Tomato Sauce

Solanum lycopersicum (main component) Sauce

Tomato Sauce Sauce

At a Glance

  • Category Sauce

The Forktionary Angle

"The foundational sauce that defines countless comfort foods."

Definition

A sauce made primarily from tomatoes, often seasoned with herbs, spices, and sometimes vegetables. A base for many dishes.

Key Nutrient Lycopene (antioxidant)
Primary Usage Pasta, Pizza, Braises, Soups
Shelf Life (Unopened Canned) 12-18 months

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Tomato Sauce are:

Tangy Sweet Umami Savory Acidic

Chef’s Secret

To deepen the flavor of canned tomato sauce, sauté it with a little olive oil, garlic, and onion before adding other liquids or ingredients. A pinch of sugar can balance acidity.

Best Substitutes

Crushed Tomatoes

- thicker, may need more seasoning
Ratio 1:1

Tomato Paste diluted

ratio paste to water/broth
Ratio 1:1

Marinara Sauce

- if flavor profile matches
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Read labels for added sugar or excessive sodium. Choose crushed or pureed tomatoes for a smoother texture.

Recipes Using Tomato Sauce

Stove Top Time To Make Taste Mood Cuisine

2 Alarm Chili

Recreate your favorite 2-Alarm Chili at home for a fraction of the cost! This copycat recipe captures all the bold flavor of that popular chili packet, but with fresh, customizable ingredients. Perfect for chili nights, game days, or any time you crave a hearty, spicy meal. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Seasonal Seasonal Comfort Food Course

Albers Tamale Pie Casserole

A savory twist on classic tamale pie! This comforting casserole features a creamy cornmeal crust and a hearty beef filling with corn, olives, and spices. Inspired by a recipe from Lois Morgan of Rocklin, this dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual get-together. Get ready for a flavorful explosion in every bite!

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Winter Main Ingredient One Dish Meal Cuisine

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.

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Main Ingredient European Time To Make Peppers

Angelina's Caponatina

This family recipe, passed down through generations, captures the essence of Sicilian sunshine. Angelina's Caponatina is a vibrant, flavorful eggplant relish perfect as an appetizer, pasta topping, omelet addition, or simply enjoyed with crackers. Imagine tender eggplant, sweet onions, briny olives, and a touch of sweetness and spice, all simmered to perfection. This versatile dish is easily made ahead, frozen for later, and is sure to become a family favorite! Learn how to make this classic Sicilian recipe and experience the culinary tradition that has spanned generations.

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Dietary North American 60 Minutes Or Less Free Of Something

Anytime Beef Casserole

This easy, 50-minute casserole tastes just like cannelloni, but skips the pasta for a lighter, faster weeknight meal! Enjoy a comforting, cheesy beef and spinach bake that's perfect for busy families. No pasta? No problem! This recipe delivers all the flavor without the fuss.

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Main Ingredient Pasta Rice And Grains Time To Make Preparation

Arroz Con Salchichas Vienna Sausages

A vibrant Puerto Rican recipe! This Arroz con Salchichas Vienesas is a flavorful rice dish cooked with savory Vienna sausages, creating a comforting and delicious meal. Served alongside tender red beans and sweet plantains for a complete and authentic Caribbean experience. Get ready for a taste of elboricua.com!

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Course Course Time To Make Beef

Aunt Becky's Porcupine Meatballs

A treasured family recipe passed down through generations! These hearty porcupine meatballs, simmered in a rich tomato sauce, are a comforting classic that's sure to become a family favorite. Tender meatballs, bursting with flavor, served over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice – pure comfort food perfection! Get ready for rave reviews!

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Pizza Sandwiches 60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make

Baked Pizza Sandwich

This recipe transforms your favorite pizza flavors into a comforting and surprisingly easy baked casserole! Layers of savory meat sauce, melty cheese, and fluffy pizza dough create a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or a fun weeknight treat. Get ready for a taste explosion in every bite!

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American Main Ingredient Southwestern United States Cuisine

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!

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Taste Mood Main Ingredient Main Dish Appetizers

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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Beans Main Ingredient Vegetarian Beans

Bbq Lentils

A flavorful and hearty BBQ lentil recipe, adapted from the Harrisburg Patriot food section (Dec 14th) and Rodale's Biggest Loser cookbook. This recipe delivers a delicious and satisfying meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner. We've tweaked the original recipe for faster cooking time—using red lentils for quicker results, while still maintaining that rich BBQ flavor. Get ready for tender lentils in a smoky, sweet, and tangy sauce!

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North American Low Cholesterol Low Protein Course

Beans 101 Beans And Cornbread

Experience the soul of the Southern US with this classic Beans and Cornbread recipe! This isn't your grandma's beans (unless your grandma's a culinary genius!). We're exploring the simple yet deeply satisfying traditions of preparing tender, flavorful beans, cooked to perfection. Learn variations from simmered-with-onion simplicity to the quick-boil method – both guaranteed to be delicious. Served alongside a side of buttery, crumbly cornbread, this hearty meal is a taste of Southern comfort food at its finest. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering.

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Pasta One Dish Meal Main Ingredient Main Dish

Beef Roni

Craving a comforting, flavorful dinner that won't keep you chained to the kitchen? This Beef Roni recipe is your weeknight lifesaver! Made with pantry staples and ready in under 40 minutes, it's a budget-friendly meal the whole family will love. This hearty pasta dish combines tender beef, rich tomato sauce, and cheesy goodness for a satisfying experience. Perfect with a side of crusty bread and a fresh salad!

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Ground Beef Taste Mood 60 Minutes Or Less Preparation

Beef And Tortilla Bake

Craving a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner? This Beef and Tortilla Bake is your weeknight hero! Savory seasoned beef, layered with creamy beans, zesty enchilada sauce, and crunchy tortilla chips, then baked to bubbly perfection. Top with a dollop of sour cream and guacamole for an extra-delicious touch. Ready in under an hour!

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Crock Pot Slow Cooker 4 Hours Or Less Preparation Beginner Cook

Bigfatmomma's Slow Cooked Meat Sauce

Craving a rich, hearty meat sauce bursting with flavor? This recipe skips the carrots and celery, focusing on pure, unadulterated meaty deliciousness! Perfect for pasta, lasagna, or spooning over your favorite dish. Get ready for a flavor explosion that'll have you coming back for more!

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Preparation Preparation Time To Make 30 Minutes Or Less

Cooking Light Sloppy Joes

Enjoy a healthier twist on a family favorite! These Cooking Light Sloppy Joes are packed with flavor, made with lean ground beef, and are surprisingly easy to make in just 30 minutes. Serve on whole wheat buns with a side of carrot sticks and vegetable chips for a complete and satisfying meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend lunch!

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Main Ingredient Inexpensive Meat Dietary

Goulash

Whip up this easy and quick 30-minute Goulash for a delicious weeknight meal! Perfect for busy schedules, this recipe delivers hearty flavors with minimal prep time. Satisfy your cravings with tender pasta, savory ground beef, and rich tomato sauce.

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Preparation Preparation Turkey Dietary

Noodle Free Lasagna

This family favorite recipe gets a protein-packed makeover! Perfect for those following a high-protein diet, this Noodle-Free Lasagna is bursting with flavor and surprisingly easy to make. Say goodbye to carb overload and hello to a satisfying, cheesy, and meaty meal that's ready in under an hour. Skip the noodles and enjoy the rich flavors of ground turkey, spinach, and creamy cottage cheese layered to perfection!

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