5 Crushed Tomato Recipes You’ll Actually Want to Cook Tonight

Let’s be real crushed tomatoes are the MVP of weeknight cooking. They sit quietly in your pantry until you finally notice them, and then boom…dinner magic happens. Whether you’re whipping up pasta, chili, or a cozy soup, crushed tomatoes always bring big flavor with very little effort.

I keep at least three cans in my cupboard at all times because, IMO, they’re lifesavers. You know those nights when you stare into the fridge like it owes you money? That’s when crushed tomato recipes save the day. Here are five of my go-to favorites that always hit the spot.

1. Classic Spaghetti with Crushed Tomato Marinara

We’re starting with the obvious, but hey sometimes the classics win for a reason. A good marinara sauce with crushed tomatoes tastes fresh, tangy, and way better than jarred sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lb spaghetti
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add onion and sauté until golden.
2. Toss in garlic, cook for one minute (don’t burn it—garlic drama is real).
3. Pour in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and pepper flakes. Stir well.
4. Let the sauce simmer for 20–25 minutes until it thickens.
5. Meanwhile, cook spaghetti until al dente.
6. Combine pasta with sauce, garnish with fresh basil, and serve.

Why it works: The crushed tomatoes break down into a smooth, rich sauce without you lifting a finger. Ever wonder why restaurant pasta tastes better? They’re basically doing this, just with extra olive oil. 😉

2. Crushed Tomato Shakshuka

Shakshuka is one of those dishes that looks fancy but takes less effort than making toast. You poach eggs in spiced tomato sauce, add bread, and boom—brunch superstar.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes
• 4–6 eggs
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a skillet. Sauté onion and bell pepper until softened.
2. Stir in garlic, cumin, paprika, and chili flakes. Cook until fragrant.
3. Pour in crushed tomatoes, simmer for 10–15 minutes until sauce thickens.
4. Make small wells in the sauce and crack eggs into them.
5. Cover skillet and cook until eggs are done the way you like.
6. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with crusty bread.

Personal note: I once made this for dinner and my friend thought I’d ordered from a trendy café. Nope, just crushed tomatoes doing their thing. 🙂

3. Creamy Crushed Tomato Soup

Soup weather or not, this one’s a keeper. It’s cozy, velvety, and pairs perfectly with a grilled cheese.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large pot, add onion and garlic. Cook until softened.
2. Add crushed tomatoes, broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir and bring to a simmer.
3. Let it cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Blend with an immersion blender until smooth.
5. Stir in cream or coconut milk, heat through.
6. Serve hot with basil on top.

Why it works: Crushed tomatoes already have the right consistency, so the soup feels silky without you straining or peeling anything. Ever wanted comfort in a bowl? This is it.

4. Crushed Tomato Curry

If you like bold flavors, this one will win your heart. The tomatoes make the curry base tangy and rich, while the spices bring heat and depth.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1 cup coconut milk
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds until they pop.
2. Stir in onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook until golden.
3. Add turmeric, garam masala, and chili powder. Mix well.
4. Pour in crushed tomatoes and cook for 10 minutes.
5. Add coconut milk, stir, and simmer for 10 more minutes.
6. Garnish with cilantro, serve with rice or naan.

Pro tip: This tastes even better the next day. Let those flavors marry overnight, and thank me later.

5. Hearty Crushed Tomato Chili

This one’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for game day or just meal prepping, chili with crushed tomatoes delivers flavor and comfort in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
• 1 lb ground beef or turkey (or beans for veggie version)
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can kidney beans, drained
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 2 cups beef or veggie broth
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the meat in a large pot, then drain excess fat.
2. Add onion and garlic, cook until fragrant.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, beans, broth, and spices.
4. Simmer for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Adjust seasoning and serve with toppings like cheese or sour cream.

Why it rocks: The crushed tomatoes give this chili a hearty, slightly tangy base. Add your favorite toppings, and suddenly you’re the hero of dinner.

Tips for Cooking with Crushed Tomatoes

• Go for quality. Not all crushed tomatoes taste the same. Some are watery, others too acidic. Find a brand you love.
• Balance flavors. If your sauce tastes too sharp, add a pinch of sugar. It rounds things out nicely.
• Layer herbs and spices. Tomatoes carry flavors well, so don’t be shy with garlic, basil, oregano, or cumin.
• Think beyond pasta. Sure, they shine in Italian dishes, but crushed tomatoes are also killer in curries, soups, and stews.

Final Thoughts

Crushed tomatoes are like that dependable friend who always shows up when you need them. With these 5 crushed tomato recipes, you’ll never run out of ideas for quick, flavorful meals. From marinara to chili to shakshuka, they prove just how versatile one humble can of tomatoes can be.

So the next time you see a stack of crushed tomato cans at the store, grab a few. Future you will thank present you when dinner basically makes itself. 😉