Baked Stuffed Tomatoes: A Delicious and Versatile Recipe

Baked stuffed tomatoes are a classic dish that’s both flavorful and visually appealing. They are incredibly versatile, easily adaptable to various dietary needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian main course, a flavorful side dish, or a delightful appetizer, stuffed tomatoes are a perfect choice. This guide provides a comprehensive recipe, detailed instructions, and suggestions for variations to help you create your own signature stuffed tomato dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Flavorful and Fresh:** The combination of juicy tomatoes, savory filling, and aromatic herbs creates a delightful explosion of flavors.
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable with various ingredients like meat, vegetables, grains, and cheeses.
* **Easy to Make:** With simple steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe is perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks.
* **Visually Appealing:** The vibrant colors and neat presentation make stuffed tomatoes an excellent dish for entertaining guests.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Tomatoes:** 6-8 medium-sized ripe tomatoes, preferably beefsteak or Roma tomatoes. They should be firm enough to hold their shape.
* **Olive Oil:** 2-3 tablespoons, for sautéing and drizzling.
* **Onion:** 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped.
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves, minced.
* **Ground Meat (Optional):** 1/2 pound ground beef, pork, lamb, or turkey (or a combination).
* **Cooked Rice, Quinoa, or Bread Crumbs:** 1 cup (for binding the filling).
* **Vegetables (Optional):** 1 cup, such as zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or corn, finely chopped.
* **Cheese (Optional):** 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, mozzarella, cheddar, or feta cheese.
* **Fresh Herbs:** 2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, oregano, parsley, thyme, or a combination.
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons.
* **Worcestershire Sauce (Optional):** 1 teaspoon, for added umami flavor.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste.
* **Red Pepper Flakes (Optional):** A pinch, for a little heat.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Baking Dish:** A 9×13 inch baking dish or a similar size.
* **Skillet or Frying Pan:** For sautéing the filling ingredients.
* **Mixing Bowl:** For combining the filling ingredients.
* **Knife and Cutting Board:** For chopping vegetables and herbs.
* **Spoon or Ice Cream Scoop:** For scooping out the tomato pulp.

Detailed Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes

1. **Wash the Tomatoes:** Rinse the tomatoes thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry with a clean towel.
2. **Cut the Tops:** Using a sharp knife, carefully cut off the tops of the tomatoes, about 1/2 inch from the stem end. Set the tops aside; you can chop them and add them to the filling if desired.
3. **Scoop Out the Pulp:** Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, gently scoop out the pulp from the inside of the tomatoes, leaving a 1/2-inch thick shell. Be careful not to puncture the skin.
4. **Drain the Tomatoes:** Place the hollowed-out tomatoes upside down on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess moisture. This will prevent the filling from becoming soggy.
5. **Season the Tomatoes:** Lightly sprinkle the inside of each tomato with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. **Sauté the Aromatics:** Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
2. **Cook the Meat (Optional):** If using ground meat, add it to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
3. **Add Vegetables (Optional):** If using additional vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms, add them to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. **Combine the Filling Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onion, garlic, cooked meat (if using), cooked rice, quinoa, or bread crumbs, any additional vegetables, cheese (if using), fresh herbs, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce (if using), salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.

Step 3: Stuff the Tomatoes

1. **Fill the Tomatoes:** Spoon the filling mixture into each hollowed-out tomato, packing it firmly but gently. Mound the filling slightly on top of each tomato.
2. **Top with Cheese (Optional):** If desired, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top of each stuffed tomato.
3. **Drizzle with Olive Oil:** Drizzle a little olive oil over the stuffed tomatoes.

Step 4: Bake the Tomatoes

1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Arrange in Baking Dish:** Arrange the stuffed tomatoes in a baking dish, placing them close together so they support each other.
3. **Add Liquid to Baking Dish (Optional):** Pour a small amount of water or tomato sauce (about 1/2 cup) into the bottom of the baking dish to prevent the tomatoes from drying out.
4. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 30-45 minutes, or until the tomatoes are tender and the filling is heated through and lightly browned. Baking time may vary depending on the size and ripeness of the tomatoes.

