Sauce | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Low Calorie

Tomato Sauce

Solanum lycopersicum Allergen-Free
tomato sauce

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Solanaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean, Global
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Tomatoes

The Forktionary Angle

"The foundational sauce that defines countless comfort foods."

Definition

A thick, flavorful liquid made from cooked tomatoes, often seasoned, used as a base for many dishes.

Sensory Profile

TasteTangy, Umami, Sweet, Savory
TextureViscous, Smooth, Thick
AromaEarthy, Fruity, Herbal (if seasoned)
AcidityMedium-High

Technical Metrics

Key Nutrient

Lycopene (antioxidant)

Primary Usage

Pasta, Pizza, Braises, Soups

Shelf Life (Unopened Canned)

12-18 months

Nutrition Facts

Per 125 g (1/2 cup)
Calories32 kcal
Total Fat0.2 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein1.5 g
Total Carbohydrate7 g
Dietary Fiber1.6 g
Total Sugars4.8 g
Calcium24 mg
Iron0.5 mg
Potassium271 mg

Chef’s Secret

To deepen the flavor of tomato sauce, simmer it for at least 30 minutes, or even longer on low heat. A pinch of baking soda can cut acidity.

Substitutions

Best Match

Canned Crushed Tomatoes

1:1

Best substitute for flavor and texture, may need blending for smoother consistency.

Canned Diced Tomatoes (blended)

1:1

Can be blended to achieve sauce consistency, good for base.

Tomato Paste (diluted)

1 part paste to 1 part water/broth

Intense tomato flavor, but very thick. Needs dilution, good for richness.

Ketchup

1:1 (for quick fix)

Sweet and tangy, but has a distinct flavor profile not suitable for all dishes. Best for certain baked beans or BBQ.

Buying Guide

Check for low sodium options. Look for minimal added sugars or artificial ingredients.

Flavor Pairings

Basil Oregano Garlic Onion Meatballs Pasta Cheese Bell Peppers.

Recipes Using Tomato Sauce

Equipment Wild Game 15 Minutes Or Less Lunch

Wild Game Moose Sloppy Joes

Experience the rich, savory flavor of the wild with our Wild Game Moose Sloppy Joes! This hearty recipe transforms tender moose meat into a mouthwatering, slow-simmered sloppy joe filling perfect for a cozy night in. Easily adaptable to venison or red deer, this recipe is a hunter's delight and a guaranteed family favorite. Freezer-friendly for easy meal prep!

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Easy Easy 30 Minutes Or Less Soups Stews

8 Can Taco Soup

Craving Taco Soup? This ridiculously easy recipe is ready in under 30 minutes! Simply combine 8 cans of your favorite ingredients (we've provided suggestions!), a little taco seasoning, and you've got a flavor-packed meal the whole family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights!

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Main Ingredient Low In Something 3 Steps Or Less 60 Minutes Or Less

Almost Cabbage Rolls

Craving comfort food but short on time and energy? This 'Almost Cabbage Rolls' recipe is your ultimate weeknight savior! Skip the fuss of individual wrapping and enjoy all the delicious flavors of cabbage rolls in a single pot. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty, satisfying meal without the elaborate prep.

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Low In Something Northeastern United States Beef North American

Amish Chili

Discover this heartwarming Amish Chili recipe, unearthed from a treasured collection of quilters' favorite recipes! This hearty and flavorful chili is perfect for a cozy night in. Simple ingredients combine to create a rich and satisfying taste the whole family will love.

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Low Calorie Technique Low Protein 15 Minutes Or Less

Apple Butter Bbq Sauce

Elevate your grilling game with this easy 5-ingredient Apple Butter BBQ Sauce! Inspired by "5-Ingredient Grilling," this sweet and savory sauce is perfect for ribs, pork chops, chicken, or anything that needs a flavor boost. Ready in just 12 minutes, it's the perfect shortcut to incredible BBQ flavor.

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Low Saturated Fat Green Yellow Beans African Low Calorie

Arabic Green Beans With Beef

Experience the vibrant flavors of the Middle East with this aromatic Arabic Green Beans with Beef recipe! Tender beef slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce with crisp green beans, fragrant allspice, and a hint of spice. Easily customizable to your preferred spice level – add garlic or red pepper flakes for extra heat! This hearty and satisfying dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Stews Course Main Dish Healthy 2

Aurora's Hungarian Goulash

Craving a comforting, flavorful goulash in just 20 minutes? This quick recipe delivers a hearty, North American-style Hungarian Goulash—perfect for a weeknight dinner. Note: This is a simplified version, different from traditional Hungarian goulash.

