Discover a delightful blend of textures and flavors in this cheesy stuffed tomatoes with sausage recipe. Fresh, juicy tomatoes are hollowed out and filled with a savory mixture of ground sausage, rice, and an enticing blend of colby jack and parmesan cheeses. A sprinkle of Italian seasoning and basil adds a burst of flavor, making this dish a perfect centerpiece for any meal.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in a household pantry. However, you might need to check specifically for Colby Jack cheese and fresh basil. Colby Jack cheese is a blend of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses, and it melts beautifully, adding a creamy, tangy flavor to the recipe. Fresh basil leaves add an aromatic kick that's truly unique.
Ingredients for Cheesy Stuffed Tomatoes with Sausage
Tomatoes: The base of this recipe, choose large and firm ones which can hold the stuffing well.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance the flavors.
Ground sausage: Adds a meaty, hearty texture to the stuffing.
White rice: It gives a nice texture to the stuffing.
Colby Jack cheese: This cheese adds a creamy, tangy flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Parmesan gives a lovely umami depth to the dish.
Basil: Adds a fresh and aromatic element.
Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that bring a taste of Italy to your dish.
One reader, Antonino Rowell says:
This cheesy stuffed tomatoes with sausage recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is simply divine. The juicy tomatoes, savory sausage, and gooey cheese create a mouthwatering dish that's perfect for any occasion. It's a definite crowd-pleaser!
Culinary Techniques for Cheesy Stuffed Tomatoes with Sausage Recipe
How to prepare the tomatoes: Cut off the tops of the tomatoes and scoop out the insides, then place them in a baking dish.
How to cook the sausage: In a medium-sized skillet, cook and crumble the sausage until it's fully cooked, then remove any excess grease.
How to stuff the tomatoes: Use the sausage and rice mixture to stuff each tomato, then top them with the remaining cheese before baking.
How To Make Cheesy Stuffed Tomatoes with Sausage
A rich and hearty sausage and rice filling is loaded into these stuffed tomatoes. The dish is topped with creamy and gooey cheese.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4large tomatoes
- salt and pepper
- ½lbground sausage
- 1cupwhite rice,cooked
- 1½cupColby Jack cheese,shredded and divided
- ½cupparmesan cheese,shredded
- 2tbspbasil,chopped
- 1tspItalian seasoning
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Start by cutting off the tops of the tomatoes. Cut around the edge of the tomatoes and scoop out the insides and place in a baking dish.
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In a medium sized skillet cook and crumble the sausage. Remove grease and add to a medium sized bowl with the rice, one cup colby jack cheese, parmesan cheese, basil and Italian seasoning.
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Use the mixture and stuff each tomato. Top with remaining cheese. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
Nutrition
- Calories: 637.27kcal
- Fat: 35.40g
- Saturated Fat: 17.52g
- Trans Fat: 0.06g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 11.73g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.35g
- Carbohydrates: 47.88g
- Fiber: 2.21g
- Sugar: 4.99g
- Protein: 31.86g
- Cholesterol: 99.35mg
- Sodium: 982.89mg
- Calcium: 594.90mg
- Potassium: 679.40mg
- Iron: 2.36mg
- Vitamin A: 253.28µg
- Vitamin C: 21.43mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Cheesy Stuffed Tomatoes
When scooping out the insides of the tomatoes, be careful not to pierce the skin. This will ensure that the stuffing stays inside the tomato while baking. Also, you can save the scooped-out tomato pulp and use it in other recipes like soups or sauces to minimize waste.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Stuffed Tomatoes
Prep ahead: Prepare the filling and stuffing mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator to save time on the day of cooking.
Uniform size: Choose tomatoes that are similar in size to ensure even cooking and consistent results.
Efficient assembly: Use a spoon to easily scoop out the tomato insides and quickly stuff them with the filling mixture.
Multi-task: While the tomatoes are baking, use that time to clean up and prepare any side dishes to make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Use pre-cooked rice: Save time by using pre-cooked rice or leftover rice from a previous meal to cut down on preparation time.
Substitute Ingredients For Cheesy Stuffed Tomatoes with Sausage Recipe
ground sausage - Substitute with plant-based sausage: For a vegetarian option, plant-based sausage can be used to provide a similar texture and flavor to traditional sausage.
white rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa is a nutritious alternative to white rice, offering a nutty flavor and a boost of protein and fiber.
colby jack cheese - Substitute with cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese can be used as a substitute, providing a rich and sharp flavor similar to colby jack.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano cheese: Pecorino romano cheese offers a similar salty and nutty flavor to parmesan, making it a suitable substitute in this recipe.
basil - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can be used as a substitute for basil, providing a fresh and slightly peppery flavor to the dish.
italian seasoning - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano can be used as a substitute for Italian seasoning, adding a robust and earthy flavor to the dish.
Plating Ideas for Stuffed Tomatoes with Sausage
Elevate the tomato: Select the ripest, most vibrant tomatoes for this dish. The tomatoes should be the star of the show, so choose ones that are visually appealing and full of flavor.
Create a symmetrical arrangement: When plating the stuffed tomatoes, arrange them in a symmetrical pattern on the plate. This will create a visually appealing presentation that showcases the care and attention to detail put into the dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the stuffed tomatoes just before serving. The vibrant green color and aromatic fragrance of the basil will add a pop of freshness to the dish.
