Get ready to transform your dinner table with a mouthwatering Italian classic that combines the rich, savory flavors of Italian sausage with the fresh, juicy goodness of ripe tomatoes. This show-stopping recipe is not just a meal – it's a culinary adventure that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy with every single bite. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply treat yourself to something extraordinary, these Sausage-Stuffed Tomatoes are about to become your new favorite go-to dish!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large tomatoes
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup cooked rice
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil.
- Carefully wash the tomatoes and cut off the tops. Using a spoon, scoop out the inner flesh and seeds, creating a hollow shell. Chop the removed tomato flesh and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, remove the Italian sausage from its casing and cook, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add the chopped tomato flesh to the cooked sausage. Mix in the cooked rice, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently stuff each tomato shell with the sausage-rice mixture, pressing down lightly to ensure a compact fill. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
- Place the stuffed tomatoes in the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tomatoes are tender and the tops are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.
Tips
- Choose ripe, firm tomatoes that can stand up well to baking and stuffing. Roma or beefsteak tomatoes work best for this recipe.
- Make sure to drain any excess fat after cooking the sausage to prevent the filling from becoming too greasy.
- For extra flavor, consider adding some minced garlic or dried Italian herbs to the sausage mixture.
- If you want a crispy top, sprinkle some breadcrumbs over the stuffed tomatoes before baking.
- Let the stuffed tomatoes rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the filling to set and make them easier to serve.
- Use pre-cooked rice to save time, but make sure it's cooled before mixing with the sausage.
- For a lighter version, you can use turkey sausage or ground chicken instead of traditional Italian sausage.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 364kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 56mg
