10 Recipes That Start With a Can of Tomato Sauce

Fideo in a yellow bowl
Photo: Rosemary

Canned tomato sauce is one of the most versatile pantry staples you can keep on hand. You can whip up soups, chilis, pastas, and more, with its bright and tangy flavor. Dress up tomato sauce with a few herbs and spices, plus its beloved companions of onions and garlic, and you're halfway to having a meal. Here are 10 great ways to use canned tomato sauce in a variety of meals.

01 of 10

My Chili

My Chili in a black pot
Sue Anne S

This chili has plenty of rich and hearty flavor thanks to the tomato sauce, ground beef, and kidney beans. Top with a dollop of sour cream or sprinkling of cheese to balance out the spicy chili powder.

02 of 10

Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato Basil Soup with croutons
Sue Minckler

Packed with fresh flavor from herbs like oregano and basil, this soup is a silky smooth and comforting dish. Dress it up with a few croutons on top, or serve with a slice of garlic bread for cleaning out the bowl.

03 of 10

Eggs Poached in Tomato Sauce

Eggs Poached in Tomato Sauce over polenta
Buckwheat Queen

Instead of making scrambled eggs or an omelet, make this poached egg dish for an impressive brunch. Cook them in tomato sauce that is made fragrant from herbs like parsley, oregano, and red pepper.

04 of 10

Italian Pan-Fried Chicken Thighs with Creamy Tomato Sauce

Italian Pan-Fried Chicken Thighs with Creamy Tomato Sauce over pasta
thedailygourmet

Crispy pan-fried chicken thighs are perfectly contrasted with this creamy tomato sauce for a deliciously balanced dish. It is a quick dinner that is ready in under half an hour. Serve with spaghetti or rice.

05 of 10

Italian Sausage and Tomato Soup

Italian Sausage and Tomato Soup in a metal pot
Debjo

This soup is the ultimate dish for a chilly night, made extra hearty with flavorful Italian sausage and plenty of veggies. "The whole family said this is THE best soup I've ever made," says reviewer Michelle Arnold-Yeager

06 of 10

Sausage, Pepper, and Onion Sandwiches

Sausage, Pepper, and Onion Sandwiches
Molly

Stuff sausage, peppers, onions, and rich tomato sauce into a warm hoagie for a filling sandwich that'll hit the spot. Want an even more flavorful dish? Swap garlic bread for the hoagie roll.

07 of 10

Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef

Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef
*Sherri*

A classic, this spaghetti with meaty tomato sauce packs in plenty of flavor from the variety of herbs and spices it includes. Make a big batch at once and keep on hand to re-heat for easy weeknight meals.

08 of 10

Spicy Slow-Cooked Chili

Spicy Slow-Cooked Chili in a bowl with cheese
Mateen Saleh

This chili is slow-cooked, meaning you can have a homemade meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Set out everyone's favorite chili toppings — we like sour cream, guacamole, and tortilla chips — for a DIY chili bar.

09 of 10

Best Breakfast Salsa

Best Breakfast Salsa in a white bowl
pelicangal

Need a condiment for breakfast tacos, burritos, eggs, and more? This rich salsa will satisfy. Basic tomato sauce is dressed up with crispy bacon, spicy jalapeño, and bold onion.

10 of 10

Fideo

Fideo in a yellow bowl
Rosemary

Fideo, a thin Mexican noodle similar to angel hair pasta, is the star of this recipe. It's cooked down in a tomato broth with cumin, garlic, and chili powder. Top with a little shredded cheese like reviewer Rosemary for an extra decadent dish.

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