How long can cooked tomatoes covered in pan be left on stove to cool?

Cooked tomatoes can be left covered in a pan on the stove to cool for about 1 to 2 hours at room temperature. However, it's important to keep food safety in mind; if the room temperature exceeds 70°F (21°C), it's best to refrigerate them within the first hour to prevent bacterial growth. For longer cooling, it's advisable to transfer them to the refrigerator.