Stuffed Tomatoes

Filled with an irresistible cheesy mushroom risotto stuffing, these juicy stuffed tomatoes are baked to perfection. You can make this impressive dish with only eight simple ingredients and in under 30 minutes.

When championing vegetables, I love using unique ways to bring out their best flavors. Dishes like eggplant rollatini, cabbage steaks, and zucchini boats are my absolute favorites. 

And while tomatoes are most often used in making pestos, sauces (or sugo!), soups, and curries, there’s so much you can do with them. You’ll love these stuffed tomatoes if you have enjoyed my stuffed peppers recipe.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Deceptively easy. Like stuffed chicken or salmon, don’t get overwhelmed by the fancy presentation of these tomatoes. They are super easy to put together.
• Filling. Because they are stuffed with rice, mushroom, and cheese, they make for a filling entrée or a vegetarian main course (like stuffed sweet potatoes).
• Yummy. Combining creamy mushrooms, herb rice, and cheese creates the classic Italian flavor pairing. 
• Crowd pleaser. Like stuffed pork loin, stuffed tomatoes always have a place on my plate, regardless of the season. Serve this dish at your next barbeque, birthday party, or family gathering, and floor your guests.

I love how the soft, sweet and tangy tomato complements the meaty and cheesy mushroom rice stuffing.

Ingredients Needed

You can make the most delicious stuffed tomatoes with just eight simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Tomatoes. Because we’ll be stuffing the tomatoes, you must choose large tomatoes.
• Butter. To sautée the stuffing. I like using butter for its richness. But you could also use plant-based butter or olive oil for sweating the onion. 
• Red onion. Dice a medium-sized onion to make the stuffing.
• King oyster mushrooms. Slice them thinly to replicate the texture of the shredded meat. Even hardcore meat eaters will appreciate its excellent mouthfeel. 
• Rice. You can use any available rice for this stuffing. For a risotto-like texture, use Italian Arborio rice.
• Vegetable stock. To flavor the stuffing.
• Italian seasoning. Either use herbs like oregano, rosemary, and thyme or mix herb seasoning for a warm aroma.
• Parmesan. For the salty, cheesy taste.

How to make stuffed tomatoes

It may seem like you need a lot of time and skill to bake these tomatoes. But when broken down stepwise, you’ll see how easy it is to make them. 

Step 1- Prep the tomatoes

Cut off the tomato tops and open the tomatoes. Scoop out the flesh and blend it fine. Set it aside and use it in the stuffing. Place the empty tomato shells in the baking dish.

Step 2- Make the stuffing

Melt butter in a medium-sized skillet and sauté the onions at medium to high heat. Once translucent, proceed to add the rest of the vegetables.

Add sliced oyster mushrooms to the pan and cook it for two minutes. After the mushrooms are ready, add rice and sauté until it glistens. 

Then add the vegetable stock, stirring a couple of tablespoons at a time until all the liquid is absorbed. 

Add the blended tomatoes, spices, and cook for a few more minutes. Stir in parmesan and bring the mixture together. 

Step 3- Stuff, bake, and serve

Fill the tomatoes generously with stuffing and gently press them down so they pack well. Proceed to bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Remove it from the oven and garnish with parmesan and fresh basil leaves.

What to serve with stuffed tomatoes

While I love serving stuffed tomatoes as the main course, it can also be enjoyed with other sides or mains. 

If making breakfast, serve it with a side of eggs and bacon. Pair stuffed tomatoes with shrimp or protein pasta, green goddess salad, and a side of garlic bread for lunch or dinner. 

Tips to make the best recipe

• Make a dry stuffing. Ensure that the liquid is completely absorbed in the rice stuffing. The residual moisture will make the roasted tomatoes soggy.
• Use the largest available tomatoes. To use the entire stuffing, I recommend you pick the largest tomatoes to fill.  
• Trim off the pointy bases. Flatten out the tomato bottoms by cutting a small portion of the pointed base so they can stand comfortably on the baking tray. 
• Line the baking dish. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, then put the tomatoes on it to avoid spillage.

Flavor variations

• Make it cheesier. Add mozzarella cheese to the mixture for an indulgent cheesy stuffing. Or use feta or goat cheese with your favorite Italian herbs.
• Add Indian flavors. Use curry powder instead of Italian seasoning and cottage cheese instead of parmesan to make Indian stuffed tomatoes. Garnish with chopped fresh coriander.   
• Change the protein. Instead of oyster mushrooms, use ground beef, minced chicken, or turkey in the stuffing.  
• Make it spicy. Amp up the heat by adding chili flakes and paprika powder. You can also add roasted garlic if you like the garlicky taste. 
• Swap out the rice. Use bread crumbs or quinoa instead of rice, or lower the carbs by using cauliflower rice.

Storage instructions

To store. In an airtight container, you can store baked stuffed tomatoes in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. 

To freeze. Although I don’t recommend freezing stuffed tomatoes as they tend to get mushy, you can store them in a freezer for several months.

Reheat. Make a thin layer of water in the baking dish, and keep the tomatoes in it. Bake it covered in the oven for 10-15 minutes until hot.

Recommended tools to make this recipe

• Baking dish. I like to use a larger than necessary dish so the tomatoes have room to cook evenly.
• Non-stick skillet. To make the filling.
• Parchment paper. Lining the dish makes clean up a breeze.

More flavorful stuffed recipes to try:

• Healthy stuffed peppers
• Stuffed mushrooms
• Cream cheese stuffed peppers
• Stuffed salmon
• Stuffed chicken breast
• Stuffed eggplant

Frequently asked questions