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One Dish Meal Casseroles Cuisine Italian

Baked Manicotti With Pepperoni Meat Sauce

Craving a comforting, cheesy, and incredibly flavorful dinner? This Baked Manicotti with Pepperoni Meat Sauce recipe is your answer! Using convenient no-boil lasagna noodles, this recipe is surprisingly quick and easy, perfect for busy weeknights. Adapted from Cook's Country TV and perfected for family enjoyment, this dish is guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Get ready for a taste of pure Italian-American deliciousness!

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Course Main Dish Main Ingredient To Go

Barbecued Apricot Hot Dogs

Sweet and savory perfection! This incredibly flavorful Barbecued Apricot Hot Dog recipe is perfect for lunch, dinner, appetizers, or your next potluck. The slow-cooked apricot BBQ sauce adds a unique twist to classic hot dogs, creating a dish that's both surprisingly sophisticated and easy to make. Impress your friends and family with this crowd-pleasing recipe!

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Preparation Occasion Stove Top One Dish Meal

Basic Beef Stew

Conquer your craving for comfort food with this unbelievably flavorful Basic Beef Stew! Forget lengthy simmering – our pressure cooker method delivers tender beef and melt-in-your-mouth vegetables in under an hour. This isn't your grandma's stew (though she'd probably love it too!). A hearty, classic English-style stew featuring root vegetables and peas, perfected for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy weekend gathering. Get ready for rich, savory deliciousness!

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Course One Dish Meal 4 Hours Or Less Dietary

Bean And Cornbread Casserole Crock Pot

This hearty and flavorful Bean & Cornbread Casserole, inspired by our rivals, is slow-cooked to perfection in your crock-pot! Enjoy tender beans in a rich tomato sauce, topped with a fluffy, golden cornbread. A crowd-pleasing dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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Dietary Preparation One Dish Meal Time To Make

Beef Biscuit Casserole

Comfort food at its finest! This easy Beef Biscuit Casserole recipe, inspired by the Farmers' Almanac, is a hearty and cheesy delight. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this simple recipe features juicy ground beef, savory tomato sauce, and fluffy biscuits topped with melted cheese. Get ready for a taste of pure deliciousness!

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Main Dish Time To Make 3 Steps Or Less Ground Beef

Beef And Black Bean Chili With Green Onion Corn Cakes

This hearty and flavorful Beef & Black Bean Chili is a Rachel Ray-inspired recipe, perfect for a cozy night in! We've halved the beef for a lighter version, but the rich chili flavor remains. Simmer it for 45 minutes for ultimate depth (or less if you're short on time!). Enjoy it on its own or with our crispy, savory green onion corn cakes – the perfect complement to scoop up every delicious bite! This recipe is easily customizable to your spice preference.

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American Taste Mood American Main Ingredient

Beef Barley Veggy Soup Crock Pot

Warm up with this hearty and delicious Beef Barley Veggie Soup, slow-cooked to perfection in your crockpot! Bursting with tender beef, barley, and colorful vegetables, this comforting soup is a complete meal in itself. Serve with crusty bread for dipping and enjoy a flavorful, satisfying experience. Freezes beautifully for easy weeknight meals.

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Course Easy Beef Scottish

Beef Noodle Bake

A hearty and comforting Beef Noodle Bake, passed down through generations in Scotland! This classic recipe features tender beef, creamy tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles, all baked to golden perfection. Get ready for a taste of Scotland in your kitchen!

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One Dish Meal Main Ingredient Preparation Stove Top

Beef Stew With Cinnamon Including Crock Pot Version

Experience the rich, warming flavors of this incredible beef stew, perfected for both stovetop and slow cooker methods! This recipe infuses tender beef with aromatic cinnamon and an array of vegetables for a comforting meal perfect for chilly evenings. Choose your cooking adventure: a quick stovetop version or a set-it-and-forget-it crock-pot option.

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Main Dish Stews Beef 4 Hours Or Less

Beef Stew With Mustard Dumplings

A hearty and flavorful beef stew, simmered to perfection and topped with fluffy mustard dumplings. This recipe, inspired by Penzeys Spices, is a comforting classic perfect for a chilly evening. The rich beef stew is enhanced with aromatic herbs and spices, while the subtly tangy mustard dumplings add a delightful textural contrast. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Main Ingredient

Spicy Island Shrimp

Escape to the Caribbean with this fiery shrimp recipe, straight from the sun-kissed shores of St. Croix! Succulent shrimp are simmered in a vibrant tomato sauce with a kick, creating a dish that's both flavorful and easy to make. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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