Transform everyday ingredients into an extraordinary meal with these Easy Stuffed Tomatoes with Rice and Sausage. Designed for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining, this recipe promises to dazzle with its presentation and delight with its flavors. Forget spending hours in the kitchen; with our smart time-saving tips, you can have this wholesome and delicious dinner on the table in about 30 minutes!
Who doesn’t love a quick, easy, and satisfying recipe that uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand? While seasonal ingredients are wonderful, the beauty of these stuffed tomatoes is their year-round appeal. They’re perfect for any time, offering a burst of fresh flavors and comforting textures, making them an instant family favorite.
This recipe isn’t just about convenience; it’s about crafting a balanced and healthy meal. By combining juicy tomatoes with a hearty brown rice and savory sausage filling, you create a dish that’s rich in nutrients and flavor. Add a crisp side salad and some fresh fruit, and you’ve got a complete, vibrant dinner that nourishes both body and soul.
Unlock Speedy Stuffed Tomatoes: Essential Time-Saving Tips
These rice and sausage stuffed tomatoes have quickly become a new staple in our home. They leverage pantry-friendly ingredients and boast a presentation that is both fun and surprisingly fancy. The real magic lies in three simple tips that drastically cut down preparation time without compromising on taste or quality. Follow these guidelines to streamline your cooking process and enjoy a gourmet-like meal with minimal effort.
Tip #1: Embrace the Convenience of Pre-Cooked Whole-Grain Brown Rice
Pre-cooked rice is a true kitchen hero, especially when time is of the essence. I always keep a box of whole-grain brown rice in my pantry, ready to elevate any meal or serve as a quick base for various dishes. Brands like Success® Boil-In-Bag Rice offer unparalleled convenience and consistent flavor, whether you opt for stovetop or microwave preparation.
The genius of boil-in-bag rice is its forgiving nature. It can comfortably sit in hot water (with the heat off) for up to 30 minutes after cooking, ensuring it’s perfectly tender and ready when you are. This flexibility makes it virtually foolproof, eliminating the stress of timing your rice perfectly. In a mere 8-10 minutes, you’ll have the foundational component for your flavorful stuffing mixture, ready to absorb all the delicious seasonings. This simple swap shaves off a significant amount of cooking time, making your stuffed tomato dreams a reality even on the busiest of evenings.
Tip #2: Maximize Flavor and Speed with Pre-Cooked Sausage Links
While your rice is simmering, pivot to preparing the protein component: the sausage. For ultimate speed, reach for already cooked sausage links. Whether you prefer a savory chicken sausage, a classic pork variety, or a hearty meatless alternative, pre-cooked options are a game-changer. Simply run an already cooked chicken sausage link (or a robust meatless sausage) through a food processor for a quick, fine chop, or mince it meticulously with a sharp knife.
You’ll find an impressive array of pre-cooked sausages in the meat or deli section of most supermarkets, often alongside traditional uncooked pork sausages. For a healthier choice, look for nitrite-free varieties. My personal preference leans towards a delicious chicken and apple combination, which adds a subtle sweetness and incredible depth of flavor to the stuffing. This step not only injects a wonderful boost of protein but also provides essential seasoning and richness to the dish. We employ a similar technique when creating our robust Cajun Dirty Rice Bowls, where finely chopped cooked sausage contributes both flavor and satisfying texture.
Tip #3: Optimize Tomato Preparation with Plum Tomatoes
The most time-consuming aspect of preparing stuffed tomatoes often involves hollowing out the fruit and removing the pulp and seeds. While any type of tomato can work for this recipe, Roma tomatoes (also known as plum tomatoes) are exceptionally easy to handle. Their elongated shape and generally firmer flesh mean they have less watery pulp, making the scooping process much quicker and cleaner. I’ve tested this recipe with medium-sized vine-ripened tomatoes as well, and while they perform admirably, Romas truly shine for their efficiency.
For Roma varieties, lay each tomato on its side and carefully slice off a piece from the top. This creates a stable base and a wider opening, making it easier to work with. Use a small spoon or a melon baller to gently scoop out the inner pulp and seeds. While the watery core can be discarded, don’t waste the sliced-off tops! Dice them finely and incorporate them into your stuffing mixture for an extra burst of fresh tomato flavor and texture. For more rounded tomatoes, simply slice off the top and scoop out the insides. This careful preparation ensures your tomato shells are perfectly ready to cradle the delicious filling.
