30 Delicious Recipes Using Canned Tomatoes

If your pantry is anything like mine, it’s stocked with an assortment of canned tomatoes: crushed (in juice or puree), whole, diced, and petite diced. Canned tomatoes are a versatile pantry staple — essential for pasta sauces but also the backbone of countless soups, stews, chilis, braises, and more.

Canned varieties include reduced-sodium and no-salt options, as well as tomatoes flavored with basil, garlic, or other seasonings. You can even find tomatoes with chiles for Mexican-style dishes. Some brands package tomatoes in cartons instead of metal cans — choose what best fits your recipes and family preferences.

Storing Canned Tomatoes

Canned tomatoes are long-lasting; they typically remain good for at least six months past the “best by” date when stored in a cool, dry place. Inspect cans for dents or bulging before using. After opening, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate — they’ll keep for about a week.

San Marzano tomatoes, grown in the San Marzano region of Italy and often D.O.P. protected, are prized for a sweet, concentrated flavor and firmer texture. They’re pricier, but when you want a particularly rich and balanced tomato taste, they’re a great choice.

I rely on canned tomatoes for winter cooking when fresh tomatoes are lackluster. Because canned tomatoes are peeled and cooked before canning, they often offer better flavor and convenience for many cooked dishes than off-season fresh tomatoes.

With a few cans on the shelf, you can quickly pull together satisfying dinners week after week. Below is a curated list of tried-and-true recipes that make the most of canned tomatoes, from comforting classics to hearty one-pot meals.

Also see what to do with leftover tomato paste for more ways to use common tomato ingredients.

Make the most of the canned tomatoes in your pantry with these recipes for sauces, chilis, stews, soups, braises, and more!