Question: can tomato paste be substituted for tomato sauce in chili?
Answer: Tomato Paste Instead of Tomato Sauce If you have a can of tomato paste in your pantry, you are in luck—this is the best substitution for tomato sauce. All you need is the tomato paste and water. Mix together one part tomato paste and one part water until well blended. Then, season your "sauce" to taste.