Use a minimalist approach: Keep the plating simple and elegant. Avoid overcrowding the plate with too many elements. Let the colors and textures of the dish speak for themselves.
Incorporate a touch of color: Consider adding a small drizzle of balsamic reduction around the plate to add a touch of acidity and a beautiful contrast of color.
Serve on a bed of arugula: Place the stuffed tomatoes on a bed of lightly dressed arugula. The peppery flavor of the arugula will complement the richness of the cheesy stuffed tomatoes.
Add a sprinkle of edible flowers: For a final touch, delicately place a few edible flowers around the plate. The vibrant colors and delicate appearance of the flowers will add a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Cheesy Stuffed Tomatoes
- Cutting board: A flat surface for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile knife for various cutting tasks, such as chopping, dicing, and mincing.
- Skillet: A frying pan with sloping sides, perfect for cooking and crumbing the sausage.
- Baking dish: A deep dish used for baking and roasting, ideal for holding the stuffed tomatoes.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl for combining and mixing the sausage, rice, and cheese mixture.
- Oven: Used for baking the stuffed tomatoes to perfection.
Storing and Freezing Cheesy Stuffed Tomatoes with Sausage Recipe
- Let the cheesy stuffed tomatoes cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze, place the cooled stuffed tomatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date and contents.
- Frozen cheesy stuffed tomatoes with sausage can be stored for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
- To reheat, thaw the frozen stuffed tomatoes in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the thawed tomatoes in a baking dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to melt and bubble.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the stuffed tomatoes in the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as the tomatoes may burst or become mushy.
Reheating Cheesy Stuffed Tomatoes with Sausage
To reheat leftover cheesy stuffed tomatoes with sausage, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed tomatoes in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. The foil will help prevent the cheese from burning and keep the tomatoes moist.
Another option is to reheat the stuffed tomatoes in the microwave. Place them in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. The damp paper towel will help keep the tomatoes moist and prevent them from drying out.
For a crispy top, after reheating the stuffed tomatoes in the oven or microwave, remove the foil or paper towel and place them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
If you have leftover sausage and rice filling, you can reheat it separately in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, then spoon the filling back into the tomatoes before serving.
To add extra flavor and moisture to the reheated stuffed tomatoes, sprinkle some fresh basil leaves or grated parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Interesting Trivia About Stuffed Tomatoes
The recipe for cheesy stuffed tomatoes with sausage is a delicious and savory dish that combines the juicy flavors of tomatoes with the richness of cheese and the savory taste of sausage. This dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a delightful addition to any meal. The combination of colby jack and parmesan cheese adds a creamy and gooey texture to the dish, while the sausage provides a hearty and satisfying element. The addition of basil and Italian seasoning enhances the overall taste, making this recipe a crowd-pleaser. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, these cheesy stuffed tomatoes with sausage are sure to impress.
Budget-Friendly Cheesy Stuffed Tomatoes with Sausage
The cost-effectiveness of this cheesy stuffed tomatoes with sausage recipe largely depends on the prices of the ingredients in your local area. Tomatoes and rice are generally affordable, while sausage and cheese can be pricier. However, this dish yields a substantial amount and can feed a family of four, making it relatively cost-effective. The approximate cost for a household of four people would be around $15-$20. Overall, considering the hearty and flavorful nature of this dish, I would rate it a solid 8 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness.
Is This Cheesy Stuffed Tomato Dish Healthy?
This recipe for cheesy stuffed tomatoes with sausage is not particularly healthy due to several factors:
- The dish is high in saturated fat from the sausage and cheese, which can contribute to heart disease and other health issues when consumed in excess.
- White rice is a refined carbohydrate that lacks fiber and nutrients compared to whole grain alternatives.
- The recipe does not include any additional vegetables or lean protein sources to balance out the meal.
However, the tomatoes themselves are a nutritious ingredient, providing vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace the sausage with a leaner protein source, such as ground turkey or chicken, or opt for a plant-based alternative like crumbled tofu or tempeh.
- Swap the white rice for brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice to increase the fiber and nutrient content.
- Reduce the amount of cheese used, or choose lower-fat varieties to decrease the saturated fat content.
- Add more vegetables to the stuffing mixture, such as diced zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach, to boost the nutritional value and fiber content of the dish.
- Use fresh herbs like basil and oregano instead of dried Italian seasoning to add flavor without relying on excess salt or fat.
Our Editor's Opinion on This Cheesy Stuffed Tomato Recipe
The recipe for cheesy stuffed tomatoes with sausage is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of fresh tomatoes as a vessel for the savory sausage and rice filling creates a visually appealing and satisfying dish. The blend of colby jack and parmesan cheese adds a rich and gooey element, while the herbs infuse the dish with aromatic flavors. The recipe is simple to prepare and yields a delicious result that is sure to impress. It's a wonderful option for a hearty appetizer or a flavorful side dish.
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Why trust this Cheesy Stuffed Tomatoes with Sausage Recipe:
Users should trust this cheesy stuffed tomatoes with sausage recipe because it offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The savory sausage and creamy colby jack cheese create a rich and satisfying filling, while the addition of basil and Italian seasoning enhances the overall taste. The use of fresh tomatoes ensures a vibrant and wholesome dish. With careful attention to detail and a balance of ingredients, this recipe promises a mouthwatering experience that will surely impress anyone who tries it.
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