24 Best Tomatoes For Sauce

Tomato sauce delightfully enriches the taste of many dishes, from pasta to pizza. The secret of a thick, rich, and flavorful tomato sauce lies in choosing the correct tomato variety.

San Marzano tomatoes take precedence as one of the best types for sauce-making due to their meaty texture and low water content.

Originating from Italy, this heirloom variety is highly prized for its sweet flavor with less acidity.

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Don't overlook Roma tomatoes; the oblong shape and firm texture, coupled with low water content, make them an ideal candidate for creating that sumptuous marinara or spaghetti sauce you crave.

These Italian-styled paste tomatoes have dense fruit used widely in preparing tasty sauces because they contain fewer seeds—creating less watery mixtures perfect for simmering into savory concoctions. Tomatoes for Marinara Sauce are the best ever.

1. Amish Paste

Originating from the Amish community in Wisconsin, the Amish Paste tomato boasts an heirloom lineage. This particular variety stands out with its sweet taste, which is often considered superior to many other paste tomatoes, including Roma.

As a substantial indeterminate plant, it delights backyard gardeners and DIY farming enthusiasts by offering continuous growth and fruit production throughout the season.

The thick-walled, meaty flesh of the Amish Paste tomato makes it an exceptional choice for sauce making. High in umami flavor yet low on seeds, these large tomatoes can be transformed into delicious pasta or pizza sauces through prolonged simmering or sautéing.

They’re versatile, too – perfect for creating tangy salsas and rich marinara sauces and purees. Their noteworthy disease resistance adds another feather to their cap, making them a preferred selection among outdoor tomato variants.

2. Big Mama

Big Mama tomatoes earn their name from the impressive size they boast, growing up to five inches long and three inches wide. Renowned for an exceptional yield per plant, these sizable tomatoes carry a plum-like shape and meaty texture that's perfect for crafting the heartiest sauces.

This hybrid variant of Lycopersicon esculentum has been lauded by gardening enthusiasts and seed companies alike, with Burpee recommending them as a top choice.

Known not just for their heft but also for flavor, Big Mama tomatoes strike a pleasing balance between sweet and tangy notes. You will find them equally delightful in salads or eaten plain as you would in your homemade marinara or pasta dishes - proof of their versatile culinary prowess.

Yet it is perhaps sauce preparation where they truly shine; their less juicy interiors ensure thicker sauce consistency often preferred by many cooks.

When cultivating Big Mamas in your backyard gardening project, remember to expose them to at least six hours of sunlight daily while watering approximately one inch per week. Their disease resistance makes them popular among gardeners looking to avoid common tomato ailments.

3. Carmello

Carmello tomatoes captivate gardeners and chefs alike with their vigorous growth and robust flavor. This "normal" tomato, boasting a traditional round shape in eye-catching red, grows medium to large in size.

Its dense, firm flesh is perfect for slicing but truly shines when used for sauce creation.

These aren't your everyday tomatoes; Carmello distinguishes itself with an unparalleled meaty texture that makes it ideal for simmering into thick sauces. These plump gems are just as delightful whether stewed into cozy marinara or delicately folded into pizza sauce.

Savvy DIY farmers seeking reliable, high-yield varieties should consider the Carmello tomato, as its resilient nature ensures they're easy to cultivate from germination through the ripening season.

Whether you're concocting a homemade pasta sauce or advancing your backyard gardening prowess, remember to add Carmello tomatoes to your basket on your next trip to the nursery or online store purchase.

4. Costoluto Genovese

Costoluto Genovese tomatoes are an indeterminate heirloom variety from Italy that has stood the test of time as a favorite among Italian cooks. These large, red, and deeply ribbed fruits are perfect for making tomato sauce and paste.

With their rich and meaty texture, they add depth and complexity to any sauce or soup. Known for their tangy and "tomatoey" flavor, Costoluto Genovese tomatoes bring a touch of authentic Italian taste to your dishes.

These versatile tomatoes are highly adaptable, thriving in both high heat and cooler weather conditions. Whether you're growing them in your backyard garden or on a larger scale, they can be easily preserved through canning or juicing due to their thick-walled flesh with few seeds.

Costoluto Genovese tomatoes also make excellent tomato juice - a popular choice in California.

To grow these beloved Italian heirlooms, save seeds from previous harvests as they are open-pollinated. USDA Hardiness Zones 8-10 provide optimal conditions for successful cultivation. Whether you're simmering them into pasta sauce or adding them to homemade pizza sauce, Costoluto Genovese tomatoes will elevate the flavors of your culinary creations with their unrivaled taste.

