Ground Beef And Rice Stuffed Tomatoes

Name: Ground Beef And Rice Stuffed Tomatoes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 large ripe tomatoes; 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup cooked rice; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Highlighted under: Warm Comfort Food Ideas

I absolutely love making these Ground Beef and Rice Stuffed Tomatoes! They are not only delicious but also a fun way to serve a complete meal in a vibrant, edible package. The juicy tomatoes cradle a savory filling of seasoned ground beef and fluffy rice, creating a wonderfully satisfying dish. I often serve them with a simple side salad or garlic bread, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. Plus, they are easy to customize with your favorite spices and herbs, ensuring everyone can enjoy them to the fullest.

Created by

Cecilia Grant

Last updated on 2026-03-05T08:09:53.188Z

When I first decided to try Ground Beef and Rice Stuffed Tomatoes, I was amazed at how well the flavors meld together. The mixture of spices in the ground beef really enhances the sweetness of the tomatoes, creating a perfect balance. I've tested a few variations, but my favorite includes a touch of garlic and some fresh basil. The aroma when they're baking is simply irresistible!

What I found essential for this recipe is the quality of the tomatoes. Using ripe, firm tomatoes ensures they hold their shape during cooking and blend harmoniously with the stuffing. I also discovered that letting the stuffed tomatoes rest for a few minutes before serving allows the flavors to deepen. This dish is sure to impress!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Juicy tomatoes filled with hearty ground beef and rice
Customizable with your favorite herbs and spices
Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd

Choosing the Right Tomatoes

When making Ground Beef and Rice Stuffed Tomatoes, the choice of tomatoes is crucial for achieving the best flavor and texture. Look for large, ripe tomatoes that feel heavy and have a little give when you press them. Varieties like beefsteak or Roma are ideal because they have thicker walls, making them less likely to collapse during baking. If you can't find large tomatoes, consider using smaller ones, but adjust the cooking time accordingly since they may bake faster.

It's also important to note the flavor of the tomatoes. Sweet and juicy tomatoes create a beautiful balance with the savory filling. If your tomatoes taste slightly acidic, you can sprinkle a little sugar on them before filling to help offset that tartness. Remember to reserve any scooped-out flesh; it adds flavor and moisture to the filling.

Perfecting the Filling

The filling for your stuffed tomatoes is where the flavor really comes alive. Using a high-quality ground beef is essential. I prefer to use an 80/20 (meat to fat) ratio for a juicier filling. If you're looking to reduce fat, consider using ground turkey or chicken, but remember that these lean meats might require a bit more seasoning to keep the filling flavorful. Adding ingredients like cooked bacon or sausage can elevate the dish but also increase the richness.

Be mindful of the seasoning as it truly brings the dish together. The dried oregano and fresh parsley add freshness, but don't hesitate to add other spices like cumin or chili powder for an extra kick. Taste the filling before stuffing—it should have a well-rounded flavor. If it seems bland, a pinch of salt or a splash of Worcestershire sauce can make a significant difference.

Serving and Storing Tips

Once you've baked your stuffed tomatoes to golden perfection, they can be served hot from the oven. Pair them with a simple side salad or crusty garlic bread for a balanced meal. These stuffed tomatoes also make excellent leftovers and can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover them loosely with foil to avoid drying out, and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

If you want to prepare ahead of time, you can stuff the tomatoes and freeze them before baking. Just place them on a baking tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to cook, there’s no need to thaw—just bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. This makes them a fantastic meal prep option for busy weeks.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before you start cooking to make the process smoother:

For Stuffed Tomatoes

4 large ripe tomatoes
1 pound ground beef
1 cup cooked rice
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Make sure everything is well prepared before you start assembling the stuffed tomatoes!

Instructions

Follow these steps for delicious stuffed tomatoes:

Prepare the Tomatoes

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the tomatoes and carefully scoop out the insides with a spoon. Set the hollowed tomatoes aside and chop the scooped flesh for later use.

Cook the Filling

In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the onions and garlic until softened. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned. Stir in the chopped tomato flesh, cooked rice, oregano, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix well and let simmer for about 5 minutes.

Stuff the Tomatoes

Carefully fill each tomato with the beef and rice mixture, pressing down gently to pack it in. If desired, sprinkle cheese on top of each filled tomato.

Bake

Place the stuffed tomatoes in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the tops are golden.

Let the stuffed tomatoes cool for a few minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.

Pro Tips

For additional flavor, try adding diced bell peppers or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the filling. You can also use different types of ground meat, like turkey or chicken, for a lighter option.

Ingredient Variations

This recipe for Ground Beef and Rice Stuffed Tomatoes is highly adaptable. If you're looking to switch things up, try substituting the ground beef with lentils or quinoa for a vegetarian version. You can also add finely diced vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini to increase the nutritional content and add more color to the dish. If you're a cheese lover, experimenting with different types of cheese—like feta or gouda—can provide a unique twist to the flavor profile.

For a spicier version, throw in some diced jalapeños or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes during cooking. Alternatively, swapping out mayonnaise for a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top adds creaminess and tang, complementing the filling wonderfully.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Occasionally, stuffed tomatoes can turn out too watery. If this happens, it might be due to overripe tomatoes or not draining the scooped-out insides thoroughly. To mitigate this, add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs or breadcrumbs soaked in milk to the filling mixture; they will absorb excess moisture without sacrificing texture.

On the other hand, if your tomatoes tend to fall apart while baking, ensure you're not overstuffing them. Gently pack the filling, but make sure there's ample space for the tomatoes to retain their structure. If you notice them starting to droop in the oven, a little extra support from a piece of foil can help keep them upright during the final baking stage.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare these stuffed tomatoes in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and stuff the tomatoes a few hours ahead of time. Just cover them and keep them in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake.

→ What should I serve with stuffed tomatoes?

Stuffed tomatoes can be served with a fresh side salad or some garlic bread to complement the flavors.

→ Can I freeze leftover stuffed tomatoes?

Definitely! Once cooled, you can store leftover stuffed tomatoes in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

→ How do I know when the stuffed tomatoes are done?

They should be tender but still hold their shape. If the cheese is bubbly and golden, they are likely ready!