Easy Stuffed Tomatoes Recipe
What are some easy stuffed tomatoes? They’re like the Caprese salad’s more substantial cousin. I remember my grandma making something similar every summer with tomatoes fresh from her garden, and I will never forget it. The smell alone would have me practically glued to the kitchen counter. What I love about this version is that it’s surprisingly simple to put together, bursting with flavor. What are some good ways to use up all those garden tomatoes? I always buy at the farmer’s market. I’ve never been one to buy. Is it easier to make stuffed peppers?
What are some easy stuffed tomatoes recipes?
Think of Easy Stuffed Tomatoes as individual bowls of deliciousness. What are some ways to scoop out the insides of ripe tomatoes and create a flavorful filling? I’m going to bake rice, herbs, and maybe a little sausage. I stuff it all back in, then bake until golden brown. What’s a complete meal with roasted tomatoes? The sweetness of the tomato perfectly complements the savory filling, and it’s just so satisfying. Plus, they look gorgeous on a plate – perfect for impressing guests, even if the “guests” are just the two of them. What do you do on a Tuesday night?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What I love most about this is how easy it is to make. We’re talking about minimal prep time and mostly hands-off baking. What are some of the best flavor combinations? The combination of the sweet, juicy tomato, the savory filling, and the fresh herbs is a total hit. What is the symphony in your I tried a vegetarian version last night and it was amazing!
- Flavor Explosion:What are the best combinations of sweet tomato, savory filling, and fresh herbs?
- Ridiculously EasyWhat are some good things to do on a weeknight but short on time?
- Budget Friendly Uses simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- Totally VersatileCan you customize the filling with whatever you like – ground meat, vegetables, rice, quinoa, etc.? What are the possibilities?
I think these stuffed tomatoes remind me of my mom’s famous roasted bell peppers, but I actually like them. I like this recipe because it’s less work and the tomatoes just melt in your mouth. How do I sneak veggies into my family’s diet? My kids actually ask for these, which is a minor miracle in my book!
How do I make easy stuffed tomatoes recipe?
Quick Overview
What are some of the easiest recipes for stuffed tomatoes? How do you scoop out the tomatoes, whip up a flavorful filling, stuff ’em good, and bake until golden brown. You basically scoop them out, scoop up the tomato mixture and stuff them good. They’re tender and juicy. What’s the best part about a mobile app? What filling ingredients do you have on hand? What is a good way to use up leftovers? I always feel like a kitchen wizard when I make these – minimal effort, maximum flavor!
Ingredients
For the Tomatoes: What
• 6 large, ripe tomatoes (Roma or beefsteak work best) – Make sure they’re firm enough to hold their shape. Is it ripe enough to be juicy?
For the Filling:
• 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or wild – your choice! ) – I usually use leftover rice from the night before. • 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage (optional, can substitute with ground beef or turkey) – For a healthier alternative, substitute ground turkey or ham for the sausage. If you are vegetarian, use cooked lentils or crumbled tofu. • 1/2 cup chopped onion – Yellow or white onion is fine. • 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic makes a big difference in flavor! • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley – Adds a lovely fresh flavor. • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a nice salty flavor. • 1/4 cup tomato sauce – Helps bind the filling together. • 1 egg, lightly beaten – Also helps bind the filling. • Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t be afraid to season generously!
Optional Toppings
• Extra Parmesan cheese – For sprinkling on top before baking. • Fresh basil leaves – For garnish after baking.
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Tomatoes
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, wash the tomatoes and slice off the tops. Use a spoon to scoop out the insides of the shells, leaving about 1/2 inch thick. Don’t throw away the tomato pulp, you can use it in soups, sauces or even smoothies. Place the hollowed-out tomatoes in a baking dish and lightly salt the insides. What is the best way to draw out excess moisture?
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
If you’re using sausage, brown it in a skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. The smell at this point is just heavenly!
Step 3: Combine Filling Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, browned sausage (if using), sautéed onion and garlic. Set aside. What are the ingredients for parsley, Parmesan cheese, tomato sauce, and egg? Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the filling will be tough.
