32 Recipes to Make with Just a Little Bit of Tomato Paste

Italian Joes on Texas Toast

This is toasty-good for a weeknight on the go. If you double the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, meat and wine, you'll have enough sauce to freeze. —Ashley Armstrong, Kingsland, Georgia

Amount of tomato paste needed: 1/4 cup

Easy Slow-Cooker Chicken Ropa Vieja

When discussing various methods of cooking ropas, a friend of mine told me her sister adds apple juice. I thought a Granny Smith apple might give the dish an extra kick—and it does. The ropas may also be served with hominy or tortillas, but I think the plantains add a special touch. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

Amount of tomato paste needed: 2 Tbsp.

Slow-Cooker Pizza Dip

I created this dip for my daughter's pizza-themed birthday party. It was an instant hit and I've continued to take it along to other gatherings. Everyone loves it! —Stephanie Gates, Waterloo, Iowa

Amount of tomato paste needed: 2 Tbsp.

Tomato-Basil Pull-Apart Rolls

My nephew helped me create these soft and colorful rolls. He named them “wheelies” because the spiral shapes reminded him of his toy trucks. —Dianna Wara, Washington, Illinois

Amount of tomato paste needed: 1/4 cup

Don’t have as much as you thought? Find a substitute for tomato paste.

Chicken Butternut Chili

At our house, we just love a good comforting, hearty, tomato-based chili with bold flavors! This unique chili is loaded with veggies and flavor. You can also prepare the recipe in the slow cooker. Just add ingredients to the crock and cook over high heat for about 4 hours. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

Amount of tomato paste needed: 2 Tbsp.

West African Shrimp

My girls have always loved seafood, so I invented a shrimp dish with coconut milk and ginger. They raved; I was delighted. It's great with jasmine rice. —Sharon Scaletta, Johnstown, Pennsylvania

Amount of tomato paste needed: 2 Tbsp.

Mushroom Hunter's Sauce

Hunter sauce is a rich brown sauce with an accent of tomato. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Amount of tomato paste needed: 3 Tbsp.

Tomato-Garlic Lentil Bowls

An Ethiopian recipe inspired this feel-good dinner that's tangy, creamy and packed with hearty comfort. —Rachael Cushing, Portland, Oregon

Amount of tomato paste needed: 3 Tbsp.

Tomato-Orange Soup

Who knew orange and tomato were such a good pair? Whenever I serve this, I keep the recipe handy for requests. —Barbara Wood, St. John’s, Newfoundland

Amount of tomato paste needed: 2 Tbsp.

Smoky Quinoa with Mushrooms

Add quinoa cooked with smoked paprika to your list of top sides. To warm the spinach leaves, quickly saute if desired. —Ellen Kanner, Miami, Florida

Amount of tomato paste needed: 3 Tbsp.

Coney Island Sauce

A Coney Island sauce recipe is something every home cook should know—and it’s not just to top hot dogs!

Amount of tomato paste needed: 2 Tbsp.

Pasta Fagioli al Forno

The name of this Italian-inspired dish means "baked pasta with beans." But my busy family translates it as "super satisfying dinner." —Cindy Preller, Grayslake, Illinois

Amount of tomato paste needed: 2 Tbsp.

Garden Vegetable Beef Soup

This soup is my go-to healthy lunch option. It's a great way to eat my vegetables, and it's so comforting during the cold winter months. —Dawn Donald, Herron, Michigan

Amount of tomato paste needed: 1/4 cup

Moroccan Pot Roast

My husband loves meat and I love veggies, so we're both happy with this spicy twist on beefy pot roast. With garbanzo beans, eggplant, honey and mint, it's like something you'd eat at a Marrakesh bazaar. —Catherine Dempsey, Clifton Park, New York

Amount of tomato paste needed: 2 Tbsp.

Slow Cooker Sweet & Spicy Pulled Pork

While I don't enjoy drinking beer, I love cooking with it. This quick recipe also goes great on plain hamburger buns with a side of slaw. —Renee Herrington, Plano, Texas

Amount of tomato paste needed: 1/4 cup

Butternut Squash Chili

Our contest-winning butternut squash chili adds nutrient-rich squash to a classic beef-and-bean chili for an impressive flavor combination that will warm up even the coldest days. Who knew chili could be even more delicious and nutritious?

