A well-made base sauce is more than just a starting point—it’s a gateway to meal variety, time savings, and less waste in the kitchen. For home cooks and meal preppers alike, mastering a single sauce that can be transformed into multiple dishes is the ultimate way to cook smarter. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make a versatile tomato-based sauce and turn it into five distinct meals throughout the week.

The Base: All-Purpose Tomato Sauce

Ingredients:

• Olive oil

• Onion

• Garlic

• Crushed tomatoes or tomato purée

• Salt, pepper, and optional sugar

• Herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme

Cook low and slow for about 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simple, rich tomato sauce can be made in bulk and stored in the fridge for up to five days or frozen for up to three months.

Recipe inspiration: How to Make a Basic Tomato Sauce – The Kitchn

Meal 1: Classic Spaghetti Night

The obvious first use: pasta. Toss your sauce with cooked spaghetti and finish with a sprinkle of parmesan and a splash of pasta water for richness.

Add-ons: sautéed mushrooms, meatballs, or spinach for a quick upgrade.

Meal 2: Shakshuka for Breakfast or Brunch

Heat the tomato sauce in a skillet and crack in a few eggs. Cover and cook until the whites are just set. Serve with warm bread or pita.

This North African–Middle Eastern dish is hearty, customizable, and comes together in under 20 minutes.

Meal 3: Tomato-Based Curry

With a few simple tweaks, your base becomes the foundation for an Indian-style curry. Add ginger, cumin, turmeric, and garam masala. Stir in chickpeas or lentils for a plant-based option, or simmer with chicken or paneer for something more filling.

Serve with rice or naan.

Meal 4: Hearty Tomato Soup

Thin the sauce with vegetable or chicken broth and season with bay leaf and a splash of cream or coconut milk. Blend until smooth if preferred.

Perfect with grilled cheese or croutons for a cozy meal.

Meal 5: Baked Rice or Casserole

Mix the tomato sauce with cooked rice, sautéed vegetables, and cheese. Top with breadcrumbs and bake until bubbling and golden. This makes an easy one-dish dinner or potluck favorite.

Tips for Success

• Make double batches and freeze in single-meal portions.

• Store in glass containers to avoid staining and preserve flavor.

• Keep flavor profiles flexible by seasoning lightly at first, then customizing with spices per meal.

Why It Works for Small Households and Preppers

Using one sauce across multiple meals cuts down on prep time, reduces food waste, and limits the number of dishes you need to wash. It also helps you make the most of bulk ingredients like canned tomatoes, herbs, and garlic.

For more multipurpose meal ideas and tips, check out The Kitchn’s meal prep section.