Stuffed Tomato Cups
Stuffed tomato cups filled with savory beef, herbs, and stuffing croutons make a delicious, family-friendly main dish perfect for a hearty, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut off the tops of the tomatoes and scoop out the pulp.
- Chop the tops and pulp; drain well.
- Cut around the edges of the tomato shells to soften them; drain excess liquid.
- Sprinkle the inside of the shells with salt and crushed basil leaves.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with chopped onion; drain excess fat.
- Stir in the chopped pulp, herb-seasoned stuffing croutons, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Stuff the mixture into the tomato shells.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the stuffed tomatoes.
- Place the filled tomatoes in a shallow baking dish and add 1/2 inch of water to the dish.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Optional: trim with parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey or lentils for the ground beef. You can also mix in some diced bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor. Ensure the tomatoes are firm to prevent them from collapsing during baking. If you don't have herb-seasoned croutons, use plain croutons and add Italian seasoning to taste.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed tomato cups make a delightful main dish, especially when paired with a simple side salad or a bowl of Hearty Vegetable Soup(Crock-Pot). For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside garlic bread or roasted vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for an extra touch of color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stuffed tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the oven will help maintain the texture of the tomatoes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Tomato Cups contains roughly 138 calories, with 9g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other vegetables instead of tomatoes for stuffing?
Yes, you can use bell peppers, zucchini, or even large mushrooms as alternatives. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different vegetables may require more or less time to soften and become flavorful.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a mixture of cooked quinoa, black beans, or lentils. You can also add chopped vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added texture and flavor, ensuring that the stuffing is still hearty and satisfying.
What can I do with leftover tomato pulp?
Leftover tomato pulp can be used in various ways. Add it to soups, sauces, or stews for extra flavor, or mix it into a salad dressing. You can also combine it with cooked rice or quinoa to create a flavorful base for other dishes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).