something you'd eat at a Marrakesh bazaar. —Catherine Dempsey, Clifton Park, New York

    Amount of tomato paste needed:2 Tbsp.

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    While I don't enjoy drinking beer, I love cooking with it. This quick recipe also goes great on plain hamburger buns with a side of slaw. —Renee Herrington, Plano, Texas

    Amount of tomato paste needed:1/4 cup

    Butternut Squash Chili

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    Add butternut squash to chili for a tasty, filling, energy-packed dish your whole family will love. Mine does! —Jeanne Larson, Mission Viejo, California

    Amount of tomato paste needed:3 Tbsp.

    Corn Okra Creole

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    This dish is representative of my area of the country, and particularly the Texas-Louisiana border. The okra, corn and Creole seasonings are all popular here. —Ruth Aubey, San Antonio, Texas

    Amount of tomato paste needed:1 Tbsp.

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    Taste of Home

    With a tomato-y meat sauce and tangy goat cheese, this weeknight wonder is my version of comfort food. You want to have bowl after bowl. —Lizzie Munro, Brooklyn, New York

    Amount of tomato paste needed:1/4 cup

    Roasted Eggplant Spread

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    TMB studio

    Black pepper and garlic perk up this out-of-the-ordinary spread that hits the spot on a crisp cracker or toasted bread slice. —Barbara McCalley, Allison Park, Pennsylvania.

    Amount of tomato paste needed:1 Tbsp.

    Savory Tomato-Braised Tilapia

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    I shared this recipe with my bunco group and now one of my friends makes it all the time. I think that's the perfect testament to just how good this dish is. —Nancy Shively, Shorewood, Illinois

    Amount of tomato paste needed:1/4 cup

    Zucchini Salsa

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    I received this recipe through a friend at a weight loss group. I make at least eight batches of the salsa every year. It's truly a hit with family and friends! —Cheryl Jacobsen, Warburg, Alberta

    Amount of tomato paste needed:2 Tbsp.

    Sweet 'n' Sour Ribs

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    If you're looking for a change from typical barbecue ribs, you'll enjoy this recipe my mom always prepared on birthdays and special occasions. The tender ribs have a slight sweet-and-sour taste that my family loves. I usually serve them with garlic mashed potatoes and a salad or coleslaw. —Dorothy Voelz, Champaign, Illinois

    Amount of tomato paste needed:1/4 cup

    Slow-Cooked Chicken Enchilada Soup

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    This soup delivers a big bowl of fresh comfort—just ask my husband. Toppings like avocado, sour cream and tortilla strips are a must. —Heather Sewell, Harrisonville, Missouri

    Amount of tomato paste needed:2 Tbsp.

    Blushing Penne Pasta

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    I reworked this recipe from an original that called for vodka and heavy whipping cream. My friends and family had a hard time believing a sauce this rich, flavorful and creamy could be light. —Margaret Wilson, Hemet, California

    Amount of tomato paste needed:1 Tbsp.

    Hungarian Goulash

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    Taste of Home

    Talk about your heirloom recipes! My grandmother made this Hungarian goulash recipe for my mother when she was a child, and then Mom made it for us to enjoy. Paprika and caraway add wonderful flavor, and sour cream gives it a creamy richness. It’s simply scrumptious! —Marcia Doyle, Pompano, Florida

    Amount of tomato paste needed:2 Tbsp.

    Slow-Cooked Moroccan Chicken

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    Herbs and spices really work their magic on plain chicken in this dish, and the dried fruit adds an exotic touch. —Kathy Morgan, Ridgefield, Washington

    Amount of tomato paste needed:1/4 cup

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    Taste of Home

    I love to have my daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren over for this supper. They make me so happy with their compliments or just by going to fill up their bowls again. It's a good-for-you hit. —Pam Corder, Monroe, Louisiana

    Amount of tomato paste needed:1/4 cup

    Slow-Cooker Sweet-and-Sour Pork

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    Taste of Home

    Chinese food is a big temptation for us, so I lightened up a favorite takeout dish. As the pork cooks, the aroma is beyond mouthwatering. —Elyse Ellis, Layton, Utah

    Amount of tomato paste needed:3 Tbsp.

    Best Lasagna Soup

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    All the traditional flavors of lasagna come together in this heartwarming bowl of comfort. —Sheryl Olenick, Demarest, New Jersey

    Amount of tomato paste needed:1/4 cup

    Chicken Penne Casserole

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    This is my family’s favorite every week or two and we never tire of it. I like that I can put it together and relax while it bakes. —Carmen Vanosch, Vernon, British Columbia

    Amount of tomato paste needed:3 Tbsp.

