Easy Baked Stuffed Tomatoes with Italian Sausage, Rice, and Cheese: A Flavorful Weeknight Meal

Discover the ultimate comfort food with these exquisite baked stuffed tomatoes. This recipe transforms ripe, juicy tomatoes into vibrant edible bowls, brimming with a savory and satisfying mixture of fluffy rice, rich Italian sausage, and gooey melted cheese. Whether you’re seeking a hearty yet light main course or a stunning, colorful side dish, these stuffed tomatoes are remarkably easy to prepare and bursting with fresh, garden-inspired flavors. They offer a delightful alternative to traditional stuffed peppers, promising quicker cooking times and a uniquely sweet, tangy profile that truly enhances the robust filling.

If you’re a fan of classic stuffed peppers, you’re in for a treat with this tomato-based rendition. While dishes like Stuffed Pepper Casserole or even Taco Stuffed Peppers are beloved staples, these stuffed tomatoes bring a fresh perspective to the table. They’re designed for convenience without compromising on taste, making them an ideal choice for any night of the week when you crave a fulfilling and delicious homemade meal.

stuffed tomato on a white plate, cut open with rice and sausage

One of the most appealing aspects of using tomatoes over bell peppers for stuffing is the significantly reduced cooking time. Bell peppers often require a prolonged baking period to achieve that desired tender, soft texture. Tomatoes, on the other hand, soften beautifully and cook much more quickly, allowing you to get a delicious meal on the table faster. Beyond speed, there’s an undeniable charm and deliciousness in a warm, baked tomato. The baking process gently cooks the tomato down, concentrating its natural sugars and intensifying its inherent sweetness and tangy notes.

This characteristic makes stuffed tomatoes a fantastic dish to enjoy year-round, not just during the peak summer harvest. Even if you’re preparing this dish in the depths of winter, using store-bought tomatoes, the baking method will transform them, bringing out a depth of flavor that makes them taste absolutely delicious. This versatility ensures that you can savor this comforting and flavorful meal whenever the craving strikes, regardless of the season.

looking down on baking tray with stuffed tomatoes

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Stuffed Tomatoes

For the exact measurements and a convenient printable version of this recipe, be sure to scroll down to the complete recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Beef Steak Tomatoes – The foundation of our dish! Opt for super ripe and large beefsteak tomatoes. Their substantial size provides ample space for our delicious filling, and their robust flesh holds up well during baking, becoming wonderfully tender and sweet.
Italian Sausage – This is where a lot of the savory flavor comes from. I personally love using hot Italian sausage for an extra kick, as my family enjoys a bit of spice. However, feel free to adapt this to your preference; mild or sweet Italian sausage (pork or turkey varieties) work equally well. The key is to choose a good quality sausage that will render flavorful fat for cooking the onions and garlic.
Onion – Finely chopped onion provides a crucial aromatic base for the filling, adding sweetness and depth as it sautés with the sausage.
Garlic – Freshly minced garlic is indispensable for boosting the overall flavor profile of the savory rice and sausage mixture. Its pungent aroma transforms into a sweet, mellow note when cooked.
Cooked White Rice – Cooked rice serves as the hearty bulk of our stuffing, absorbing all the wonderful flavors. While white rice is specified, you have flexibility here. Brown rice would add a nuttier flavor and more fiber, or you could even use quinoa or another favorite grain for a different texture and nutritional profile. Just ensure it’s cooked beforehand!
Mozzarella Cheese – Shredded mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, creating a creamy, gooey texture within the filling and a lovely golden crust on top. Its mild flavor complements the other ingredients without overpowering them.
Panko Breadcrumbs – These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier than traditional breadcrumbs, providing a fantastic crunchy topping that browns wonderfully in the oven.
Fresh Basil – Chopped fresh basil adds a burst of vibrant, aromatic, and slightly peppery sweetness, perfectly complementing the tomatoes and Italian flavors of the sausage. It’s a crucial fresh element that elevates the dish.
Melted Butter – Used to bind the breadcrumb topping and help it achieve that desirable golden-brown crispiness.
Salt & Pepper – Essential seasonings to taste, bringing out and balancing all the flavors in the filling. Always adjust according to the saltiness of your sausage and your personal preference.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Delicious Stuffed Tomatoes

