Basil Beef Stuffed Tomatoes

Summer’s here. Tomatoes suddenly take over gardens, farmers markets, and kitchen counters. Naturally, they begin plotting (haha) world domination. Thankfully, this Basil Beef Stuffed Tomatoes recipe gives those juicy beauties an incredibly delicious purpose instead.

First, grab the biggest, prettiest tomatoes you can find. Then, scoop out the centers while keeping the little tomato lids safely nearby. Think of them as tiny edible hats. After all, every fashionable tomato deserves one.

Meanwhile, the filling steals the spotlight. Ground beef sizzles with sweet onion and freshly grated garlic until everything smells absolutely irresistible. Next, tomato paste joins the party to create a rich, savory base. Then comes fragrant fresh basil. Better yet, slice it into a chiffonade. Despite sounding like a fancy French dance move, chiffonade simply means stacking basil leaves, rolling them tightly, and slicing them into delicate ribbons. Suddenly, your herbs look restaurant-worthy with almost no effort.

Afterward, stir in panko breadcrumbs. Unlike regular breadcrumbs, panko comes from crustless bread and stays lighter, crispier, and airier. Consequently, the filling remains tender instead of dense. Every bite feels wonderfully satisfying.

Then, generously fill the hollow tomatoes with the savory mixture. Pop those adorable tomato lids back on top. Bake until everything becomes tender, juicy, and wonderfully fragrant. Before long, Basil Beef Stuffed Tomatoes will transform your kitchen into the happiest place on Earth. Sorry, cookies.

Here are some substitution suggestions:

Of course, beef isn’t the only star that can shine here. Ground turkey creates a lighter version. Ground chicken keeps things lean and flavorful. Italian sausage adds extra seasoning and richness. Ground pork delivers incredible juiciness. Even ground lamb offers a bold Mediterranean twist. Therefore, Basil Beef Stuffed Tomatoes happily adapt to whatever you have waiting in the refrigerator.

Want to make these tomatoes even more unforgettable? Tuck a slice of cheese beneath each tomato lid before baking. As the cheese melts, every bite becomes gloriously gooey. Mozzarella delivers classic stretchy goodness. Provolone adds buttery flavor. Fontina melts beautifully, while Gruyère contributes a rich, nutty finish. Even sharp cheddar creates a wonderfully bold surprise.

Ultimately, Basil Beef Stuffed Tomatoes celebrate everything wonderful about summer. They look impressive, taste incredible, and disappear surprisingly fast. So, grab those ripe tomatoes before someone else does.

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Basil Beef Stuffed Tomatoes

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword Baked Stuffed tomatoes, Basil Beef, Beef Stuffed tomatoes, Suffed Tomatoes, summer recipes

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Servings 4

Author Lora Wiley-Lennartz

Ingredients

• 8 large tomatoes
• 1 large sweet onion
• 2 large garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoon olive oil plus a little extra for greasing the dish
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 lb ground beef
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup shredded fresh basil

Instructions

1. Wash the tomatoes. Cut off the tops (to form lids) and hollow out the tomatoes.
2. Roughly chop the scooped-out flesh.
3. Preheat the oven to 400°F (top/bottom heat).
4. Peel and dice the onion.
5. Grate the garlic cloves
6. Heat oil in a skillet.
7. Add the onion and sauté until it starts to brown.
8. Stir in the garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
9. Mix in the tomato paste, then the tomato flesh. Let it simmer for 3 minutes until some of the liquid has evaporated.
10. Season with salt and pepper.
11. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring until the meat is browned.
12. Season with salt and pepper again if needed.
13. Remove from the heat and mix in the breadcrumbs and the basil.
14. Brush a baking dish with oil.
15. Place the hollowed-out tomatoes in the dish and fill each with the meat mixture.
16. Spread any remaining filling in the dish around the tomatoes.
17. Bake for 30 minutes.
18. Remove from the oven, plate, and serve.

So, do you like these Basil Beef Stuffed Tomatoes? Then also check out some of these other delicious recipes:

PEPPERY HERBY OLIVE OIL

PEANUT BUTTER & JELLY STREUSEL TART

SPICY BEEF STUFFED SQUASH