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Tips and Recipes Using Homemade Tomato Paste
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making your own homemade tomato paste, it’s time to put it to use in the kitchen! This versatile ingredient can be incorporated into a wide variety of dishes, from classic Italian sauces to flavorful stews and braises. Here are some tips and recipes using homemade tomato paste:
Tip 1: Use homemade tomato paste as a base for your favorite pasta sauces. Simply sauté some garlic and onions, then stir in a few tablespoons of the paste and let it simmer with crushed tomatoes, herbs, and other seasonings.
Tip 2: Incorporate homemade tomato paste into your favorite chili recipe. The concentrated flavor will add depth and richness to your chili, complementing the other spices and ingredients perfectly.
Tip 3: Spread a thin layer of tomato paste on pizza dough before adding your toppings for a delicious, homemade pizza sauce.
Tip 4: Mix a spoonful of tomato paste into your meatloaf or meatballs to enhance the savory, umami flavors.
Tip 5: Use homemade tomato paste as a base for braised dishes, such as beef or pork stew. The paste will thicken the cooking liquid and infuse the dish with its rich, tomato essence.
Recipes Using Homemade Tomato Paste
Below you’ll find two of my favorite easy recipes using homemade tomato paste and ones that I make frequently during the cooler months.
Recipe 1. Creamy Tomato Soup with Croutons
What I love about this recipe is how it comes together with minimal effort, yet delivers a taste that feels like you’re dining in a cozy café. The secret to its depth of flavor lies in allowing the homemade tomato paste to caramelize slightly before adding the crushed tomatoes and broth—it truly makes all the difference. Whether you’re enjoying it as a comforting lunch or pairing it with a grilled cheese for a heartier meal, this creamy tomato soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
For an extra touch, I always top it with homemade croutons. They add the perfect crunch and soak up all that creamy, tomatoey goodness. If you’re looking for recipes using homemade tomato paste that are both comforting and delicious, this one is a must-try. Enjoy the warmth and rich flavor in every spoonful!
Creamy Tomato Soup with Croutons
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup homemade tomato paste
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Homemade croutons for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in the homemade tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the paste to caramelize slightly.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
- Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the creamy tomato soup hot, topped with homemade croutons.
Notes
Recipe 2. Beef Pasta Casserole
This beef pasta casserole has been a family favorite in our house for years, and it never fails to bring everyone to the table with eager appetites. It’s one of our favorite recipes using homemade tomato paste. I love how simple it is to put together, allowing me to relax while it bakes away in the oven, filling the house with delicious aromas. Plus, the fact that it uses homemade tomato paste just makes it all the more special.
When it comes to weeknight dinners, baked casseroles like this one are true heroes. Everything you need for a hearty, satisfying meal is right here in one dish. Even better, you can make it ahead of time, making it perfect for those busy evenings.
In this recipe, I am using ground beef, which soaks up all the bold flavors of the homemade tomato sauce that’s made with fresh, aromatic vegetables and a blend of Italian-inspired seasonings. The rich, saucy beef pairs perfectly with tender penne pasta, all layered with gooey mozzarella and sharp Romano cheese. It’s a comforting and colorful dish that’s as delicious as it is satisfying—a true gem among recipes using homemade tomato paste.
Cheesy Beef Pasta Casserole
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 cups uncooked penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped sweet red pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 can 14-1/2 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
- Minced fresh parsley optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and cook the penne pasta according to package directions. Drain, but don’t rinse.
- Brown the Beef: While the pasta cooks, heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add ground beef, onion, green pepper, sweet red pepper, basil, oregano, parsley, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté until the beef is browned and the veggies are tender. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Make the Sauce: Blend the diced tomatoes and tomato paste until smooth. Add this to the beef mixture along with the beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
- Assemble the Casserole: Toss the cooked pasta with the beef sauce. Spoon half into a greased 2-quart baking dish, top with half the mozzarella and Romano cheeses, then repeat the layers.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until heated through and bubbly. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Make Ahead Tip: You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed when you're ready to serve.
- Customize It: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or use a different type of pasta. You can also substitute Romano cheese with Parmesan if that’s what you have on hand.
- Leftovers: This casserole reheats well and can be frozen for up to 3 months, making it great for meal prepping or enjoying later.
