Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for stuffed tomatoes (Greek style), what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Tomatoes – Beefsteak tomatoes are the best tomatoes for stuffing, because they are large (to hold a good amount of filling) and stand upright easily. You can make this stuffed tomato recipe with other kinds of tomatoes, but you may need more of them to accommodate the filling. Olive Oil – Used for sauteing, and also for the sauce. Other heat-safe oils, such as avocado oil, will also work. Balsamic Vinegar – Adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor. You could use red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or rice vinegar instead, but I prefer balsamic for subtle sweetness. Italian Seasoning – I used homemade Italian seasoning, but store-bought works. Greek seasoning is great here, too. You can also opt for fresh herbs instead, such as thyme, rosemary, basil, oregano, and/or marjoram. Aromatics – Garlic (fresh or jarred) and onions add so much flavor! I don’t recommend substituting the dried spices here. Ground Beef – Beef makes up the bulk of this stuffed tomatoes recipe, but ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground pork would all work as well. You could also use cooked lentils or quinoa for a meatless option. Sea Salt & Black Pepper Cauliflower Rice – I like to make my own fresh cauliflower rice, but frozen would work as well. You can also substitute cooked white rice or brown rice if you want it to be more filling.
How To Make Stuffed Tomatoes
This section shows how to cook stuffed tomatoes, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Meal prep: Prep the tomatoes and filling ahead and assemble them right before baking. The recipe can be done a day or two ahead, but it’s better not to wait too long, as the tomatoes may lose their shape. Reheat: Pop them in the oven at 350 degrees F, or in the microwave, until hot. Freeze: Raw tomatoes don’t freeze well, but you can store these baked stuffed tomatoes in the freezer for up to 3 months . Alternatively, you could freeze the prepared beef and cauliflower filling, and stuff it into fresh tomatoes before baking and serving.
More Stuffed Tomato Recipes
The version on the recipe card below makes Greek stuffed tomatoes, but don’t stop there — you can make stuffed tomato recipes in many other ways, both hot and cold. Try these variations: You don’t want your filling falling out. 😉 This is normal! Just simmer it until it’s thick and saucy. Add mozzarella or parmesan cheese on top in the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
Tuna Salad – For a cold stuffing, simply stuff with your favorite tuna salad. You can also try tuna and egg salad, avocado tuna salad, or even crab salad instead. Tuna-based fillings also taste great hot with melted cheddar cheese instead, kind of like a tuna melt in stuffed tomato form! Chicken Salad – Use your favorite chicken salad for the filling. Try BBQ chicken salad for a cookout style filling, buffalo chicken salad for a spicy kick, creamy avocado chicken salad, or pack in those Greek flavors with a Mediterranean chicken salad. Caprese – This is like a Caprese salad stuffed inside a tomato. Alternate layers of fresh mozzarella cheese and fresh basil. Drizzle with sweet balsamic glaze. Spinach Artichoke – Make spinach artichoke dip, but instead of baking it in a casserole dish, stuff it into the tomatoes and bake according to the times in this stuffed tomato recipe. Chicken & Pesto – Cook up some Instant Pot chicken breast and mix it with basil pesto. Stuff tomatoes with the mixture, top with cheese and bake according to instructions below. BLT – Make BLT stuffed tomatoes from my Easy Keto Cookbook!
More Stuffed Vegetable Recipes
Stuffed vegetables are a great way to pack in flavor and nutrients into your meals. Here are some more creative stuffed vegetable recipes that are sure to impress your family and friends! Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email.
