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

Seasonal Main Dish One Dish Meal Ham

1 Hour Ham And Bean Soup

Enjoy a hearty, homemade ham and bean soup in just one hour! This recipe skips the soaking time for dry beans, using canned beans for ultimate convenience. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying weekend lunch. Savory ham, tender vegetables, and a smooth, flavorful bean puree combine for a delicious soup the whole family will love.

See Complete Recipe
Lunch Brunch Main Ingredient Easy

Aloha Joes

A sweet and savory twist on the classic sloppy joe! This Hawaiian-inspired recipe, found in a vintage Kenny Rogers Roasters cookbook, combines juicy ground beef with tangy pineapple for a taste of the islands. Easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner, these Aloha Joes are guaranteed to be a family favorite.

See Complete Recipe
Dietary Winter Main Dish Preparation

Amys Lasagna Style Casserole

Craving lasagna but short on time? This quick and easy casserole delivers big on flavor! Italian sausage and pepperoni bring a fun pizza twist to this classic comfort food. Use your favorite jarred sauce or elevate the dish with my Grandma Shannon's incredible spaghetti sauce recipe (included!). Ready in under an hour – perfect for a weeknight meal.

See Complete Recipe
Main Dish Dietary Oven Course

Another Taco Casserole

Craving a comforting, kid-approved dinner that's ready in under 30 minutes? This quick and easy taco casserole is the answer! Loaded with seasoned beef, melty cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips, it's a family favorite that's sure to become a weeknight staple. Skip the long prep – this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort!

See Complete Recipe
Low Calorie Low In Something Low Protein Low Fat

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.

See Complete Recipe
Indian Number Of Servings Main Dish Preparation

Authentic Indian Chicken Curry

Unlock the secrets to a vibrant, flavorful Indian chicken curry! This fresca, saucy recipe is a family heirloom, passed down through generations. Unlike other generic curries, this recipe delivers a burst of authentic Indian spices and tender chicken, perfect for a weeknight meal. Serve with fluffy white rice or fragrant basmati for a truly unforgettable experience. Omit the butter for a healthier twist, without sacrificing any deliciousness! Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe.

See Complete Recipe
Easy North American Time To Make Cuisine

Authentic Mexican Tamale Pie

Skip the fuss, keep the flavor! This Authentic Mexican Tamale Pie is a delicious shortcut to your favorite tamale experience. A comforting casserole combining the best of two classic recipes (inspired by #191472 and #168006), this dish features a creamy cornmeal topping and a hearty chili filling. Made with finely ground cornmeal (or masa harina!), it's topped with a vibrant cilantro cream sauce (recipe #171578) for the perfect finishing touch. Get ready for a flavor explosion that's easy to make and impossible to resist!

See Complete Recipe
Spaghetti Course Dietary Pasta

Baked Spaghetti

This easy, make-ahead Baked Spaghetti recipe is a crowd-pleaser perfect for potlucks and busy weeknights! Prepare it the day before, pop it in the oven, and enjoy a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful pasta bake. This recipe travels well and tastes even better reheated – a true family favorite.

See Complete Recipe
30 Minutes Or Less Preparation Occasion Southwestern United States

Bakinbaby's Zucchini Summer Casserole

This quick and easy Zucchini Summer Casserole recipe, inspired by an old Country Living cookbook, is a family favorite! Savory ground beef, sweet corn, and vibrant bell peppers (or convenient Mexicorn!) combine with zucchini for a delicious and satisfying meal. A hint of cumin adds depth of flavor (easily omitted for picky eaters). Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is ready in under 30 minutes!

See Complete Recipe
Beginner Cook Dietary Weeknight Easy

Bankruptcy Beef Stew

This 'Bankruptcy Beef Stew' recipe is a testament to love, laughter, and resourcefulness! Perfect for busy couples (or anyone!), this thick and hearty stew is surprisingly budget-friendly and packed with flavor. We created this recipe while putting each other through college—chopping veggies and chatting became our quality time. The result? A comforting, flavorful stew that proves there's always a silver lining! Serve with crusty bread for a truly satisfying meal.

See Complete Recipe
Low In Something Preparation Lunch Sandwiches

Barbecue Burgers Mix

Fire up your taste buds with this family-favorite Barbecue Burgers Mix! My sister's secret recipe delivers juicy, flavorful burgers bursting with barbecue goodness. Easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a backyard barbecue.

See Complete Recipe
Stove Top Preparation Equipment Meat

Barbecue Skillet Pork Chops

Sizzle into summer with this easy, oven-free Barbecue Skillet Pork Chops recipe! Inspired by a local newspaper favorite, this tweaked version delivers juicy, tender pork chops swimming in a divine barbecue sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it's ready in under 2.5 hours and the leftovers are just as delicious cold! Serve over egg noodles with a side of broccoli for a complete and satisfying meal. Get ready for flavor explosions!

See Complete Recipe
Roast Beef Seasonal Main Dish Easy

Barbecued Pot Roast

Fall-off-the-bone tender pot roast, slow-cooked to perfection with a rich and smoky barbecue sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Impress your family and friends with this unforgettable flavor!

See Complete Recipe
Oven Ground Beef Beef Oven

Bbq Cheeseburger Bake

This easy BBQ cheeseburger bake is a family-friendly crowd-pleaser! Made with ground beef, your favorite BBQ sauce, and fluffy biscuits, this comforting casserole is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Prepare it ahead of time for a stress-free meal, or throw it together quickly for a satisfying dinner. Serve with a fresh salad for a complete and delicious meal.

See Complete Recipe
Preparation Course Dietary Preparation

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!

See Complete Recipe
Course North American Main Ingredient One Dish Meal

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.

See Complete Recipe
Main Dish Vegetarian Time To Make Main Ingredient

Spicy Black Eyed Peas And Rice

Whip up this flavorful Spicy Black Eyed Peas and Rice in just 15 minutes! A quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying weeknight dinner bursting with spicy flavor. Perfect for a busy week or a casual get-together.

See Complete Recipe
Preparation Vegetarian Preparation Pasta Rice And Grains

Vegan Veggie Lasagna

This vibrant and hearty Vegan Veggie Lasagna is packed with fresh vegetables and creamy tofu ricotta! A satisfying and healthy meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Made with layers of perfectly cooked lasagna noodles, a rich tomato sauce, and a delicious tofu-based filling, this lasagna is sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures in every bite! (Note: Use regular vegan lasagna noodles for the best results. No-bake noodles may not be vegan.)

See Complete Recipe