Canned tomatoes are a pantry staple that can transform simple ingredients into delicious, comforting meals in no time. Whether you’re making a quick pasta sauce, a hearty stew, or a flavorful soup, canned tomatoes add depth and richness to any dish. The best part? They’re affordable, versatile, and packed with nutrients. Here are four easy recipes using canned tomatoes that you can whip up in under 30 minutes.

1. Classic 15-Minute Marinara Sauce

A homemade marinara sauce is fresher and tastier than anything store-bought, and it’s incredibly simple to make. Use it for pasta, pizza, or even as a dipping sauce for garlic bread.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon sugar (balances acidity)
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
2. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well.
3. Add oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Stir to combine.
4. Let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve over pasta or as desired.

This sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to a week or can be frozen for future meals.

2. Spicy Shakshuka (Eggs in Tomato Sauce)

Shakshuka is a Middle Eastern dish where eggs are poached in a spiced tomato sauce. It’s perfect for a hearty breakfast or a quick, satisfying dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 4 eggs
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onions until soft.
2. Add garlic, cumin, paprika, and cayenne. Cook for 1 minute.
3. Pour in the diced tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Make small wells in the sauce and crack the eggs into them.
5. Cover and let cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the eggs are set to your liking.
6. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with crusty bread.

This dish is bold, flavorful, and perfect for dipping!

3. 20-Minute Tomato & Chickpea Stew

A simple and hearty chickpea stew packed with flavor, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights. Serve it over rice, couscous, or with warm pita bread.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 handful fresh spinach or kale (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté onions until soft.
2. Add garlic, cumin, coriander, and chili powder. Stir for a minute.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes and chickpeas. Stir and bring to a simmer.
4. Let it cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper.
5. If using, stir in spinach or kale during the last few minutes.

This stew is warming, nutritious, and full of plant-based protein.

4. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

A comforting, creamy tomato soup made in just 25 minutes—no need for fresh tomatoes! Pair it with grilled cheese for the ultimate cozy meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (or ¼ cup fresh basil)
• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat butter or olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until soft.
2. Add crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
3. Let it cook for 10 minutes, then blend until smooth using an immersion blender.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and let it cook for another 5 minutes.

This soup is simple, creamy, and packed with flavor—perfect for any season!

Canned tomatoes make it easy to create quick, delicious meals without compromising on taste. With these recipes, you’ll always have a go-to meal ready in no time!