14 Recipes That Use Tomato Paste (Whether You Have a Little or a Lot to Use Up)
Ready to finish that can or tube? We’ve rounded up the best recipes that use a lot of tomato paste—or just a few tablespoons. From cozy beef stew and pot roast to gourmet seafood entrées, these recipes that use tomato paste are destined to become your new favorite dinners.
Chicken Mole Tostadas
Tomato paste used: ⅓ cup
Ask any Mexican cook, “how do you make mole?” You’ll realize that mole can be made in countless different ways. For this recipe that uses a lot of tomato paste, we feature that ingredient, plus chile peppers, diced tomatoes, toasted almonds, onion, garlic, coriander, salt, cinnamon, and bittersweet chocolate. (Trust the process!) Those final two warming and sweet elements really accentuate the umami tomatoes and chicken. Once you’ve tried the chicken mole tostada-style, give it a go in tacos, enchiladas, burrito bowls, and tortas.
One-Pot Giardiniera-Pepperoni Pasta
Tomato paste used: 2 tablespoons
We can’t be the only ones who stocked up on giardiniera to cure a huge craving for a fully-loaded Italian beef sandwich after watching The Bear. A generous scoop of those pickled veggies perks up this one-pot recipe that uses tomato paste, pizza sauce, pepperoni, your favorite short-cut pasta, and three varieties of cheese. While this looks and tastes like it took all afternoon, the simple dinner idea only requires 20 minutes of hands-on time.
Oven Beef and Barley Stew
Tomato paste used: 3 tablespoons
Make it on your stovetop and oven, in a slow cooker, or in an Instant Pot; just be sure to make this recipe that uses tomato paste. BH&G home cooks who have given this comfort food stew a shot deem it worthy of five stars, thanks to its heartiness and layers of flavor. While the beef braises with the barley and tomato sauce, roast the vegetables and croutons. Then just assemble that all in one bowl and dive in.
Broiled Swordfish with Oven-Roasted Tomato Sauce
Tomato paste used: 2 tablespoons
Here’s a Test Kitchen trick you can use for any fresh tomato sauce: amp up the flavor with a spoonful or two of tomato paste. In a matter of seconds, you have something that tastes slow-cooked yet fresh from the garden all at once. Fresh Roma tomatoes and fresh rosemary star in this blender tomato paste recipe, which tastes incredible over broiled fish, baked chicken, grilled steak, or any protein you prefer.
Related: 18 Healthy Fish & Seafood Recipes You'll Want to Add to Your Menu ASAP
Pomegranate Pot Roast
Tomato paste used: ¼ cup
After whipping up this pot roast recipe that uses tomato paste, pomegranate juice, and beef broth in the braising liquid, one BH&G home cook says, “this was EXCELLENT. Everyone in my family enjoyed it. I will make this again and would consider making this for entertaining.” Be sure to pair it with your favorite form of spud (mashed, baked, smashed, or air-fried) or bread to help soak up every last drop of that savory sauce.
Chicken Cheeseburger Shepherd's Pie
Tomato paste used: a full 6-ounce can
Alongside mustard, pickles, and cheddar cheese, this fast food-inspired savory pie features a whole can of tomato paste (in lieu of the ketchup). That pantry staple along with some aromatic vegetables and herbs infuse this cozy casserole with so much flavor. Choose your own adventure with this recipe that uses a lot of tomato paste; it works well with ground chicken, turkey, beef, or plant-based “meat.”
Spiced-Beef Sloppy Joes
Team BH&G loves a good melting pot meal—and our readers write in to tell us frequently that they do, too. So for this ground beef recipe that uses tomato paste, we mash up one all-American concept, the sloppy joe, with some Indian flair. The fresh tomato- and tomato-paste-based sauce is peppered with peas and infused with warm and smoky flavors from cumin, garam masala, and ginger.
Bolognese Lasagna with Porcini-Ricotta Filling
Tomato paste used: a full 6-ounce can
Ready to impress? Turn to this recipe that uses a lot of tomato paste—we’re talking a full can of the versatile concentrate of summer’s garden MVP—that is worth every minute of effort. Sausage, beef, and pancetta or bacon team up with red wine, a blend of herbs, and tomato paste (of course) in the layers for this luscious lasagna. Stack that all with a silky porcini-Parmesan cream sauce for a 12-serving cheesy casserole that would make any Italian nonna proud.
Related: 14 Comfort Food Meals to Make for a Crowd for Brunch, Dinner, or Dessert
Hungarian Goulash
Tomato paste used: 3 tablespoons
Sautéed onions, bell pepper, and garlic set the scene, then seared beef chuck roast ups the ante. Then tomato paste, beef broth, and some spice cabinet staples (including sweet Hungarian paprika) join the party for a complex yet cozy sauce for homemade noodles. Now that you know what’s for dinner tonight, the only difficult decision is whether to pair it with egg noodles or spaetzle. Spoiler: You can’t go wrong!
Backyard Barbecue Ribs with Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sauce
Tomato paste used: 3 tablespoons
Smoked ribs are the perfect canvas for this unique barbecue sauce recipe that uses tomato paste. Sweet caramelized onions, brown sugar, ketchup, and Dr. Pepper soda meet tangy cider vinegar, savory Worcestershire sauce, and smoky ancho chiles in the tomato paste infused sauce. Brush it on the ribs for the final 5 to 15 minutes of cook time (so the sugar doesn’t burn), then serve the ribs with extra sauce on the side. You’re definitely going to want to drizzle on more!
Related: 3 Ways to Cook Baby Back Ribs to Tender Perfection
One-Pot Chicken and Shrimp Jambalaya
Tomato paste used: ⅓ cup
Jambalaya not your jam yet? The rice-based entrée has roots in France and Spain but is now firmly planted in the New Orleans culinary landscape. In addition to the rice, jambalaya features some protein (here, chicken thighs and shrimp), aromatic vegetables, and spices. To perk up the flavor and color, we call for a can of diced tomatoes, half a can of tomato paste, and the “holy trinity” of onions, celery, and bell pepper. Chicken broth and Cajun seasoning lend even more flavor.
Pizza Margherita
Tomato paste used: 2 tablespoons
Take a break from jarred marinara. With a homemade pizza recipe as simple and classic as a Margherita, we promise it’s worth the time and effort to make the sauce from scratch. And to do so, all you need is a can of crushed tomatoes, some fresh basil, garlic, and tomato paste. Then all that’s left to do is spread your dough with the red sauce recipe that uses tomato paste, top with fresh mozzarella, and bake until golden and bubbly. Just before serving, crown the pie with more fresh basil.
Pasta with Bolognese Sauce
Tomato paste used: a full 6-ounce can
With reviews like “5 stars, delicious and a hit” and “better than grandma’s (don’t tell her),” this is one of our Test Kitchen’s most popular classic Italian creations ever. A full can of tomato paste plus 4 cups of fresh or 2 cans of diced tomatoes, a pile of veggies, a pound of Italian sweet sausage, and a splash of red wine star. Finish with fresh herbs and a splash of cream and toss with your favorite cut of pasta. (We love spaghetti, pappardelle, rigatoni, penne, or tagliatelle.)