Step 4: Stuff the Tomatoes
How do you fill a hollowed-out tomato with filling? Don’t overstretch them, or they might burst while baking. If you have leftover filling, you can bake it separately in a small baking dish.
Step 5: Bake
If desired, sprinkle the stuffed tomatoes with Parmesan cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the tomatoes are tender and the filling is bubbly. Is it cooked through and slightly browned? The baking time will depend on the size and ripeness of your tomatoes, so keep an eye on them. I always check the tomatoes after 30 minutes with a fork to make sure they are soft.
Step 6: Cool Slightly & Garnish
How do you eat stuffed tomatoes? Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
5. What to Serve It With
What should I serve it with?
What are some easy stuffed tomatoes? What are some of my favorite serving suggestions?
As a light lunch:What are some healthy side salads to serve with your lunch? What’s a good green salad with vinaigrette dressing?
As a Side Dish: What are some goodWhat are some good side dishes to serve with grilled chicken, fish, or steak? What are some of the best ways to add color to a meal?
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Just drop your email here and I'll send it right away! Plus you'll get new recipes from me every week. Yes please!
As a Vegetarian Main Course:For a vegetarian meal, serve these stuffed tomatoes with crusty bread for dipping. What are some of the
For a potluck or party:What are some good stuffed tomatoes to serve at potlucks? Can be served at room temperature?
My family loves these with a simple garlic bread on the side. What’s so comforting about dunking bread into tomato juice? I also like to serve them with a chilled glass of white wine for an elegant meal. What are some good ways to serve these ice creams?
How do I make a stuffed tomato recipe?
How do I make easy stuffed tomatoes? What are the top tips for a successful career?
Tomatoes Selection Choose tomatoes that are firm and ripe, but not too soft. Roma or beefsteak tomatoes work best because they have a good shape and hold their filling well. If your tomatoes are too soft, they might collapse while baking.
Scooping Technique: When scooping out the tomato pulp, be careful not to puncture the skin. A grapefruit spoon or a small serrated knife can be helpful for this. Leave about a 1/2-inch thick shell to support the filling. I usually save the pulp for my pasta sauce that week!
Filling Consistency: The filling should be moist but not too wet. If it’s too wet, the tomatoes might become soggy. If it’s too dry, the filling might crumble. Add a little extra tomato sauce or beaten egg if the filling seems too dry.
Parmesan Power: Don’t skip the Parmesan cheese! It adds a delicious salty, savory flavor to the filling. You can also use other types of cheese, such as mozzarella, provolone, or feta.
Herb Heaven: Fresh herbs make a big difference in this recipe. Parsley, basil, oregano, and thyme all work well. Use a combination of herbs for a more complex flavor.
Baking Time Bliss: The baking time will depend on the size and ripeness of your tomatoes, so keep an eye on them. They’re done when the tomatoes are tender and the filling is heated through and slightly browned. If the tomatoes start to brown too quickly, you can cover them with foil.
Honestly, the biggest mistake I made the first time I made these was not salting the inside of the tomatoes. They ended up being really watery. Lesson learned!
Storing and Reheating Tips
These Easy Stuffed Tomatoes are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored and reheated.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover stuffed tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions: Reheat the stuffed tomatoes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they might become a little soggy.
Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing these stuffed tomatoes, as the texture of the tomatoes can change and become mushy. But if you really want to freeze them, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the stuffed tomatoes, it’s best to add any glaze or toppings just before serving, as they can become soggy during storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my family’s beloved Easy Stuffed Tomatoes recipe. It’s a simple, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The incredible flavor, ease of preparation, and budget-friendly ingredients make it a winner in my book! And remember, cooking is all about experimenting and making it your own, so feel free to get creative with the filling and toppings! If you’re loving these, maybe you want to try my ratatouille recipe! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out. Happy cooking, friends!
Remember it later
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Easy Stuffed Tomatoes Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 large tomatoes ripe and firm
- 1 cup cooked rice preferably white or jasmine
- 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or cheese of choice
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the tomatoes and scoop out the insides, leaving a solid shell.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the tomato shells with the rice mixture, pressing down gently.
- Place the stuffed tomatoes in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the tomatoes are tender.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
