Savory Stuffed Tomatoes: A Flavorful Rice and Beef Delight
Stuffed tomatoes are a classic dish that offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. This recipe elevates the traditional version by incorporating a hearty rice and beef filling, creating a satisfying and visually appealing meal. Perfect for a light lunch, a flavorful dinner, or even a potluck contribution, these stuffed tomatoes are sure to impress. This detailed guide will walk you through each step, ensuring a successful and delicious outcome.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Flavorful and satisfying:** The combination of juicy tomatoes, savory beef, fragrant rice, and aromatic herbs creates a truly irresistible dish.
* **Visually appealing:** The vibrant colors and neat presentation make these stuffed tomatoes a feast for the eyes.
* **Versatile:** This recipe can be easily adapted to suit your dietary preferences and available ingredients. You can use different types of rice, ground meat, or vegetables.
* **Relatively easy to make:** While it requires some preparation, the process is straightforward and rewarding.
* **Great for meal prep:** Stuffed tomatoes can be made ahead of time and reheated, making them a convenient option for busy weeknights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Tomatoes:** 6 large, firm tomatoes (Roma or beefsteak varieties work well)
* **Ground beef:** 1 pound (lean ground beef is recommended)
* **Cooked rice:** 1 cup (long-grain, basmati, or jasmine rice)
* **Onion:** 1 medium, finely chopped
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced
* **Bell pepper:** 1/2, finely chopped (any color)
* **Fresh parsley:** 1/4 cup, chopped
* **Fresh basil:** 1/4 cup, chopped
* **Olive oil:** 2 tablespoons
* **Tomato paste:** 2 tablespoons
* **Beef broth:** 1/2 cup
* **Grated Parmesan cheese:** 1/4 cup (plus more for topping)
* **Salt:** To taste
* **Black pepper:** To taste
* **Optional:** 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a touch of heat)
Equipment You’ll Need
* Large skillet or frying pan
* Baking dish (9×13 inch or similar)
* Small bowl
* Spoon or melon baller
* Cutting board
* Knife
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Tomatoes
* **Wash the tomatoes:** Rinse the tomatoes thoroughly under cold water.
* **Cut off the tops:** Using a sharp knife, carefully cut off the top of each tomato, about 1/2 inch from the stem end. Reserve the tops; you’ll use them later as lids.
* **Scoop out the pulp:** Use a spoon or melon baller to gently scoop out the pulp and seeds from each tomato, leaving a hollow shell. Be careful not to pierce the sides of the tomatoes. Place the scooped-out pulp in a small bowl.
* **Season the tomato shells:** Lightly sprinkle the inside of each tomato shell with salt and pepper. This will help to draw out any excess moisture and enhance the flavor.
* **Drain the tomato pulp (optional):** If the tomato pulp seems very watery, you can drain it slightly by placing it in a fine-mesh sieve for a few minutes.
2. Preparing the Rice and Beef Filling
* **Brown the ground beef:** Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
* **Sauté the vegetables:** Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
* **Add the garlic:** Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
* **Incorporate tomato paste:** Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly. This will deepen the flavor of the filling.
* **Add the tomato pulp and beef broth:** Pour the drained tomato pulp and beef broth into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
* **Combine the ingredients:** Stir in the cooked rice, chopped parsley, chopped basil, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
3. Stuffing the Tomatoes
* **Preheat the oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* **Stuff the tomatoes:** Spoon the rice and beef filling into each tomato shell, packing it in firmly but gently. Mound the filling slightly on top of each tomato.
* **Top with Parmesan cheese:** Sprinkle the tops of the stuffed tomatoes with additional grated Parmesan cheese.
* **Replace the tomato tops:** Place the reserved tomato tops back on top of the stuffed tomatoes.
4. Baking the Stuffed Tomatoes
* **Prepare the baking dish:** Lightly grease the baking dish with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
* **Arrange the tomatoes:** Arrange the stuffed tomatoes in the prepared baking dish.
* **Add a little liquid (optional):** If you want to prevent the tomatoes from drying out too much, you can pour a small amount of beef broth or water (about 1/4 cup) into the bottom of the baking dish.
* **Bake the tomatoes:** Bake the stuffed tomatoes in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the tomatoes are tender and the filling is heated through and slightly browned.
5. Serving the Stuffed Tomatoes
* **Let them cool slightly:** Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the stuffed tomatoes cool for a few minutes before serving. This will prevent you from burning yourself and allow the flavors to meld together.
* **Garnish (optional):** Garnish the stuffed tomatoes with fresh parsley or basil leaves, if desired.
* **Serve:** Serve the stuffed tomatoes warm as a main course or side dish. They pair well with a simple salad or crusty bread.
Tips for Success
* **Choose the right tomatoes:** Select firm, ripe tomatoes that are roughly the same size. Roma or beefsteak tomatoes are ideal for stuffing because they have a good shape and sturdy walls.
* **Don’t overcook the beef:** Be careful not to overcook the ground beef, as it will become dry and tough. Cook it until it is just browned and no longer pink.
* **Adjust the seasonings:** Taste the filling before stuffing the tomatoes and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, herbs, or spices to suit your preferences.
* **Don’t overstuff the tomatoes:** Avoid overstuffing the tomatoes, as the filling may spill out during baking. Leave a little room at the top of each tomato shell.
* **Bake until tender:** Bake the stuffed tomatoes until the tomatoes are tender but not mushy. Check them periodically during baking to ensure that they are not browning too quickly. If they are, you can cover the baking dish with foil.
Variations and Substitutions
* **Use different types of meat:** You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground lamb.
* **Add other vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the filling, such as diced zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots.
* **Use different types of cheese:** You can substitute Parmesan cheese with mozzarella, cheddar, or feta cheese.
* **Make it vegetarian:** To make this recipe vegetarian, omit the ground beef and add more vegetables, such as lentils, quinoa, or mushrooms.
* **Add spice:** If you like spicy food, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
* **Use different herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary.
* **Add a sauce:** If you want to add a sauce to the stuffed tomatoes, you can pour a little marinara sauce or tomato sauce over them before baking.
Serving Suggestions
* **Serve with a salad:** A simple green salad or a Mediterranean salad with feta cheese and olives would be a great accompaniment to these stuffed tomatoes.
* **Serve with bread:** Crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious juices from the tomatoes.
* **Serve as a side dish:** These stuffed tomatoes can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
* **Make it a complete meal:** Add a side of rice or quinoa to make it a more substantial meal.
Make-Ahead Instructions
These stuffed tomatoes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover stuffed tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 350-400
* Protein: 25-30g
* Fat: 20-25g
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
Conclusion
These rice and beef stuffed tomatoes are a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. With their vibrant colors, flavorful filling, and easy preparation, they are sure to become a new favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow these step-by-step instructions, and enjoy a truly memorable meal! This recipe offers a delightful twist on a classic, bringing together the best of both worlds: the freshness of tomatoes and the heartiness of a rice and beef filling. Bon appétit!