Prepare Your Oven and Tomatoes. Begin by preheating your oven to 375º F (190º C) to ensure it’s ready for baking. While the oven heats, carefully cut the tops off your large beefsteak tomatoes. Use a spoon or a small knife to gently scoop out the inner pulp and seeds, creating hollow shells. Be sure to leave enough of the tomato wall intact so it holds its shape. You can discard the pulp or save it for another use, like a quick sauce or soup base.
Cook the Savory Meat Mixture. In a large skillet, heat a touch of olive oil (if needed, depending on your sausage) over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and finely chopped onions. Break the sausage apart with a spoon as it cooks. Sauté for about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is fully cooked through and the onions are softened and translucent. Once cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet to keep the filling from being too oily. Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for just 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until you can smell its fragrant aroma – be careful not to burn it!
Assemble the Flavorful Filling. To the skillet with the cooked sausage and onions, add the pre-cooked white rice and shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix everything together thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined and the cheese starts to slightly melt into the warm mixture. Taste the filling at this point and season generously with salt and pepper as needed. The amount of seasoning will depend on the saltiness of your sausage, so adjust to your preference.
Fill the Tomato Shells. Carefully spoon the prepared rice and sausage mixture into each hollowed-out tomato shell. Pack the filling gently but firmly, mounding it slightly on top if you have extra. Arrange the filled tomatoes snugly in a baking dish that’s large enough to hold them upright.
Create the Crispy Topping. In a small separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, chopped fresh basil, a pinch of salt, a dash of black pepper, and the melted butter. Stir these ingredients together until the breadcrumbs are evenly moistened. This mixture will form a delightful golden, crispy topping.
Bake to Golden Perfection. Sprinkle a generous amount of the seasoned breadcrumb topping over the top of each stuffed tomato. Place the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The tomatoes are ready when their skins begin to slightly split, and the breadcrumb topping turns a beautiful, light golden brown and is wonderfully crisp.
Serve Immediately. Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Allow the stuffed tomatoes to cool for just a couple of minutes before serving them hot. These are fantastic on their own or paired with a simple side dish.

stuffed tomatoes ready for the oven in baking dish

Expert Tips & Tricks for Perfect Stuffed Tomatoes

Prepare Ahead for Easy Weeknight Meals: This recipe is wonderfully accommodating for meal prep. You can easily make the entire filling a day in advance. Simply cook the sausage and onions, mix in the rice and cheese, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just stuff your hollowed tomatoes and proceed with the baking steps. Keep in mind that a cold filling might require an additional 5-10 minutes of baking time for the tomatoes to heat through properly. Alternatively, you can gently warm the filling in a skillet before stuffing to cut down on baking time if you’re in a hurry.
Customize Your Cheese Choice: While mozzarella provides a classic, melty texture, don’t hesitate to experiment with different cheeses to match your taste. Adding some grated Parmesan cheese can lend a sharper, saltier flavor profile, enhancing the Italian essence of the dish. Colby Jack offers a milder, creamier melt, or you can use a blend of your favorite cheeses for a unique twist. Feel free to use whatever cheese you have on hand or prefer!
Spice It Up or Keep It Mild: My family adores a bit of heat, which is why I consistently opt for hot Italian sausage in this recipe. Beyond the spice, it often brings a deeper, more complex flavor to the filling. However, if you prefer a milder taste, sweet or mild Italian sausage works perfectly. Always taste the filling mixture after combining all ingredients. This allows you to adjust the salt and pepper to achieve your desired seasoning level, taking into account the inherent saltiness and spice of the sausage you chose.
Protein Power: Explore Alternatives to Sausage: If Italian sausage isn’t your preference, or you’re looking for a leaner option, this recipe is highly adaptable. Ground turkey, ground beef, or even ground chicken can be excellent substitutes. When using a different protein, especially leaner ones, I highly recommend incorporating a tablespoon or two of Italian seasoning. This will infuse the filling with those classic Italian herbs and spices that you might miss from the sausage, ensuring a flavorful result. Use whatever protein best suits your dietary needs or taste buds!
Choosing the Right Tomatoes: Select firm, blemish-free beefsteak tomatoes. They are ideal because of their large size and sturdy walls, which are crucial for holding the generous filling without collapsing during baking. Ripe tomatoes will offer the best flavor and texture.
Don’t Overfill: While tempting, avoid overstuffing the tomatoes. This can cause the filling to spill out during baking and prevent even cooking. Fill them to the rim, perhaps with a slight mound, but ensure the topping has space to adhere.
Adjust Baking Time: Tomato sizes can vary, and oven temperatures can differ. Keep an eye on your tomatoes during the last 10 minutes of baking. They are perfectly done when the tomato walls are tender enough to pierce easily with a fork, and the breadcrumb topping is beautifully golden brown. If the topping browns too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with foil.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Stuffed Tomatoes