Step 5: Serve

1. **Let Cool Slightly:** Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the stuffed tomatoes cool for a few minutes before serving.
2. **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish with fresh herbs, such as chopped basil or parsley.
3. **Serve:** Serve the baked stuffed tomatoes warm as a main course, side dish, or appetizer. They are delicious on their own or served with a side salad or crusty bread.

Tips for Perfect Baked Stuffed Tomatoes

* **Choose the Right Tomatoes:** Select firm, ripe tomatoes that are uniform in size and shape. Beefsteak or Roma tomatoes are excellent choices.
* **Don’t Overfill:** Avoid overfilling the tomatoes, as the filling may expand during baking and cause the tomatoes to burst.
* **Drain the Tomatoes Well:** Draining the hollowed-out tomatoes is crucial for preventing a soggy filling.
* **Season Generously:** Don’t be afraid to season the filling generously with salt, pepper, and herbs to enhance the flavor.
* **Adjust Baking Time:** Adjust the baking time based on the size and ripeness of the tomatoes. Smaller tomatoes may require less baking time.
* **Use Fresh Herbs:** Fresh herbs add a vibrant flavor and aroma to the dish. If fresh herbs are not available, you can use dried herbs, but use about half the amount.
* **Add a Touch of Acidity:** A squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of balsamic vinegar to the filling can brighten the flavors and add a pleasant tang.
* **Prevent Burning:** If the tomatoes start to brown too quickly, cover the baking dish with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

Variations and Customizations

The beauty of baked stuffed tomatoes lies in their versatility. Here are some ideas for variations and customizations:

* **Vegetarian Stuffed Tomatoes:** Omit the meat and increase the amount of vegetables, grains, and cheese. Add beans, lentils, or tofu for extra protein. Consider using Mediterranean flavors like olives, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes.
* **Vegan Stuffed Tomatoes:** Replace the meat with plant-based protein sources like lentils, quinoa, or crumbled tofu. Use vegan cheese alternatives or omit the cheese altogether. Ensure any bread crumbs used are vegan-friendly.
* **Italian Stuffed Tomatoes:** Use Italian sausage or ground beef, mozzarella cheese, and Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme. Add a spoonful of marinara sauce to the filling.
* **Mexican Stuffed Tomatoes:** Use ground beef or turkey seasoned with taco seasoning, corn, black beans, and cheddar cheese. Top with salsa or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
* **Mediterranean Stuffed Tomatoes:** Use ground lamb or beef, feta cheese, olives, and Mediterranean herbs like oregano and mint. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the filling.
* **Seafood Stuffed Tomatoes:** Use cooked shrimp, crab, or scallops, mixed with bread crumbs, herbs, and a creamy sauce. Top with Parmesan cheese and bake until golden brown.
* **Low-Carb Stuffed Tomatoes:** Replace the rice or bread crumbs with riced cauliflower or almond flour. Use low-carb vegetables like zucchini, spinach, and bell peppers. Choose full-fat cheese options.
* **Spicy Stuffed Tomatoes:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or a finely chopped jalapeño pepper to the filling for a spicy kick.
* **Different Grains:** Experiment with different grains such as couscous, farro, or barley in the filling.
* **Cheese Combinations:** Try different cheese combinations, such as mozzarella and provolone, cheddar and Monterey Jack, or feta and ricotta.

Serving Suggestions

Baked stuffed tomatoes can be served as:

* **Main Course:** Serve with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.
* **Side Dish:** Accompany grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
* **Appetizer:** Cut the stuffed tomatoes in half and serve as bite-sized appetizers.
* **Lunch:** Pack a stuffed tomato for a healthy and satisfying lunch.
* **Brunch:** Serve alongside eggs, bacon, and toast for a delicious brunch spread.

Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerating:** Leftover baked stuffed tomatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the stuffed tomatoes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may become slightly softer.
* **Freezing:** While not ideal due to the texture of the tomatoes changing, you can freeze baked stuffed tomatoes. Wrap each tomato individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per tomato)

* Calories: 200-300
* Protein: 10-15g
* Fat: 10-15g
* Carbohydrates: 15-20g
* Fiber: 3-5g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

Conclusion

Baked stuffed tomatoes are a versatile and delicious dish that can be customized to suit any taste. With this comprehensive guide, you can easily create a memorable meal that will impress your family and friends. Experiment with different ingredients and variations to discover your own signature stuffed tomato recipe. Enjoy!