Tomato Sauce On Keto: Tips And Tricks

There are many keto-friendly recipes that use tomato sauce, such as chicken in tomato sauce, keto meatballs, keto lasagna, and zucchini noodles. You can make your own keto-friendly tomato sauce at home, which is cheaper than buying pre-made jarred sauces. To make your own, you can use canned tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, onion, and herbs and spices of your choice. You can also add a sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit to cut through the acidity of the tomatoes.

Keto-friendly tomato sauce as a dipping sauce for keto garlic breadsticks

A keto-friendly tomato sauce is a great option for those looking for a low-carb dipping sauce for keto garlic breadsticks. Here are some tips and recipes to make a delicious keto-friendly tomato sauce:

Ingredients:

Tomatoes are the key ingredient, and using high-quality tomatoes will make a world of difference in your sauce. Look for crushed San Marzano tomatoes, which are considered the best for making tomato sauce. If you can't find them or prefer a different brand, choose whole peeled tomatoes or crushed tomatoes with no added sugar. Fresh tomatoes can also be used, but they need to be well-ripened and blended into a paste.

Extra virgin olive oil is the preferred oil for this sauce, but regular olive oil or avocado oil are also good options.

For spices and seasonings, you'll need garlic (freshly minced or jarred), garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, and salt. You can also add red pepper flakes for a spicier sauce. Fresh basil is a great addition if you want a lovely fresh flavor.

Preparation:

The preparation for this keto-friendly tomato sauce is simple and can be done in a blender or directly in a saucepan. If using a blender, add the tomatoes and olive oil, and pulse until smooth. You can also add the garlic to the blender, or you can sauté it in the olive oil in a saucepan before adding the tomatoes.

After blending or sautéing, add the remaining spices and seasonings and mix well. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Cooking:

This keto-friendly tomato sauce doesn't need to be cooked for a long time. Simply bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for a few minutes to develop the flavors. For a thicker sauce, such as for keto pizza, let it simmer longer to reduce and thicken.

Storage:

The keto-friendly tomato sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for several days. You can also freeze it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to three months.

Serving:

This delicious keto-friendly tomato sauce is perfect as a dipping sauce for keto garlic breadsticks. It also goes well with zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, keto meatballs, or keto lasagna with zucchini noodles. For a simpler option, use it as a pizza sauce on a keto pizza crust.

Chicken recipes that go well with keto tomato sauce

Creamy Italian Chicken

This is a super easy recipe that can be made in just 20 minutes. It is also healthy and delicious. The chicken is cooked in a creamy tomato sauce with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, olive oil, onion, garlic, and cheese. The recipe also includes instructions on how to make a tasty Italian chicken marinade.

Mozzarella Chicken

This is a low-carb recipe that can be made in 30 minutes. The chicken is seasoned with Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper, and then cooked in a homemade tomato sauce. The sauce is made from scratch with onion, garlic, fire-roasted peppers, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and red pepper flakes. The chicken is topped with mozzarella cheese and broiled until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Creamy Sun-dried Tomato Chicken

This is a low-carb and keto-friendly recipe that can be made in under 30 minutes. The chicken is cooked in a creamy garlic parmesan and sun-dried tomato sauce. The key to making this dish flavorful is to use lots of garlic. The recipe also includes instructions for a lighter sauce option and suggestions for serving, such as zucchini noodles, steamed vegetables, or a salad.

Chicken Parmesan Casserole

This recipe uses a keto-friendly marinara sauce made with San Marzano tomatoes, olive oil, garlic powder, basil, oregano, and pepper. The sauce is pureed with the tomatoes and olive oil, and then seasoned with red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, dried basil, oregano, parsley, and salt. The chicken is cooked in the sauce and served with melted mozzarella cheese.

How to make keto tomato sauce in a blender

Ingredients

• 28 oz can of peeled San Marzano tomatoes (no sugar added)
• 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
• 1/2 cup of the liquid from the can of tomatoes

Optional Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of erythritol or another carb-free sweetener
• Fresh basil
• Butter

Method

• Puree the tomatoes, olive oil, and 1/2 cup of the liquid from the can in a blender.
• Stir in the remaining ingredients.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Tips

• Don't omit the juice from the tomatoes, or you'll end up with less sauce and a higher concentration of carbs per serving.
• If you can't find San Marzano tomatoes, any no sugar-added whole tomatoes will work, but the flavor won't be as good.
• This sauce can be frozen in 1/2 cup portions and defrosted whenever you need to add a burst of flavor to your keto meals.

Keto-friendly store-bought tomato sauce options

While making your own keto-friendly tomato sauce is always an option, there are also several store-bought options available. Here are some of the best keto-friendly store-bought tomato sauce options:

Rao's Marinara Sauce

Rao's Marinara Sauce is a popular choice among keto enthusiasts and has received several positive reviews for its taste and quality. It has 7 grams of fat, 4 grams of net carbs, and 2 grams of protein per 1/2 cup serving. It is made with Italian whole peeled tomatoes, olive oil, fresh onions, garlic, basil, black pepper, and dried oregano. Rao's offers a variety of sauces, including marinara, vodka, alfredo, and pizza sauce. While it is on the pricier side, it is often considered the closest thing to homemade keto pasta sauce.

Victoria Marinara Sauce

Victoria Marinara Sauce is another good option, with 70 calories, 4 grams of fat, 420 mg of sodium, 5 net carbs, and 2 grams of protein per 1/2 cup serving.

Prego No Sugar Added Traditional Sauce

Prego's No Sugar Added Traditional Sauce is a good choice if you're looking for a lower-carb option. It has 110 calories, 4 grams of fat, 50 mg of sodium, 7 grams of carbs, and 11 grams of protein per 1/2 cup serving.