5. Giulietta

Giulietta tomatoes. — photo courtesy Johnny Seeds

Giulietta is a large Italian plum tomato that deserves a spot in your kitchen garden. With its firm texture and mild, sweet flavor, it's an excellent choice for creating homemade tomato sauce.

These low moisture Roma-type tomatoes are especially prized for their ability to make the best sauce. The Valle del Sarno authorities even recognize Giulietta tomatoes as one of the top varieties for creating a rich and flavorful sauce.

Regarding Italian cuisine, Giulietta tomatoes are highly regarded for their versatility. They are perfect for classic marinara and pasta sauces, adding depth and richness to every dish.

Plus, they're not just limited to sauces – you can use them in various other recipes too! Whether you're simmering or sautéing with herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme or boiling them down into a thick paste or puree - Giulietta always delivers exceptional taste.

One of the reasons why Giulietta tomatoes are so popular is their productivity. Once July rolls around, these egg-shaped fruits start ripening on the vine prolifically. That means more delicious tomatoes for your culinary creations all summer long! And if you have extra produce on hand, don't worry – these juicy red gems also happen to be one of the top choices for canning or preserving sauce.

6. Heinz 1350

Heinz 1350 tomatoes. — photo courtesy Seminte Legume Flori

Heinz 1350 is a versatile tomato variety that has been a favorite among gardeners for decades. Developed by the H. J. Heinz Co., this determinate, mid-season tomato delivers exceptional yields of 3-inch fruits.

With an average weight of 6 to 8 ounces, the bright red globe-shaped tomatoes are perfect for making sauces and canning. One remarkable feature of Heinz 1350 is its uniform ripening, allowing you to harvest plenty of ripe tomatoes at once for your sauce-making needs.

In addition to its excellent suitability for sauces, this heirloom variety also offers great flavor and texture, making it a fantastic choice for fresh use in salads or as sandwich slices. Whether you're looking to preserve your homegrown produce or add a burst of tanginess to your dishes, Heinz 1350 is definitely worth considering when selecting your sauce tomatoes.

7. Jersey Giant

Jersey Giant is a rare and exceptional tomato variety that stands out when it comes to making flavorful and delicious tomato sauce. These meaty tomatoes, with their rich flesh and minimal seeds, are perfect for canning and creating a thick, robust sauce that will elevate any dish.

With their elongated shape, bright red color, and pointed ends, Jersey Giant tomatoes are not only visually appealing but also pack a punch in terms of taste. Their high yield makes them an excellent choice for those looking to harvest a plentiful crop for sauce-making purposes.

8. Martino's Roma

Martino's Roma tomatoes are a highly sought-after variety known for their exceptional flavor and versatility in sauces. These meaty tomatoes weigh around 2-3 ounces each, making them perfect for creating rich sauce, salsa, and tomato paste.

With their low water content and dense flesh, Martino's Romas are the go-to choice for home cooks and professional chefs alike.

Not only do Martino's Roma tomatoes excel in taste, but they also offer an impressive yield. Each plant typically produces an abundance of these flavorful Roma tomatoes, ensuring you have plenty to work with in your recipes.

Whether simmering them into a marinara sauce or sautéing them as a base for pizzas, Martino's Roma will add depth and complexity to any dish.

Gardeners looking to grow their own supply of Martino's Roma can easily obtain the seeds, often sold in packets containing 25 seeds. The plants take around 75 days to fully mature from germination.

During this time, you'll witness the development of robust vines or bushes, depending on your preferred method of cultivation.

9. Napoli

Napoli tomatoes. — photo courtesy Seed Gallery

Napoli, a picturesque city in southern Italy, is renowned for more than just its stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere - it's also synonymous with the best tomatoes for sauce. In fact, Napoli has long been associated with traditional farming practices and the cultivation of high-quality tomatoes specifically for creating flavorful sauces.

One notable variety that has gained international recognition is the San Marzano tomato. Grown exclusively in the Sarnese-Nocerino district near Napoli, San Marzano tomatoes are considered one of Italy's official varieties of authentic Neapolitan pizza.

With their thick walls, meaty texture, and few seeds, these tomatoes make outstanding sauces that are rich in umami flavor. It's no wonder that Naples' culinary heritage includes prized dishes like Neapolitan pizza topped with a delicious tomato sauce made from these beloved local treasures.

10. Northern Ruby

Northern ruby tomatoes. — photo courtesy Harris Seeds

Northern Ruby is a rare and highly sought-after tomato variety that is perfect for making delicious sauce. It was bred by Montana grower Doug Beaty and is known for its creamy sauce and classic paste flavor.