Once your tomatoes are prepped, it’s time to assemble the filling. In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped sausage, the perfectly cooked brown rice, the diced tomato pieces (if using), and a generous portion of Parmesan cheese. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined, ensuring every bite will be bursting with flavor. Then, carefully “stuff” each hollowed-out tomato with this savory mixture, mounding it slightly at the top. The exact amount of stuffing per tomato will naturally vary depending on their size, but typically about 2 tablespoons fit comfortably into each of my medium-sized tomatoes.
Don’t fret if you find yourself with a little leftover stuffing mixture! Simply spoon it onto your serving plate and gracefully place a cooked stuffed tomato on top. This ensures no delicious morsel goes to waste and adds an extra layer of flavor to your meal presentation.
Before baking, sprinkle each stuffed tomato with a final flourish of Parmesan cheese. This will create a beautiful golden crust as it bakes, adding another layer of irresistible flavor and texture. Transfer the filled tomatoes to a baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the stuffing is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
These versatile stuffed tomatoes are perfect for any occasion. Serve them as a satisfying main dish alongside a fresh green salad, offer them as an elegant side dish to grilled chicken or fish, or present them as a sophisticated party appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests. Their vibrant colors and delicious flavors make them a delightful addition to any meal.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
To make your meal prep even smoother, consider preparing the stuffing mixture a day in advance. Simply mix all the ingredients, cover, and store it in the refrigerator. On the day of serving, you’ll only need to hollow out your tomatoes, fill them, and bake. This brilliant make-ahead strategy ensures you can enjoy a fresh, hot, and homemade meal with minimal fuss right when you need it. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
Variations and Customizations for Your Stuffed Tomatoes
This recipe serves as a fantastic foundation, but don’t hesitate to get creative with your fillings!
- Protein Alternatives: Instead of sausage, try ground beef, turkey, or even lentils for a vegetarian option. Cook and season them well before mixing with the rice.
- Cheese Choices: While Parmesan adds a great salty kick, experiment with mozzarella for a gooey texture, feta for a tangy bite, or a sharp cheddar for richness.
- Herb & Spice Boosts: Fresh parsley is lovely, but consider adding fresh basil, oregano, thyme, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. A dash of smoked paprika can also add wonderful depth.
- Vegetable Additions: Finely diced bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or corn can be mixed into the stuffing for added nutrition and flavor.
- Grains Beyond Brown Rice: Quinoa, couscous, or even wild rice can be used as a substitute for brown rice, offering different textures and nutritional profiles. Remember to cook them according to package directions.
We genuinely love seeing your culinary creations! Please rate this recipe and share your photos on social media, tagging @DinnerMom or using #DinnerMom. Your feedback and beautiful dishes inspire us to continue sharing more delicious and easy-to-follow recipes!
📋 Recipe
Easy Stuffed Tomatoes with Rice and Sausage
Print
Pin
Rate
Ingredients
- 8 Roma or other medium sized tomatoes
- Salt
- 2 cups cooked brown rice We used 1 bag Success® Brown Rice
- 3 ounces chicken sausage or any type of cooked sausage; about 1 link
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese divided
- 1 Tablespoon parsley, optional chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degree F (175°C).
- If using Roma tomatoes, lay each tomato on its side and slice off the top (as shown in the post). For round tomatoes, cut a slice off the top of each tomato.
- Scoop the seeds and pulp from each tomato and discard. If desired, dice the sliced-off tops to add to the stuffing later.
- Sprinkle a pinch of salt inside the cavity of each tomato.
- Turn tomatoes over onto a piece of paper towel to drain excess moisture while you prepare the stuffing.
- Finely chop the cooked sausage, either by hand or using a food processor.
- In a bowl, combine the cooked brown rice, chopped sausage, and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese. If you diced the tomato tops, add them now.
- Place the hollowed-out tomatoes, cut side up, on a baking sheet.
- Spoon the stuffing mixture into the cavity of each tomato, mounding it slightly at the top.
- Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese generously over the top of each stuffed tomato.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the stuffing is thoroughly heated through and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Serve immediately. If you have any leftover stuffing mixture, spoon it onto serving plates and place a cooked stuffed tomato on top. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Nutrition
Nutritional and Food Safety Disclaimer