Introducing the delightful and satisfying Cheesy Baked Stuffed Tomatoes! This delicious vegetarian dish features oven-roasted tomatoes filled with a savory mixture of herbed rice and topped with melted cheese. Not only are these stuffed tomatoes bursting with flavor, but they are also visually stunning, making them an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthful side dish for entertaining guests. What makes this recipe truly special is its incredible flexibility; you can adjust the stuffing mixture to suit your taste, making it suitable for picky eaters or guests with dietary restrictions.
One major appeal of Cheesy Baked Stuffed Tomatoes is their simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe can be whipped up in under 45 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a meatless meal that still packs a protein punch or a dish that showcases the beauty of seasonal produce, these stuffed tomatoes are the perfect solution. Go ahead and impress your friends or family with this stunning yet simple dish!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Baked Stuffed Tomatoes
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of sweet, roasted tomatoes with savory rice and gooey cheese creates a rich flavor that everyone will love.
- Quick and Easy: With only 45 minutes from prep to plate, this recipe fits perfectly into a busy lifestyle.
- Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with vegetables and whole grains, this dish is a nutritious option for any meal.
- Customizable: Feel free to tweak the filling by adding your favorite seasonings, herbs, or vegetables!
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into preparing your Cheesy Baked Stuffed Tomatoes, it’s crucial to set up your kitchen space for success. Start with gathering all ingredients and essential tools. You will need a cutting board and knife for slicing and chopping the tomatoes, a skillet for sautéing, and a baking dish for the finished product. Remember to also have measuring cups and spoons handy for accurate measurements.
Here’s a quick prep outline:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for roasting the tomatoes.
- Lightly grease your baking dish with olive oil or butter to prevent the stuffed tomatoes from sticking.
- Ensure you have a spoon or scoop for hollowing out the tomatoes as well as a mixing bowl for combining the rice filling.
Ingredients
- 6 large ripe tomatoes
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). As the oven warms up, take your ripe tomatoes and carefully slice off their tops. Use a spoon to scoop out the pulp and seeds, creating a hollow shell. This step is crucial as it makes room for the delicious filling you are about to create. Set aside both the hollowed tomatoes and the pulp, making sure to finely chop the pulp for use in your filling.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a skillet, drizzle the olive oil and heat it over medium flame. Once heated, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together until the onion turns transparent and the mixture becomes fragrant—this usually takes around 3-5 minutes. This step lays the flavor foundation of your stuffed tomatoes.
Step 3: Combine the Filling
Next, stir the prepared tomato pulp into the skillet with the sautéed onion and garlic. Cook everything together for an additional five minutes, which will help reduce excess moisture in your filling. Following this, mix in the cooked rice, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined. Remove the skillet from heat and fold in half of the mozzarella cheese along with all the grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Stuff the Tomatoes
Now it’s time to fill your hollowed tomatoes! Carefully stuff each tomato with the rice mixture, making sure to press down lightly to ensure the filling holds. After all tomatoes are filled, top with the remaining mozzarella cheese, sprinkling generously over each one. This will create a delicious, melty topping when baked.
Step 5: Bake
Place your stuffed tomatoes in the greased baking dish and slide them into the preheated oven. Bake for about 25–30 minutes or until the tops are gloriously golden and the tomatoes are tender to the touch. The aroma will fill your kitchen during this time, making it hard to wait!
Variations
- Protein: Add cooked ground turkey, chicken, or lentils for a heartier version.
- Vegetables: Mix in chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrients and flavor.
- Spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices like cumin, paprika, or even chili flakes for a kick!
Cooking Notes
- Adjust the cooking time depending on the size of your tomatoes — larger ones may need extra minutes.
- For a gluten-free option, use quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up those delicious flavors.
Tips
- Use a cookie scoop or a melon baller to easily hollow out the tomatoes.
- Garnish with fresh herbs to elevate the dish’s presentation.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 220 per serving
- Protein: 7g
- Sodium: 300mg
FAQs
Can I make Cheesy Baked Stuffed Tomatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed tomatoes up to a day in advance, just store them in the refrigerator before baking. When you’re ready to eat, just pop them in the oven!
What can I serve with Cheesy Baked Stuffed Tomatoes?
They’re delicious on their own, but pair wonderfully with a light salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Can I freeze the stuffed tomatoes?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Just ensure they’re in an airtight container. To eat, thaw in the refrigerator and bake as instructed.
What’s the best type of tomato for this dish?
Choose large, ripe tomatoes, like beefsteak or heirloom varieties, for the sweetest flavor and best stuffing capacity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cheesy Baked Stuffed Tomatoes make for a splendid addition to your weeknight dinners or special occasions. With their vibrant colors, bold flavors, and health-conscious ingredients, they are sure to please your taste buds and impress your guests. This recipe embodies culinary simplicity with a flair, allowing for customization to make it your own. We encourage you to try different variations and leave your feedback! Don’t forget to comment, share, and remember that cooking is all about creativity and having fun in the kitchen!
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Cheesy Baked Stuffed Tomatoes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This delicious vegetarian dish features oven-roasted tomatoes filled with a savory mixture of herbed rice and topped with melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 6 large ripe tomatoes
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). As the oven warms up, take your ripe tomatoes and carefully slice off their tops. Use a spoon to scoop out the pulp and seeds, creating a hollow shell. This step is crucial as it makes room for the delicious filling you are about to create. Set aside both the hollowed tomatoes and the pulp, making sure to finely chop the pulp for use in your filling.
- In a skillet, drizzle the olive oil and heat it over medium flame. Once heated, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together until the onion turns transparent and the mixture becomes fragrant—this usually takes around 3-5 minutes. This step lays the flavor foundation of your stuffed tomatoes.
- Next, stir the prepared tomato pulp into the skillet with the sautéed onion and garlic. Cook everything together for an additional five minutes, which will help reduce excess moisture in your filling. Following this, mix in the cooked rice, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined. Remove the skillet from heat and fold in half of the mozzarella cheese along with all the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Now it’s time to fill your hollowed tomatoes! Carefully stuff each tomato with the rice mixture, making sure to press down lightly to ensure the filling holds. After all tomatoes are filled, top with the remaining mozzarella cheese, sprinkling generously over each one. This will create a delicious, melty topping when baked.
- Place your stuffed tomatoes in the greased baking dish and slide them into the preheated oven. Bake for about 25–30 minutes or until the tops are gloriously golden and the tomatoes are tender to the touch. The aroma will fill your kitchen during this time, making it hard to wait!
Notes
Adjust the cooking time depending on the size of your tomatoes — larger ones may need extra minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 220 per serving
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Protein: 7 g