Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy beefsteak tomato, perfectly stuffed with a savory blend of ground beef, rice, and melted cheese—sounds delicious, right? Welcome to your new favorite comfort food: Stuffed Beefy Steak Tomatoes! This American classic is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful explosion of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. Whether you're looking for a hearty main course or a unique side dish, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike. Get ready to elevate your dinner game with this simple yet scrumptious dish that’s ready in just 45 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large beefsteak tomatoes
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Carefully wash the beefsteak tomatoes and pat them dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, cut off the tops of the tomatoes and scoop out the inner flesh and seeds, creating a hollow shell. Set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until the meat is no longer pink, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté with the beef for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Drain any excess fat from the meat mixture. Stir in the cooked rice, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Stuff each hollowed tomato with the beef and rice mixture, pressing gently to pack the filling tightly. Top each stuffed tomato with shredded cheese.
- Place the stuffed tomatoes in the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the stuffed tomatoes rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set and makes them easier to plate.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired. These stuffed tomatoes make an excellent main course or can be served as a hearty side dish.
Tips
- Choose the Right Tomatoes: Opt for large, firm beefsteak tomatoes that can hold up to the stuffing. Look for ones with a vibrant color and minimal blemishes.
- Customize Your Filling: Feel free to get creative! Add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also swap out the cheese for your favorite type or add spices to suit your taste.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking: Make sure to brown the ground beef thoroughly and sauté the onions and garlic until they're fragrant. This will enhance the overall flavor of your stuffed tomatoes.
- Pack It In: When stuffing the tomatoes, press the filling down gently to ensure they’re packed tightly. This will help them hold their shape during baking.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the tomatoes as they bake. You want them to be tender but not falling apart, and the cheese should be bubbly and golden.
- Let Them Rest: Allow the stuffed tomatoes to rest for a few minutes after taking them out of the oven. This helps the filling set and makes for easier serving.
- Garnish for Flair: Elevate your presentation by garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving. It adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.With these tips in mind, you're all set to create a mouthwatering dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 395kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