These stuffed tomatoes are wonderfully self-contained, offering a complete meal with the hearty vegetable base and a robust filling of rice and savory sausage. However, for those who enjoy rounding out their dining experience, here are a few of my favorite complementary side dishes that pair exceptionally well, elevating the meal to new heights of deliciousness.

Air Fryer Garlic Bread: A crisp, buttery slice of garlic bread is the ideal companion to soak up any juices from the baked tomatoes and add an extra layer of garlicky comfort. The air fryer makes it quick and perfectly golden.
Simple Tossed Salad: A light, refreshing green salad with a vinaigrette dressing offers a crisp contrast to the warm, rich stuffed tomatoes. It adds a welcome freshness and helps cleanse the palate.
Berry Fruit Salad: For a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color, a fresh berry fruit salad can be a delightful and unexpected side. The sweet and tart notes of the berries provide a beautiful counterpoint to the savory main dish.
Steamed Green Beans with Lemon: A simple side of lightly steamed green beans, brightened with a squeeze of fresh lemon, adds another healthy vegetable component and a zesty finish.
Roasted Asparagus: Tender-crisp roasted asparagus spears, seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and olive oil, make for an elegant and easy side that complements the flavors of the stuffed tomatoes beautifully.

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close up baked stuffed tomato cut open to see rice and sausage

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Stuffed Tomatoes

By

Erin Sellin

These Baked Stuffed Tomatoes are an incredibly satisfying and easy-to-make dish, featuring ripe tomatoes generously filled with a delicious blend of rice, savory Italian sausage, and melted cheese. They offer a delightful and quicker alternative to traditional stuffed peppers, perfect for a flavorful and fuss-free meal any night of the week.

Prep:

10 minutes

Cook:

30 minutes

Total:

40 minutes

Servings:
4

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Ingredients

▢ 4 large beefsteak tomatoes
▢ 1/2 pound Italian Sausage
▢ 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
▢ 2 cloves garlic, minced
▢ 1 1/2 cup cooked white rice
▢ 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
▢ 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
▢ 2 Tablespoons melted butter
▢ 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh basil
▢ 1/4 teaspoon salt
▢ 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375º F.
In a large skillet over high heat, brown the sausage with the onions, breaking it apart for 7-8 minutes, until it is cooked through. Drain the grease away.

1/2 pound Italian Sausage, 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until you can start to smell it.

2 cloves garlic
Mix in the cooked rice and cheese until everything is well blended. Taste the filling and add salt and pepper if necessary.

1 1/2 cup cooked white rice, 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
While the sausage is cooking, cut the tops off of your tomatoes, and scoop out the insides.

4 large beefsteak tomatoes
Fill each tomato with the rice mixture and place in a baking dish.
In a small bowl mix together breadcrumbs, melted butter, basil, salt and pepper until well combined.

1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs, 2 Tablespoons melted butter, 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh basil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping over each tomato and bake for 20-25 minute until the tomatoes start to split on and the top is lightly golden brown.
Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:

Erin Sellin

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cook Time:

30 minutes

Total Time:

40 minutes

Course:
Dinner Recipes

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
4

Calories:
437

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