    Slow-Cooker Short Ribs

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    These slow-cooker short ribs are an easy alternative to traditionally braised short ribs—you don't need to pay any attention to them once you get them in the slow cooker. (That makes it my favorite beef short ribs recipe!) —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas

    Amount of tomato paste needed:1 Tbsp.

    Originally Published: August 14, 2018

    32 Recipes to Make with Just a Little Bit of Tomato Paste (33)

    Katie Bandurski

    As Senior Shopping Editor, Katie connects Taste of Home readers with the best gifts, deals and home products on the market. An avid foodie and a holiday enthusiast, Katie is an expert at cultivating meaningful moments.When she’s out of the office, you’ll find her exploring Wisconsin, trying out new vegetarian recipes and watching Christmas movies.

    32 Recipes to Make with Just a Little Bit of Tomato Paste (2024)

    FAQs

    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.

    Can you make sauce with just tomato paste? ›

    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).

    What can I use if I don't have enough tomato paste? ›

    How to Substitute Tomato Sauce or Puree for Tomato Paste. You don't have to dash out to the store if you're out of tomato paste; tomato sauce and tomato puree are both an excellent substitute. For every 1 tablespoon of tomato paste needed, use 3 tablespoons of tomato puree or sauce.

    Can you just eat tomato paste? ›

    Can you eat tomato paste without cooking it? Yes you can.

    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.

    How do you eat tomato paste every day? ›

    What are ways to eat tomato paste other than in a sauce? - Quora. Use it as a base for seafood, beef, pork, rice or almost anything. In nearly any recipe that calls for sauteeing onions, garlic,leeks, shallots and similar things,add a few tbsps of tomato paste.

    What is the difference between tomato paste and tomato paste? ›

    Both tomato puree and tomato paste are essential ingredients, but they differ in how they are made and used. Tomato puree is a blended form of tomatoes offering a milder taste resembling fresh tomatoes, while tomato paste is concentrated tomatoes with a sweeter and richer flavor.

    How much tomato paste equals tomato sauce? ›

    To substitute tomato sauce for tomato paste, use a 3:1 ratio. For example, for a recipe that calls for one teaspoon of tomato paste, use three teaspoons of tomato sauce. This substitution works well in most recipes, including soups and sauces.

    How long does tomato paste last in the fridge? ›

    Once opened, tomato paste should be used within 5 to 7 days if refrigerated. The presence of mold, an off smell, or a significant change in color indicates spoilage, and the tomato paste should not be consumed.

    How to make tomato sauce out of tomato paste and tomatoes? ›

    Put tomato pulp in a low wide saucepan over high heat. Add salt, olive oil, tomato paste, garlic, basil and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a brisk simmer. Reduce the sauce by almost half, stirring occasionally, to produce about 2½ cups medium-thick sauce, 10 to 15 minutes.

    What cancels out tomato paste taste? ›

    Yes, if you prefer not to use sugar, you can try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of baking soda to counteract the tomato taste. The acidity in balsamic vinegar can help balance out the flavors, while the baking soda can help neutralize the acidic taste of tomatoes.

    Can ketchup replace tomato paste? ›

    Yep, ketchup makes a surprisingly adequate tomato paste alternative! Since ketchup is already quite concentrated, you can substitute from the bottle using a 1:1 ratio (if your recipe calls for one tablespoon of tomato paste, use one tablespoon of ketchup).

    Is it necessary to use tomato paste? ›

    It's a little umami hand grenade of flavor that also helps to increase the viscosity of your sauce. Tomato sauce made without tomato paste will be thin and lack the depth of flavor of one made with.

    How long can you keep tomato paste after opening? ›

    It's important to check the expiration date printed on the can or tube. Opened Tomato Paste:Once opened, tomato paste should be refrigerated. It can last for about 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator.

    What to do with leftover tomato puree? ›

    Tomato purée can easily be used as a base for sauces, as well as in soups and in bakes. Squeeze out that tube, and find out how to use your leftover tomato purée to make a variety of dishes. Tomato sauce for pizza. Fry 1⁄4 onion, finely chopped, in 3 tbsp olive oil until soft.

    Should you cook down tomato paste? ›

    That one little step eliminates the tinny I-came-from-a-can-or-tube flavor. If you cook the paste until it caramelizes, going from a bright red to a deeper, browner brick red, you'll caramelize the sugars and intensify the flavors even more.

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