Stuffed Tomatoes
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
194 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mexican
Stuffed Tomatoes
Description
This recipe starts by browning ground beef and finely chopped onions until cooked and drained. Tomatoes are cored and hollowed, reserving the inner tomato flesh and juice. These reserved pieces are added to a skillet with tomato sauce, cooked rice, and taco seasoning, creating a well-flavored filling that cooks until it thickens slightly. The seasoned beef mixture is spooned into each hollowed tomato and mounded on top. This method combines the fresh acidity of good-quality raw tomatoes with robust taco-seasoned meat and rice for a balanced dish. Serving with shredded cheddar, sour cream, and thinly sliced scallions adds creaminess, sharpness, and a fresh bite.
This dish works well as a hearty main course or a flavorful side. It pairs nicely with simple greens or tortilla chips to complement the taco-inspired filling. The number of tomatoes prepared makes it suitable for serving a group with generous portions.
Leftovers keep up to four days refrigerated in an airtight container, and the recipe suggests flexibility in ingredients: ground turkey or chicken substitute for beef; any cooked rice or grain can be used; homemade or store-bought taco seasoning is appropriate. Toppings offer opportunities to customize texture and flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (see note 1)
- 1/2 medium onion finely chopped
- 8 large tomato see note 2
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup rice see note 3, cooked
- 1 packet taco seasoning homemade or store-bought (see note 4)
- salt freshly ground
- black pepper freshly ground
- cheddar cheese for serving (see note 5, shredded
- sour cream for serving
- scallions for serving, thinly sliced
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef and onion. Cook, until browned, breaking up beef with a wooden spoon, about 5 minutes. Drain well.
- Meanwhile, core each tomato to remove the stem. Slice off 1/4-inch of the top of each tomato. Using a sharp paring knife or a small serrated knife, cut around the inside of the tomato to loosen the seeds and inner tomato pieces.
- While holding the tomato over a bowl, use a small spoon to scoop out the seeds and inner tomato flesh. Dice any large inner tomato pieces and reserve, along with the seeds and juice.
- Add tomato sauce, cooked rice, taco seasoning, and any reserved tomato pieces and juice to the skillet. Stir to combine and continue to cook until juices begin to thicken, about 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Remove skillet from heat and cool filling slightly. Working with one tomato at a time, spoon beef filling into a tomato and mound carefully on top. Repeat with remaining tomatoes.
- Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, scallions, and all your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef without sacrificing flavor.
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes suitable for eating raw to ensure good flavor.
- Any cooked rice or grain works, including brown rice, quinoa, or flavored rice.
- Homemade taco seasoning can replace store-bought; a suggested blend includes chili powder, cumin, paprika, coriander, cayenne, salt, and optional cornstarch as thickener.
- Toppings such as scallions, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, or tortilla chips add complementary textures and flavors.
- This recipe yields 8 stuffed tomatoes as hearty servings.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 194 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 tomato | |
| Calories | 194kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 11g | 4% |
| Protein | 12g | 24% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 40mg | 13% |
| Sodium | 99mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 594mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 1575IU | 32% |
| Vitamin C | 26mg | 29% |
| Calcium | 30mg | 3% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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