Easy Mediterranean Stuffed Tomatoes Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Mediterranean stuffed tomatoes offer a vibrant culinary adventure that elevates simple ingredients into a stunning dish bursting with flavor.

Ripe, juicy tomatoes become delightful vessels carrying a symphony of herbs, grains, and aromatic seasonings.

These colorful stuffed delicacies showcase the essence of Mediterranean cooking with their bold and balanced profile.

Skilled home cooks can effortlessly craft this elegant recipe that celebrates fresh, wholesome ingredients and traditional preparation techniques.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

The combination of carefully selected components creates a nutritious and satisfying meal that appeals to both vegetarian and omnivorous preferences.

You’ll find this recipe remarkably versatile, welcoming creative adaptations while maintaining its authentic Mediterranean spirit.

Stuffed Tomatoes with a Mediterranean Soul

• Burst with Mediterranean Flavors: Dive into a vibrant blend of herbs, spices, and wholesome ingredients that transport your taste buds to sunny coastal regions with every delicious bite.
• Quick and Simple Cooking Method: Effortlessly create a gourmet dish using basic kitchen skills, requiring minimal prep time and delivering maximum flavor without complicated techniques.
• Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Pack essential nutrients into a single, colorful meal that combines protein-rich black beans, tender rice, and fresh tomatoes for a balanced and satisfying dinner option.
• Versatile Vegetarian Delight: Enjoy a flexible recipe that can be easily customized with additional vegetables or protein sources, making it perfect for various dietary preferences and creative cooking experiments.

What Fills These Juicy Beauties

Main Ingredients:

Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes are the star of this dish, providing a beautiful edible vessel for the stuffing. Look for firm, round tomatoes with smooth skin and vibrant color.

Rice: A hearty and filling base for the stuffing that absorbs flavors beautifully. Choose long-grain white rice for best texture and cooking consistency.

Aromatics and Seasonings:

Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor builders that provide depth and aroma to the stuffing. Fresh onions and garlic will give the most robust taste.

Paprika, Cumin, Italian Seasoning: Spices that add warmth, earthiness, and Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile. Use fresh, high-quality spices for maximum impact.

Protein and Herbs:

Black Beans: Protein-rich ingredient that adds texture and nutritional value to the stuffing. Canned or pre-cooked beans work well.

Parsley: Fresh herb that brings brightness and a pop of green color. Choose fresh parsley with vibrant leaves.

Additional Ingredients:

Avocado Oil: Healthy cooking oil with a high smoke point, perfect for sautéing.

Vegetable Broth: Adds moisture and additional flavor to the rice mixture.

Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance overall taste.

How to Roast and Serve with Ease

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Tomatoes

Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice off tomato tops and set aside. Scoop out tomato flesh into a bowl. Sprinkle salt inside tomatoes and place them upside down to drain excess liquid.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Onion
• Garlic
• Paprika
• Cumin
• Italian seasoning

Sauté until vegetables become soft and fragrant, about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Cook Rice Mixture

Add rice, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir and cook for 1 minute. Mix in tomato flesh and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 12-15 minutes until rice is tender.

Step 4: Incorporate Beans And Herbs

Stir black beans and fresh parsley into the rice mixture.

Step 5: Stuff And Bake Tomatoes

Fill drained tomatoes with rice mixture. Replace tomato tops. Arrange on a sheet pan and bake for 25-35 minutes until tomatoes are tender and filling is heated through.

Tips to Avoid Soggy Tomato Sides

• Drain Tomatoes Thoroughly: Pat the inside of tomatoes with paper towels after draining to prevent excess moisture during baking.
• Choose Ripe Tomatoes: Select firm, vibrant red tomatoes with smooth skin for the best texture and flavor in your stuffed dish.
• Season Rice Layer: Add a pinch of extra spices like smoked paprika or dried oregano to boost the Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Control Rice Texture: Check rice periodically while simmering to ensure it remains slightly al dente before stuffing tomatoes.
• Prevent Burning: Cover the tomato tops with aluminum foil if they start browning too quickly during the final baking stage.

