Out of tomato puree? Same here—it happens. The good news is, there are seven super simple substitutes to keep your dish going. Crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and more can step in without a hitch.
We’ve tested them in soups, sauces, and even casseroles, and they work like a charm. Most of these are pantry staples you probably already have, ready to rescue your meal.
Stick with us as we break down these seven easy swaps for tomato puree. Making a delicious dish just got way less stressful!
6 Easy Substitutes for Tomato Puree
Here are our top seven picks for tomato puree substitutes. All of these can be used in a 1:1 ratio, so no complicated math needed.
1 – Tomato Sauce
This one substitute will save your recipe when tomato puree is missing. Tomato sauce works well and keeps flavors rich.
It’s smoother than crushed tomatoes but still brings that bold tomato taste. Use it in soups, pasta sauces, or casseroles without hesitation.
Replace tomato puree with an equal amount of tomato sauce. The 1:1 ratio makes it easy, no adjustments needed.
Need more options? Check out alternative tomato sauce substitutes for creative ideas.
2 – Crushed Tomatoes
If you’ve ever been stuck without tomato puree, crushed tomatoes are a solid option. They’re chunkier than puree, but they still bring all that tomato flavor to your recipe.
Use a 1:1 ratio, so no extra math is needed. Crushed tomatoes add a bit of texture to sauces and soups, which works in more rustic dishes. Blend them if you need something smoother.
They’re usually a mix of diced tomatoes and a thick sauce, so the flavor is consistent and bold. Keep them handy, especially for dishes that don’t need a silky finish.
3 – Canned Diced Tomatoes
If you’ve ever been stuck without tomato puree, canned diced tomatoes get the job done. They’re already chopped and sitting in their juices, so they’re ready to work.
Swap them in at a 1:1 ratio. The texture is chunkier, so they might need a quick blend if you want a smoother result. No extra steps needed after that.
These bring a fresh and bright tomato flavor. They work best in soups, sauces, or anything where a bit of texture isn’t a problem. Keep them on hand for quick fixes.
4 – Fresh Tomatoes (Blended)
It all started when we ran out of tomato puree, and fresh tomatoes stepped in! Blend them up, and you’ve got a smooth, versatile substitute. Use them at a 1:1 ratio. The flavor is bright and natural, but the texture depends on how well you blend.
Peel them if you want a smoother finish, or leave the skin for a more rustic vibe. Fresh tomatoes work best in sauces, soups, and curries where freshness matters. Just keep in mind that the water content is high, so simmer longer for thicker results.
This substitute works well with a little extra seasoning, like salt or sugar, to balance the acidity. They’re more work than cans, but the flavor reward is worth it if you already have them on hand.
5 – Tomato Paste (Thinned with Water)
If you’ve ever been stuck without tomato puree, thinned tomato paste has you covered. Mix 1 part paste with 2 parts water for a puree-like consistency. It’s thicker and richer than canned tomatoes, so it works great in sauces, stews, and recipes needing bold flavor.
We like it because it’s super convenient and shelf-stable. Adjust the water as you go to get the thickness you need. The flavor tends to be more concentrated, so it may require less seasoning.
This substitute is a quick fix for most recipes. Use it sparingly in soups since the thicker texture can dominate. For even more options, check out this guide on best tomato paste substitutes.
6 – Marinara Sauce
You’ll never believe how easy it is to swap marinara sauce for tomato puree. Use it straight from the jar, no mixing needed. It’s already perfectly seasoned, so go lighter on salt and herbs.
The texture is smoother than diced tomatoes but thicker than puree. Start with a 1:1 ratio, and tweak as needed for consistency. Marinara adds extra flavor with its garlic, onion, and spices, which works great in pasta or casseroles.
It’s not ideal for recipes requiring a neutral tomato base since it has added seasonings, but it still saves the day in a pinch. If marinara sauce isn’t on your shelf, check out this list of marinara sauce substitutes for more ideas.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.