This determinate tomato grows to a specific size and then stops growing, making it easy to manage in your backyard garden or DIY farm. Northern Ruby plants are early producers, so you can start enjoying the fruits of your labor sooner.

The medium-sized, bright red paste tomatoes are thick-walled, meaty, and heavy - ideal characteristics for creating a flavorful sauce. With their green streaked shoulders and very few seeds, Northern Ruby tomatoes are not only tasty but also convenient to work with in the kitchen.

They have been selected for their high yield, ensuring you'll have an abundance of tomatoes per plant. Whether you're simmering them into marinara or sautéing them with herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme for pasta or pizza sauce, Northern Ruby will surely elevate your culinary creations to new heights.

11. Opalka

Opalka tomatoes. — photo courtesy Seeds n Such

Opalka is a Polish heirloom tomato that is highly regarded for its exceptional taste, making it one of the best tomatoes for tomato sauce. Unlike other paste tomatoes, Opalka truly shines when it comes to sauce-making.

These elongated tomatoes range from 2 to 4 inches in size and are borne on prolific vines that showcase excellent disease resistance.

One of the key reasons why Opalka tomatoes are perfect for sauces is their meaty texture and minimal seed content. The fruits have a rich, sweet flavor that adds depth and complexity to any sauce or paste recipe.

The weight of these tomatoes often surprises gardeners as they tend to be heavier than expected, given their size. This makes them an ideal choice for those looking to create a thick and hearty sauce with fewer seeds.

Whether you're planning on simmering, sautéing, or boiling your sauce ingredients, Opalka delivers outstanding results every time.

Considered virtually seedless, Opalka tomatoes burst with exquisite flavors that have made them beloved by gardeners seeking exceptional-tasting paste varieties.

With their impressive meatiness and refreshing sweetness, these gems elevate the culinary experience of anyone fortunate enough to enjoy pasta or pizzas lavished with homemade opulence sauces created from this extraordinary variety.

12. Oxheart

Oxheart tomatoes are a versatile and flavorful option for making delicious tomato sauce. These large, meaty tomatoes have fewer seeds and thick walls, making them perfect for creating a rich and hearty sauce.

With their unique shape and recognizable appearance, oxheart tomatoes appeal visually to any dish.

Not only do oxheart tomatoes excel in sauce-making, but they also shine when it comes to other culinary uses. Whether you want to slice them for sandwiches or stuff them with your favorite fillings, these tomatoes deliver exceptional taste and texture.

Additionally, their robust flavor balance makes them an ideal choice for incorporating into soups or salads.

Growing oxheart tomatoes is relatively easy, even for beginners in backyard gardening. They produce abundant fruit that can be enjoyed throughout the growing season. Plus, the availability of both seeds and plants allows you to include this heirloom variety in your home garden easily.

13. Pantano Romanesco

Pantano romanesco tomatoes. — photo courtesy Hudson Valley Seed

Pantano Romanesco is a highly coveted tomato variety that is perfect for making sauces. This organic heirloom tomato has gained popularity among farmers' market vendors thanks to its stunning appearance and intense flavor.

Not only does it excel in sauce-making, but it can also be used for slicing, juicing, cooking, and even sandwiches. With fruits ranging from 6 to 10 ounces in size, Pantano Romanesco is known for its ribbed texture and varied firmness.

However, these tomatoes do tend to become mushy quickly, so regular picking is necessary. Despite this characteristic, their weighty nature allows for a bountiful yield - making them a favorite of both home gardeners and market gardeners alike.

Considered a rare Roman beefsteak tomato, Pantano Romanesco boasts a rich flavor that sets it apart from other varieties on the market. Its beautiful red color makes it ideal for fresh slicing or use in canning and cooking recipes.

Growing these tomatoes is relatively trouble-free, with sprouting occurring within 7 to 14 days under optimal conditions of temperatures between 75-95 degrees Fahrenheit. If you want to elevate your sauce game or add a unique touch to your dishes, give Pantano Romanesco tomatoes a try – priced at just €1.95 per package of 10 seeds.

14. Plum Regal

Plum Regal is a fantastic tomato variety that ticks all the boxes when it comes to making mouthwatering sauces. With its exceptional disease resistance, this red plum type tomato is truly a winner in the garden.

Not only does it resist common tomato diseases like early and late blight, but it also holds up against spotted wilt.

But what sets Plum Regal apart from other tomatoes? Well, for starters, its taste is unbeatable. This hybrid variety surpasses even some heirlooms in terms of flavor and texture. When you cook down these vibrant red tomatoes into a sauce, you'll be rewarded with a smooth, meaty consistency that's filled with rich flavors.

If you're thinking about starting your own backyard sauce-making operation or looking for tomatoes perfect for canning sauce or salsa later in the season, look no further than Plum Regal. Its disease resistance extends to Fusarium - so important when growing healthy plants - and its determinate growth habit makes it easy to manage.

When you slice open a Plum Regal tomato, you'll find bright red flesh throughout - both inside and out. These tomatoes have thick walls and contain less water compared to other varieties, which means they're ideal for creating flavorful sauces without excess liquid.

15. Ponderosa

The Ponderosa tomato is a fantastic choice for creating delicious homemade tomato sauce. With its large size, meaty texture, and complex sweet and tangy flavor profile, this variety brings a lot to the table.

Known for their low acidity, Ponderosa tomatoes are perfect for those looking to achieve a well-balanced sauce. These beautiful pink beefsteak tomatoes have set the standard for larger fruited varieties in their time.

Being an indeterminate variety means that Ponderosa tomatoes will continue to produce fruit throughout the season, giving you a bountiful harvest. Whether you choose pink ponderosa or red ponderosa seeds, growing these disease-resistant plants is relatively straightforward.

Denver's Nick's Garden Center & Nursery even includes them in their esteemed tomato collection.

Overall, if you want to make thick and flavorful sauces, consider adding some Ponderosa tomatoes to your backyard garden. Their ribbed texture and juicy taste will elevate any marinara or pizza sauce recipe.

16. Pozzano

Pozzano tomatoes are highly regarded for their exceptional yields and suitability for creating delicious sauces. While they may not be resistant to blossom end rot, Pozzano tomatoes make up for it with their unique characteristics.

These tomatoes have blunt-tipped fruits with high solids, making them perfect for quickly saucing down and intensifying flavors when cooked. Whether you're using them in fresh or frozen sauces, Pozzano tomatoes are often recommended as one of the best varieties for tomato sauce.

They offer a similar flavor profile to the classic 'San Marzano' variety but with even higher productivity. Additionally, Pozzano tomatoes find popularity in canning, salsa recipes, and even as flavorful tomato slices in sandwiches.

If you're considering growing your own Pozzano tomatoes, make sure to follow a specific guide to ensure successful cultivation and enjoy the bountiful harvest this variety offers.

17. Principe Borghese

Principe Borghese tomatoes are a top choice for making delicious and flavorful sauce. These small, plum-shaped fruits weigh around 1-2 oz and have a unique meaty texture with minimal juice and few seeds.

They are renowned in Italy for their use in sun-dried tomatoes, thanks to their low moisture content. The plants themselves are indeterminate and require staking or caging to support the prolific clusters of 7-10 fruits they produce.

Principe Borghese tomatoes have a relatively short growing period of just 78 days, making them an efficient option for home gardeners looking to harvest juicy ingredients for their sauces.

With their rich antioxidant content and potential cardiovascular protective effects, these heirloom tomatoes offer both health benefits and superb flavor to any Italian recipe you create.

18. Red Pear

Red Pear tomatoes are a fantastic choice for creating delicious tomato sauce. With their sweet, citrusy taste and mild acidity, these pear-shaped beauties deliver the perfect flavor profile.

Ranging in size from 8 to 18 ounces, Red Pear tomatoes are large and meaty, making them ideal for sauce-making. Not only do they work wonderfully in pasta sauces and marinara recipes, but Red Pear tomatoes also excel at producing rich tomato paste.

What sets Red Pear tomatoes apart is not only their taste but also their versatility. They can be used in various dishes such as salads, sandwiches, roasted meals, canned goods, and soups. The plants themselves are prolific early producers with a bountiful harvest.

Plus, growing your own Red Pear tomato plants is easy since they're known for their hardiness.

19. Roma

Roma tomatoes, also known as plum, paste, or saladette tomatoes, are a popular choice for making delicious tomato sauce. These classic Italian tomatoes have been a staple in kitchens for years due to their exceptional flavor and versatility.

Developed in the 1950s as a hybrid variety, Roma tomatoes are believed to be a cross between the Pan American tomato and San Marzano, which is another famous paste tomato. One of the reasons why Roma tomatoes are highly favored for sauces is that they have very few seeds and thick walls, resulting in less juice and more meaty pulp.

Their rich flavor adds depth and complexity to any sauce recipe while maintaining a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. Whether you're simmering your sauce or sautéing it with other ingredients like basil and oregano, Roma tomatoes will provide an excellent foundation for creating the perfect homemade pasta or pizza sauce.