Storing for Freshness and Easy Reheats

• Refrigerate stuffed tomatoes in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. These delicious Mediterranean bites will stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. Gently reheat individual tomatoes in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Alternatively, warm them in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Pro tip: Add a splash of vegetable broth before reheating to keep the rice and filling moist and flavorful.

Pairings That Highlight the Filling

• Pair with Crisp Greek White Wine: Complement the Mediterranean flavors with a chilled Assyrtiko or Moschofilero, which will brighten the tomatoes' rich, herbal notes and cut through the hearty rice filling.
• Serve alongside Herbed Tzatziki: The cool, tangy yogurt sauce provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, spiced stuffed tomatoes, balancing the dish's robust flavors and adding a creamy texture.
• Match with Mediterranean Salad: A light salad of cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese dressed with olive oil and lemon will enhance the tomato dish's Mediterranean profile and add a fresh, zesty dimension.
• Complete with Rustic Bread: Warm, crusty sourdough or whole grain bread serves as the perfect accompaniment, allowing diners to soak up the delicious tomato and rice mixture while adding a satisfying crunch.

Filling Twists to Change It Up

• Moroccan Spice Burst: Enhance the filling with ras el hanout spice blend, add golden raisins, and sprinkle toasted pine nuts for an authentic North African flavor profile.
• Greek-Inspired Version: Replace black beans with crumbled feta cheese, incorporate chopped kalamata olives, and season with dried oregano for a Mediterranean coastal essence.
• Quinoa Power Swap: Substitute rice with protein-packed quinoa, mix in roasted red peppers, and top with crumbled goat cheese for a nutritious alternative.
• Vegetable Garden Remix: Add diced zucchini, spinach, and mushrooms to the rice mixture, creating a more robust and varied vegetable-forward stuffed tomato experience.

Mediterranean Stuffed Tomatoes Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Mediterranean stuffed tomatoes showcase Greece’s culinary charm, blending aromatic herbs, tender rice, and savory ground meat in a classic rustic dish. Roasted until golden and fragrant, these tomatoes invite you to savor a delightful taste of Mediterranean sunshine.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 large tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• ½ cup basmati rice, rinsed well and drained

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

Spices and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1 cup vegetable broth (or water)
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
2. Carefully slice off the tops of ripe tomatoes, reserving the lids. Gently hollow out the tomato interiors, transferring the pulp to a separate mixing bowl.
3. Sprinkle a light layer of salt inside the tomato shells and position them upside down on a clean surface to drain excess moisture.
4. Pour of avocado oil into a skillet over medium-high heat. Add finely chopped onions, minced garlic, smoky paprika, ground cumin, and aromatic Italian seasoning.
5. Sauté the spice and vegetable mixture until the onions become translucent and fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes.
6. Introduce uncooked rice to the skillet, seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toast the rice for 1 minute to enhance its nutty flavor.
7. Pour in the reserved tomato pulp and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 12-15 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
8. Fold in drained black beans and chopped fresh parsley, creating a vibrant and flavorful stuffing.
9. Carefully fill each prepared tomato shell with the rice mixture, then crown each with its reserved lid.
10. Arrange the stuffed tomatoes on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and the filling is heated through.

Notes

• Drain tomato shells thoroughly to prevent soggy filling and ensure crisp texture.
• Choose ripe, firm tomatoes with thick walls for best structural integrity during baking.
• Customize spice blend by adjusting cumin and paprika levels to match personal taste preferences.
• Pre-cooking rice mixture intensifies flavor and ensures complete rice tenderness before final baking.
• Vegetable broth adds depth and moisture, preventing dry rice and enhancing overall Mediterranean profile.
• Serve immediately after baking to maintain optimal temperature and preserve vibrant, fresh herb garnish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 285 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg