Tomato Delights(For Tomi Sue, Debbie, Shirley And Ken)
A savory baked tomato dish filled with flavorful rice, cheese, and herbs, perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner for family and friends.
Ingredients
- 6 firm ripe tomatoes ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 small onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup melted butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup cooked rice ⓘ
- 1 egg, beaten ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dried whole oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried whole basil ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut a slice from the top of each tomato and scoop out the pulp, leaving the shells intact. Reserve the pulp.
- Sprinkle the insides lightly with salt and invert to drain.
- Chop the tomato pulp.
- Saute chopped green pepper and small onion in melted butter or margarine.
- Add the chopped tomato pulp, shredded Cheddar cheese, cooked rice, beaten egg, dried oregano, dried basil, and salt to the sauteed mixture and stir well.
- Spoon the mixture into the tomato shells and place them in a shallow baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Garnish and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider adding minced garlic or diced mushrooms to the sautéed vegetables. If you don't have Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack or a blend of your favorite cheeses can work well. To save time, pre-cook the rice or use leftover rice from another meal. Ensure the tomatoes are firm to hold the filling without collapsing.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed tomatoes make a delightful main dish and pair well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve alongside a protein like grilled chicken or fish. They also complement other dishes like Zucchini-Hamburger Pie for a satisfying dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers 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 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the tomatoes soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato Delights(For Tomi Sue, Debbie, Shirley And Ken) contains roughly 1108 calories, with 31g protein, 186g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (84% of the Daily Value), protein (63% of the Daily Value), and calcium (53% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2652mg per serving (115% of the Daily Value).
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 prepare these stuffed tomatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed tomatoes a day in advance. Assemble them and store in the refrigerator. Bake them just before serving to ensure they come out hot and flavorful.
What can I substitute for rice in this recipe?
If you're looking for a low-carb alternative, you could use cauliflower rice or quinoa instead of traditional rice. Both options will absorb the flavors well and provide a similar texture.
Can I freeze the stuffed tomatoes?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffed tomatoes before baking. Wrap each tomato tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
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).