20. San Marzano

San Marzano tomatoes are renowned for their exceptional sauce-making qualities. With meaty flesh and fewer seeds, they provide the perfect consistency for a flavorful tomato sauce. These Italian heirloom tomatoes have a rich sweetness balanced with refreshing acidity, resulting in a sweet-tart flavor profile that is highly desirable in sauces.

Their thick skin makes them easy to peel, simplifying the sauce preparation process. Widely associated with traditional farming practices in Italy, San Marzano tomatoes evoke images of authentic Italian cuisine and are considered as good as their reputation suggests.

DOP San Marzano tomatoes closely resemble Roma (plum) tomatoes but have a distinctive narrow shape and pointed tip. This unique appearance adds to their appeal when used in both homemade and professional tomato sauces.

The name "San Marzano" pertains not only to the tomato strain itself but also symbolizes its association with authentic Italian heirloom sauce recipes. Whether it's classic marinara, robust pizza sauce, or mouthwatering pasta dishes you're creating, using San Marzano tomatoes will ensure you achieve that slightly sweet and tangy taste characteristic of the best sauces.

Highly versatile, these special tomatoes can be used not just in sauces but also soups, stews, salads – any dish calling for that distinct burst of authentic Italian flavor.

21. Striped Roman

Striped roman tomatoes. — photo courtesy Underwood Gardens

The Striped Roman tomato is a versatile fruit that is perfect for making sauces, salads, canning, cooking, garnishing, and more. This market variety tomato is known for its elongated shape and wavy gold streaks.

It's a Romano-type tomato that can be used in various ways, including sauce-making. With its unique appearance of orange stripes on an elongated fruit, the Striped Roman tomato adds a delightful touch to any dish.

What sets it apart from other tomatoes is its dense, grainy flesh with few seeds - making it ideal for processing into rich and flavorful sauces and stews. Bred by John Swenson, this tomato offers a nice balance of sweetness and tanginess that brings out fruity overtones in your sauce creations.

If you want to elevate your culinary experience with a twist on traditional sauce tomatoes, the Striped Roman should definitely be at the top of your list.

22. Super Italian Paste

Super Italian Paste is revered as one of the best tomatoes for making sauce due to its outstanding flavor and texture. These tomatoes are known for their exceptional sweetness, eliminating the need for additional flavorings when creating a homemade sauce.

With a high pulp content and lower juice, Super Italian Paste tomatoes are perfectly suited for sauce-making, resulting in a rich and thick consistency that clings beautifully to pasta or pizza crusts.

Their firm flesh makes them easy to work with in the kitchen, whether you're simmering, sautéing, or boiling them down into a concentrated tomato paste or puree.

Versatile and widely recognized in traditional Italian recipes, Super Italian Paste tomatoes make an excellent choice for those who want to grow their own backyard garden and enjoy the true essence of authentic sauce-creating ingredients.

23. Viva Italia

Viva Italia tomatoes are an excellent choice for making delicious and flavorful sauces. These plum tomato hybrids have a rich, deep flavor that intensifies when cooked, adding an extra element to your sauces.

They are known for their versatility and can be used in salads, pasta sauce, salsa, marinara sauce, or even ketchup.

One of the key features of Viva Italia tomatoes is their high yields and disease resistance. This means that you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of juicy tomatoes without having to worry about pests or diseases damaging your plants.

Whether you're growing them in your backyard garden or on a larger scale, these tomatoes are reliable and productive.

In addition to their taste and productivity, Viva Italia tomatoes also have the advantage of being well-suited for various cooking methods. Their fresh and zesty flavor holds up well, whether you're simmering them into a thick sauce or sautéing them for a quick pasta dish.

You can also freeze or can these tomatoes to preserve their flavors throughout the year.

24. Yellow Pear

Yellow Pear tomatoes are an excellent choice for making sauce due to their unique flavor and disease resistance. These heirloom vines produce small, quirky fruits that are perfect for snacking, drying, or roasting.

Despite requiring some extra effort to grow, the results are well worth it. Yellow Pear tomatoes offer a delicious taste along with significant nutritional value. Packed with vitamins A and C, B vitamins, potassium, and calcium, they provide a healthy boost to any sauce recipe.

Additionally, these vibrant yellow tomatoes contain lycopene, a compound known for its medicinal properties. Whether used in salads or as the main ingredient in sauces, Yellow Pear tomatoes add a delightfully sweet touch and enhance any dish they're included in.