Thrive Marinara Sauce

Thrive Marinara Sauce is a great choice if you're looking for a lower-calorie option. It has 70 calories, 4 grams of fat, 400 mg of sodium, 5 net carbs, and 2 grams of protein per 1/2 cup serving.

Cucina Antica Tomato Sauce

Cucina Antica Tomato Sauce is an excellent choice if you're counting calories. It has only 35 calories, 1.5 grams of fat, 240 mg of sodium, 4 net carbs, and 1 gram of protein per 1/2 cup serving.

Barilla Fire Roasted Marinara Sauce

Barilla Fire Roasted Marinara Sauce is a good option if you're looking for a low-fat choice. It has 45 calories, 0 grams of fat, 430 mg of sodium, 8 net carbs, and 2 grams of protein per 1/2 cup serving.

Yo Momma's Pasta Sauce

Yo Momma's Pasta Sauce is a unique, non-GMO option with fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, basil, salt, oregano, and black pepper. However, some reviewers note that it may be too salty for some palates.

Dave's Gourmet Pasta Sauce

Dave's Gourmet Pasta Sauce is another keto-friendly option with organic tomatoes, carrots, onions, olive oil, garlic, spices, and sea salt. It has 1.5 grams of fat, 5 grams of net carbs, and 1 gram of protein per 1/2 cup serving.

Keto recipes that use keto tomato sauce

Keto Chicken Marinara

This recipe is a great way to use your keto tomato sauce. It is a quick and easy recipe that can be made in just 20 minutes. The recipe serves four and is perfect if you are cooking for a crowd as it is bound to be a hit with everyone.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lb. / 650g)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Sea salt and pepper - to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil - divided
• 1 tbsp ghee or clarified butter
• 1 medium onion - diced
• 2-3 cloves garlic - minced
• 1 jar (15 Oz / 450ml) of keto-friendly tomato-basil sauce
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup green olives - pitted if desired
• 1/4 cup grated Pecorino cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded pecorino cheese
• A small handful of fresh chopped parsley or basil - to garnish

Instructions:

• Season and rub the chicken on all sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp of olive oil and the chicken. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until nicely browned and no longer pink on the inside. Then set aside on a plate.
• In the same preheated skillet, add the remaining oil and ghee. Add in the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
• Pour in the tomato sauce and heavy cream, then stir in the olives and ground Pecorino cheese. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then simmer for a few minutes to thicken.
• Return the chicken to the skillet and cover it in sauce. Top with shredded cheese and let it simmer for a couple more minutes, until hot and bubbly.
• Sprinkle with fresh chopped herbs and enjoy!

Keto Lasagna with Zucchini Noodles

Keto lasagna is a great way to use your keto tomato sauce. This recipe is a twist on the classic lasagna, using zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta. It's a perfect option for those following a low-carb or gluten-free diet.

Ingredients:

• Keto tomato sauce
• Zucchini noodles
• Ground beef or Italian sausage
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Eggs
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
• Start by making the zucchini noodles using a spiralizer or a vegetable peeler. You want the zucchini noodles to be thin and long, resembling lasagna sheets.
• In a pan, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage until cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
• In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, one egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• In a baking dish, spread a layer of keto tomato sauce, followed by a layer of zucchini noodles.
• Next, add a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture, followed by a layer of the ground beef.
• Repeat these layers until the baking dish is full, ending with a layer of keto tomato sauce.
• Top the lasagna with grated mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
• Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Let the lasagna cool slightly before serving.

Keto Pizza

Keto tomato sauce is a great base for a keto pizza. You can use this sauce on a cauliflower crust, zucchini crust, or a traditional pizza base if you are not concerned with keeping the recipe strictly keto.

Ingredients:

• Keto tomato sauce
• Keto-friendly pizza base (cauliflower crust, zucchini crust, or traditional pizza base)
• Cheese of your choice (mozzarella, cheddar, etc.)
• Toppings of your choice (pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, etc.)

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• If you are making your own pizza base, prepare it according to the recipe instructions.
• Spread a layer of keto tomato sauce over the pizza base, leaving a small border around the edges.
• Sprinkle your choice of cheese over the sauce.
• Add your desired toppings.
• Bake the pizza in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the base is cooked through.

Keto Zucchini Rollatini

This recipe is a fun and creative way to use your keto tomato sauce. It's a twist on traditional Italian rollatini, using zucchini instead of pasta.

Ingredients:

• Keto tomato sauce
• Zucchini
• Ground beef or Italian sausage
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Eggs
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
• Slice the zucchini lengthwise into thin strips, resembling lasagna sheets.
• In a pan, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage until cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
• In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, one egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• On a clean surface, lay out the zucchini strips and spread a thin layer of the ricotta mixture on each.
• Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese.
• Carefully roll up each zucchini strip, resembling a rollatini.
• In a baking dish, spread a layer of keto tomato sauce.
• Place the zucchini rollatini in the dish, seam-side down, and top with more keto tomato sauce.
• Sprinkle with additional cheese, if desired.
• Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Keto Meatballs

Keto meatballs are a great way to use your keto tomato sauce. This recipe is perfect as an appetizer or a main course and can be served with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Ingredients:

• Keto tomato sauce
• Ground beef or Italian sausage
• Onion, finely chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Egg
• Breadcrumbs or almond flour
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or Italian sausage, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs or almond flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Mix the ingredients until well combined.
• Form the mixture into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter.
• In a pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the meatballs to the pan and cook until browned on all sides.
• Pour the keto tomato sauce over the meatballs and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the sauce is heated through and the meatballs are cooked through.
• Serve the meatballs with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash and enjoy!

Frequently asked questions