Amount of tomato paste needed: 3 Tbsp.

Corn Okra Creole

This dish is representative of my area of the country, and particularly the Texas-Louisiana border. The okra, corn and Creole seasonings are all popular here. —Ruth Aubey, San Antonio, Texas

Amount of tomato paste needed: 1 Tbsp.

Pasta with Sausage and Peas

This rustic pasta with sausage and peas is a simple, comforting meal that's perfect any night of the week. With a creamy tomato sauce, bright-tasting cheese and pleasant pops of green, rigatoni is the perfect vessel.

Amount of tomato paste needed: 1/4 cup

Roasted Eggplant Spread

Black pepper and garlic perk up this out-of-the-ordinary spread that hits the spot on a crisp cracker or toasted bread slice. —Barbara McCalley, Allison Park, Pennsylvania.

Amount of tomato paste needed: 1 Tbsp.

Savory Tomato-Braised Tilapia

Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, especially when served with pasta, this savory tomato-braised tilapia pasta will surely make its way into your family's rotation.

Amount of tomato paste needed: 1/4 cup

Zucchini Salsa

I received this recipe through a friend at a weight loss group. I make at least eight batches of the salsa every year. It's truly a hit with family and friends! —Cheryl Jacobsen, Warburg, Alberta

Amount of tomato paste needed: 2 Tbsp.

Sweet ‘n’ Sour Ribs

If you're looking for a change from typical barbecue ribs, you'll enjoy this recipe my mom always prepared on birthdays and special occasions. The tender ribs have a slight sweet-and-sour taste that my family loves. I usually serve them with garlic mashed potatoes and a salad or coleslaw. —Dorothy Voelz, Champaign, Illinois

Amount of tomato paste needed: 1/4 cup

Slow-Cooked Chicken Enchilada Soup

This crockpot chicken enchilada soup is inspired by the Mexican dish and loaded with southwestern flavors from poblano peppers and enchilada sauce to juicy shredded chicken.

Amount of tomato paste needed: 2 Tbsp.

Blush Sauce

Tangy tomatoes are tempered with white wine and smooth cream for a lovely pink blush sauce that will elevate humble pasta with its elegant color and flavor.

Amount of tomato paste needed: 1 Tbsp.

Hungarian Goulash

This Hungarian goulash recipe features tender chunks of beef and a rich sauce infused with paprika and caraway seeds. It's a warm and comforting slow-cooker meal that is best served over egg noodles.

Amount of tomato paste needed: 2 Tbsp.

Slow-Cooked Moroccan Chicken

Herbs and spices really work their magic on plain chicken in this dish, and the dried fruit adds an exotic touch. —Kathy Morgan, Ridgefield, Washington

Amount of tomato paste needed: 1/4 cup

Southwestern Chicken & Lima Bean Stew

I love to have my daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren over for this supper. They make me so happy with their compliments or just by going to fill up their bowls again. It's a good-for-you hit. —Pam Corder, Monroe, Louisiana

Amount of tomato paste needed: 1/4 cup

Slow-Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork

There's no need to visit a restaurant for a tasty sweet and sour dish. It's also great for meal planning, as the dish can be prepped and frozen, thawed and popped into the slow cooker when the mood hits.

Amount of tomato paste needed: 3 Tbsp.

Lasagna Soup

This lasagna soup tastes just like your favorite lasagna without all the layering. It’s fast, easy and comfort food at its best.

Amount of tomato paste needed: 1/4 cup

Chicken Pasta Casserole

This is my family’s favorite every week or two and we never tire of it. I like that I can put it together and relax while it bakes. —Carmen Vanosch, Vernon, British Columbia

Amount of tomato paste needed: 3 Tbsp.

Slow-Cooker Short Ribs

It is easy to learn how to cook short ribs in a slow cooker. The slow-cooker short ribs become so tender that you can cut the meat with a fork! The beef short ribs cook in a rich braising liquid that doubles as a gravy when it comes time to serve.

Amount of tomato paste needed: 1 Tbsp.